Iran Press/America: Concerned about the possibility of violence, such as deadly events of the 2017 white supremacist march in Charlottesville, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam declared a state of emergency Wednesday and banned all firearms and weaponry from Capitol Square, NPR reported.
The event, which is being hosted by the Virginia Citizens Defense League, is expected to attract thousands of demonstrators responding to efforts by Virginia Democrats to pass stronger gun laws.
The three men who were arrested Thursday, according to the US Attorney's Office in Maryland, included 27-year-old Patrik Jordan Mathews, a former Canadian soldier who entered the US illegally; 33-year-old Brian M. Lemley Jr., a former US Army soldier, and 19-year-old William G. Bilbrough.
The hate group, along with another group known as Atomwaffen, has become a priority for the FBI, former law enforcement officials told The New York Times.
Lemley and Bilbrough were charged with transporting and harboring an illegal alien, Mathews in this case, along with conspiracy. Mathews, a former combat engineer and explosives expert, disappeared in August after being discharged from the Canadian military over alleged ties to The Base.
Lemley and Mathews then moved to Delaware, according to the affidavit. The two allegedly made a functioning assault rifle in December. In January, the two are said to have purchased 1,650 rounds of 5.56mm and 6.5mm ammunition.
Lemley and Mathews are facing charges of transporting firearms and ammunition with the intent to commit a felony. Mathews was also charged with illegal entry into the US and possession of a firearm and ammunition.
101/205
Read More:
Texas church shooting: Gunman kills 2 parishioners
At least six dead in New Jersey City shooting
