Despite fears of violence, militias lay low following Capitol attack

The stage was set for a showdown. Less than two weeks after the US Capitol building was overrun by rioters, amid calls from extremist groups for similar actions at state buildings across the country, armed protesters converged in Virginia for an annual gun rights rally.

Last year, at the same event, thousands of gun rights activists, militia groups and a handful of neo-Nazis gathered outside the Capitol building in Richmond in a show of strength to lawmakers who might consider gun control legislation. It was a peaceful affair, littered with warnings of insurrection.

In the wake of the Capitol attack in Washington DC, officials feared a repeat this year — perhaps worse. But when the day came only a small smattering of armed protesters showed up. A convoy of protesters in cars passed through without incident.