Statehouse 'Defense' Walk brings big numbers to Columbus!

Early reports from Columbus are that we had the second-highest 'Defense' Walk attendance to date, as over 120 OFCC supporters openly carried their firearms around the State Capitol today (plus probably 10-15 children who were, of course, not armed).

Political insiders know it is hard to get conservatives to hold any type of rally. And this was a very unique rally. Why?

Today's 'Defense' Walk was in the middle of the week, in the middle of the day, and in the middle of the state. To top it all off, we asked supporters to show up carrying a firearm.

Having more than 120 people show up at an event like this is nothing short of success!

"Even the reporters were amazed we got that many people out there on a weekday," said Gerard Valentino, OFCC's Central Ohio Coordinator. "I used it as an example of how strongly Ohioans believe in this
issue."

Numerous personalities from the news media showed up, including Columbus
television channels 6 and 10, AM 610 WTVN and Ohio Public Radio, the Associated Press Columbus Dispatch and the Dayton Daily News, to name a few.

To those Ohio patriots who walked their talk at this event: thank you very much for showing up!

"Everything went off without a hitch," said Valentino. "As has been the case in other Walks, several cars honked and gave us a thumbs up as they drove by."

"The Columbus Police were not only helpful," observed Valentino, "but a 31 year veteran commented we were the best-behaved 'protest' group he's ever seen."

We hope the Conference Committee heard our message. Please keep the pressure on members of the Senate leadership until this bill moves to the Governor desk and becomes law.

Media coverage of this event will be posted here as it is published.

Columbus ABC-6: Have Gun, Will March
This appears to be the Associated Press' story on today's events.

Columbus Dispatch: Gun Owners Carry message on hip
Good report, aside from the gross under-reporting of the Walkers' numbers.

Dayton Daily News: Scores carry handguns openly to press point
It's getting harder and harder for liberal newspapers to write a negative story.

Gannett News Service: Gun advocates carry pistols around Statehouse
A message to Ohio's Republican leadership.

Ohio Public Radio: 40 Carry Guns Near Statehouse
Good report (aside from the gross under-reporting of the Walkers' numbers).

WTOL Toledo 11: Concealed Weapons Bill Supporters Armed in Columbus
Another reprint of the AP's story.