Gun rights advocates plan to converge on the Alamo in downtown San Antonio with rifles and shotguns this weekend for a rally that breaks a long tradition against public demonstrations on the hallowed ground.
A Texas state agency has approved the rally, "Come and Take It San Antonio!" which was called to assert citizens' rights to carry long guns in public. About 1,000 people are expected to attend the event, which has billed itself as a peaceful march, Texas Public Radio in San Antonio reports.
Demonstrations were not allowed when the mission was overseen by a historical association. But the site was taken over by the state in 2011, and Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson, a gun rights advocate, decided to make it available.
Patterson says the Alamo is an appropriate place to defend individual rights, but leaders of the Alamo Defenders' Descendants Association say it should be treated as a solemn memorial to those who died.
Patterson is scheduled to deliver the keynote speech.
Organizers said the rally will be a safe one and is encouraging families to attend.
Texas Public Radio featured a discussionabout the event with Open Carry Texas' vice president, Jason Orsek, as well as Michelle Green with Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense. The Moms Demand Action group is hosting an “alternative gathering for gun sense” on Saturday.
