Tens of thousands of gun-rights activists from around the United States rallied peacefully at the Virginia Capitol on Monday to protest plans by the state's Democratic leadership to pass gun-control legislation. 

It is a move that has become a key flash point in the national debate over gun violence.

The size of the crowd and the expected participation of white supremacists and fringe militia groups raised fears that the state could see a repeat of the violence that exploded in 2017 in Charlottesville.  

But the rally concluded uneventfully around noon, and the mood was largely festive, with rally-goers chanting "USA" and waving signs denouncing Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam. 

Many protesters chose not to enter the designated rally zone, where Northam had imposed a temporary weapons ban, and instead packed surrounding streets, many dressed in tactical gear and camouflage and carrying military-style rifles as they cheered on the speakers.