Gun-rights advocates swarm Annapolis to fight O’Malley’s gun control bill

A massive crowd has converged on Annapolis Wednesday to rally against a proposal by Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley that would ban assault weapons and require residents to obtain a license before purchasing handguns.

Thousands of Second Amendment advocates gathered outside the State House to show their disapproval in advance of a Senate hearing on the legislation to be held Wednesday afternoon.

“Criminals love gun control,” read one sign at the rally. “It makes their job safer.”

Mr. O’Malley, a Democrat, is scheduled to testify before the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee, as are numerous supporters and opponents.