Virginia State Senator Amanda Chase (R) is openly carrying a handgun as a way to deter violent protesters.
The New York Post reports that she became concerned about her safety “after a group of immigration activists confronted her colleague, State Sen. Richard H. Black (R), over his bill to ban sanctuary cities.”
The next day, Chase carried a revolver on her hip while in Virginia’s Capitol building.
The Richmond Times-Dispatch reported that Chase had the revolver holstered on her belt while at the podium presenting legislation.
Chase said, “Sometimes it’s a deterrent for over-exuberant folks. Unfortunately in the General Assembly we see the good, we see the bad, we see all types of things. It’s just for personal safety, quite honestly.”