TRENTON – Hundreds took to the Statehouse steps in the rain Friday to rally behind the Second Amendment.

Bad weather didn’t deter members of the New Jersey Second Amendment Society from gathering in Trenton to not only send a message to lawmakers and the media, but also to show strength, said the group’s president, Frank Fiamingo.

“[We’re here to] let the rest of New Jersey understand that the Second Amendment is not about guns. … It’s about protecting our freedom and our liberty,” Fiamingo said.

“[It’s] for us to see each other,” he said. “Take a look around. … This is just the beginning.”

Fiamingo estimated the crowd that stretched from outside the Statehouse Annex to the street at up to 800 people. Attendees hailed from all corners of the state, Fiamingo said, adding they came from as far as Sussex and Cape May counties.

“I’m here today with law-abiding citizens,” said Sen. Michael Doherty, (R-23), Washington Township,explaining that as an elected official his first duty is to uphold the Constitution.

“The Second Amendment applies to all states equally,” he said. “All they want to do is maintain their freedom and protect their liberty.”

According to a list from the organization, other scheduled speakers included Assemblywoman Alison McHose, (R-24), Franklin; and Assemblymen Michael Patrick Carroll, (R-25), Morris Plains; and Nelson Albano, (D-1), Vineland.

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