Thousands attend pro-gun ownership rally in Annapolis

Thousands of people attended a pro-gun rally in Annapolis on Wednesday, as the Governor for the city testified in support of an assault weapons ban.

At a hearing before a Senate committee, Martin O'Malley urged state legislators to approve what he called a comprehensive approach to curbing gun violence. He called for a ban on the sale of "military-style" assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, and said the state should require licensing and training for handgun buyers.

Advocates on either side of the gun-control debate attend the hearing, with hundreds more waiting in a queue to enter.

Although he claimed that these measures would not impact on legitimate gun ownership, crowds gathered outside his residence in the city, chanting and holding signs. Some of these signs read "This is Not Nazi Germany" and "Gun Control: Want Mine? Better Brings Yours!"