Granite Staters by the hundreds participated in a Guns Across America rally on Jan. 19, put together during the last week in reaction to new regulations proposed by gun control advocates and President Barack Obama.

The rally, one of many held at state capitols across the United States, brought together a collection of Republican and Libertarian activists, gun owners, and Constitutionalists, raising awareness about their fear that the new regulations will leave law abiding citizens unprotected from criminals and the government.

State Rep. Al Baldasaro, R-Londonderry, spoke from the steps of the Statehouse, and warned attendees of new bills in the Legislature seeking to curb self defense provisions. 

Specifically, Baldasaro targeted HB 135, a bill sponsored by state Rep. Steve Shurtleff, D-Penacook, a veteran and former U.S. Marshal, that would eliminate “stand your ground” provisions that were added to the Castle Doctrine in 2011, allowing people to use deadly force when protecting their families and property, without fear of prosecution. Baldasaro called on attendees “to load the Statehouse” and tell legislators “to not give up one inch or our rights," during the committee hearing on the bill Jan. 22. 

“We must not give up that right … we must stand tall,” he said. “I’m asking each and every one of you, take a look at your senators, take a look at your legislators, and go after them in the paper. Write letters to the editor saying enough is enough, we will not take this anymore. We must not give up one inch of freedom.”

Baldasaro also lashed out at the Democratically-controlled House for approving a rule that banned gun owners from bringing weapons into Representatives Hall and the gallery, saying the rule violated Article 2a of the New Hampshire Constitution.

Advocates at the rally brought colorful signs offering political and historic slogans and symbolism including anti-Obama flags, quotes from the Founders, other slogans, and at least one blow-up AR-15 labeled “the new musket, same old job.” Many of the attendees were also openly carrying weapons, including at least a couple of AR-15s. 

Another pro-2nd Amendment rally is scheduled for noon on Jan. 31, at the Statehouse.