ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Thousands of Minnesota gun advocates joined nationwide rallies in support of gun rights.

Guns Across America participants carried American flags, signs touting the Second Amendment and even personal guns during the rally on the steps of the Capitol in St. Paul Saturday.

The speakers included representatives from the Gun Owner’s Rights Alliance and state legislators. Rep. Tony Cornish, R-Vernon Center, said he’d push for legislation to allow teachers to be armed at schools regardless of a principal or superintendent’s approval and to allow 21-year-olds to carry guns on college campuses.

The Minnesota rally was one of many in the state capitals nationwide, as activists promoted rallies days after President Barack Obama proposed new gun-control measures.

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