Gun-Rights Activists Storm Washington

Hundreds of unarmed gun-rights enthusiasts protested in front of the Washington Monument Monday, while likeminded armed protesters rallied across the Potomac River in Alexandria, Virginia. The protesters reportedly toted signs reading "Which part of 'shall not be infringed' confuses you?" and wore orange stickers emblazoned with "Guns save lives.” But what are they protesting, exactly? Southern Poverty Law Center spokesman Mark Potok shared his insight in The Washington Post: Many so-called patriots believe in the existence of a plot to establish a “New World Order,” which will be done by taking citizens’ guns away. “It's not merely that the government is too big, or heading in a bad policy direction,” Potok says. “It's that it is EVIL, and very much has the worst intentions for patriotic Americans.” Very few are criminally violent, but those that are can do huge damage—as in the case of Timothy McVeigh, whose bombing of the Oklahoma City Building occurred on the same day 15 years ago. Rally organizers say they’re commemorating the start of the Revolutionary War.