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A couple of hundredpeople attended a far-right Second Amendment rally at Riverfront Park on Saturday where speakers called on them to join together against cancel culture, Oregon Democrats,the coronavirus vaccine, gun controland pandemic-related lockdowns.

They also warned of a coming civil war, endorsed 2020 electionconspiracy theories and encouraged attendees to run for local elected office, especially school boards.

Jo Rae Perkins, a frequent Republican candidate for elected office in Oregon, called the coronavirus vaccines a "bioweapon" and said the state is "going after your children."

"Let's take back Oregon, let's take back this country," she said.

A man holds a flag at a May Day Second Amendment rally at Riverfront Park in Salem, Oregon on Saturday, May 1, 2021.(Photo: BRIAN HAYES / STATESMAN JOURNAL)

Other speakers includedProud Boys member Daniel Tooze, conservative radio host Rob Taylor, 2022 Republican candidate for governorPaul Romero and pastor Lew Wootan of The River Church in Salem.

The Proud Boys, Tick Licker Firearms,Fifty1Fifty Tactical and the Stolen Voices Foundation were among the event's sponsors, with Proud Boys members also providing "security."

The rally was supposed to be headlined by Republican Rep. Mike Nearman, but he did not speak.Nearmanwas chargedFriday with official misconduct in the first degree and criminal trespass in the second degree stemming from a riot at the Oregon Capitol building on Dec. 21.

Event organizer Magen Marie Stevens speaks at a May Day Second Amendment rally at Riverfront Park in Salem, Oregon on Saturday, May 1, 2021. (Photo: BRIAN HAYES / STATESMAN JOURNAL)

The riot began after Nearman exited a side door of the Capitol which was closed due to the pandemic allowing people to charge inside.

There is one major gun bill under consideration at the Oregon Legislature this session.

That bill, Senate Bill 554, would require firearms to be secured withtrigger or cable lock, in a locked container or in a gun room when not being carried, except in certain circumstances. It sets penalties for failure to securefirearms.

The bill alsobans carrying firearms in the Capitol, at Portland InternationalAirport or on school grounds if the school's governing body sets a policy banning guns.

Flags wave at a May Day Second Amendment rally at Riverfront Park in Salem, Oregon on Saturday, May 1, 2021. (Photo: BRIAN HAYES / STATESMAN JOURNAL)

"How do you feel that your concealed handgun license will essentially be nullified?" Taylor asked the crowd."It's getting to the point where you really can't take it anywhere. Just try taking your daughter or your son to school, you could end up with a criminal record, just for taking your child to school and practicing your Second Amendment rights."

The bill passed the House on Thursday by a vote of 34-24 after hours of debate. It must receive a concurrence vote in the Senate before moving to the governor's desk for her signature.

Former Republican Senate candidate Jo Rae Perkins speaks at a May Day Second Amendment rally at Riverfront Park in Salem, Oregon on Saturday, May 1, 2021.(Photo: BRIAN HAYES / STATESMAN JOURNAL)

The bill nearly triggered a Republican walkout when a previous version came up for a vote in March.

Several Senate Republicans face recall attempts due to their refusal to walk out. Signatures for the recall efforts were being gathered at the rally.

Reporter Connor Radnovich covers the Oregon Legislature and state government. Contact him at cradnovich@statesmanjournal.com or 503-399-6864, or follow him on Twitter at @CDRadnovich.

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Far-right groups rally in Salem in support of 2nd Amendment, against pandemic restrictions - Statesman Journal