Pro-gun display seeks to educate O'Rourke rally attendees at Kent State

There were few signs of unrest during Wednesday evening’s Kent State University visit from Democratic presidential candidate Beto O’Rourke, as gun-rights supporters turned out for a promised open-carry display to counter the former U.S. congressman’s outspoken push for gun restrictions.

Ron Jones of the Akron-Canton Proud Boys, along with a handful of its members and its supporters, stood across from the crowd of supporters awaiting O’Rourke. On a table in front of Jones sat a mix of rifles and smaller firearms, all secured with metal rope and padlocks. A sign on the front asked onlookers, “Which one of these should be banned?”

O’Rourke recently presented a proposal for a mandatory gun buyback program during the third Democratic presidential debate. Kent State alumnus Brett Pucillo commented on a Record-Courier Facebook post that people should join him in an open carry demonstration at the event. Jones said the Proud Boys did not work with Pucillo, but that they supported his efforts and wanted to do something similar.

Because the outdoor area of Kent State University is considered public property, Jones said, the Proud Boys were able to demonstrate close to the crowd awaiting O’Rourke.

Read more: https://www.record-courier.com/news/20190925/pro-gun-display-seeks-to-educate-orourke-rally-attendees-at-kent-state
(The Record-Courier, Ohio)