Gun rights supporters held a rally at the state Capitol on Friday to protest calls out of Washington for new gun restrictions.
About 250 supporters – many carrying pistols and rifles -- were out along Washington Street to show that the majority of gun owners are law abiding citizens.
"The purpose is just to show that legal gun owners are not the problem in this country, and to allow people to legally own guns is not going to hurt anything," said Michelle McDonald, a rally participant.
Most of the talk among those attending the rally was the recent debate for federal restrictions on certain firearms.
Earlier this week, President Barack Obama made his case for stronger gun laws, including a ban on new assault weapons, limits on high-capacity gun clips and an expansion of criminal background checks to cover more gun sales.
"The vast majority of Americans, including a majority of gun owners, support requiring criminal background checks for anyone trying to buy a gun," President Obama said.
But gun rights activists say more extensive background checks would be intrusive and do little to stop criminals from obtaining guns.
While most of the talk at the rally focused on potential federal gun restrictions, some state Capitol lawmakers have called for an expansion of gun rights. GOP leaders have been reluctant so far to wade into the gun debate.
A smaller counter-protest was staged across the street by gun restriction supporters.
Sunday, May 19 2013 7:24 PM EDT2013-05-19 23:24:30 GMT
Rising flood waters trapped horses inside a Sandy Springs stable on Sunday afternoon. Rescue teams were called to Summit Equestrian Solutions on River Run around 4 p.m.
Rising flood waters trapped horses inside a Sandy Springs stable on Sunday afternoon. Rescue teams were called to Summit Equestrian Solutions on River Run around 4 p.m.
Sunday, May 19 2013 7:10 PM EDT2013-05-19 23:10:38 GMT
On a day filled with nasty storms and heavy rains, there is a bright spot. A Suwanee police officer is being credited with saving the life of a baby bunny that was swept away by flood waters.
On a day filled with nasty storms and heavy rains, there is a bright spot. A Suwanee police officer is being credited with saving the life of a baby bunny that was swept away by flood waters during Sunday's downpour.
Sunday, May 19 2013 2:00 PM EDT2013-05-19 18:00:39 GMT
President Barack Obama addressed a crowd of soggy graduates and guests at Morehouse College's spring commencement ceremony on Sunday.
President Barack Obama addressed a crowd of soggy graduates and guests at Morehouse College's spring commencement ceremony on Sunday, telling graduates to take the power of their example-- as black men graduating from college-- and use it to improve people's lives.
Sunday, May 19 2013 1:53 PM EDT2013-05-19 17:53:40 GMT
President Barack Obama addressed graduates at Morehouse College's commencement ceremony in Atlanta on Sunday.
President Barack Obama addressed graduates at Morehouse College's commencement ceremony in Atlanta on Sunday, marking the first time a sitting president has made a commencement address in Georgia since 1938. See photos from his visit to Atlanta here!
Saturday, May 18 2013 10:09 PM EDT2013-05-19 02:09:05 GMT
They say you can't win if you don't play, and thousands of people are. The jackpot for Saturday night's Powerball drawing is an estimated $600 million, giving many a bad case of lottery fever.
They say you can't win if you don't play, and thousands of people are. The jackpot for Saturday night's Powerball drawing is an estimated $600 million, giving many a bad case of lottery fever.
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