Albany, N.Y. - More than 10,000 protesters were in Albany Thursday for an anti-gun control rally, specifically against the NY SAFE Act.
Two lines stretched through the Empire State Plaza, with demonstrators waiting to pass through checkpoints and metal detectors to enter the Capitol.
Extra state troopers were on duty.
The afternoon rally included an address by National Rifle Association President David Keene.
"It is now time to repeal this law," said Keene.
State Republican lawmakers were also in attendance.
At least a half dozen bus loads of people from the Rochester area departed from Marketplace Mall just after 5 a.m.
They say they are gun owners going to defend their rights, and they say Governor Cuomo wants to eventually take away all guns.
“I think he [Gov. Cuomo] bit off a lot and he’s going to see the result of that…today in Albany,” said protestor Ken Hann. “I understand there are over a hundred buses coming in to Albany.”
Eric Reynolds does not like the NY SAFE Act. “Criminals can always get these weapons and do these terrible things,” he said. “But, you’re restricting the good people from being able to be able to defend ourselves from these crazy people. It’s bizarre!”
Lawmakers tell 13WHAM News that a full repeal of the law is not likely, others are pressing for limits that would make the law less restrictive.
A counter-demonstration was scheduled for today, but was cancelled.
