UPDATE: Gun rights supporters turn out in force in Olympia

SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Hundreds of demonstrators, many armed with high-powered rifles, descended on the Oregon Capitol on Friday in response to calls for stiffer gun restrictions in the wake of recent mass shootings.

Protesters said they wanted to show state lawmakers that they’re peaceful, law-abiding gun owners and will fight new gun-control laws.

“We’re out there, we’re going to fight, and we’re not going to lay down and take it,” said Arin Forrest, a 33-year-old Portland man who clutched an American flag, an AR-15 rifle slung over his shoulder. “If they’re going to take our rights, they need to look us in the eye and tell us why.”

Under Oregon law, it’s legal to openly carry a weapon in public, and people with concealed handgun licenses can carry their weapons in the Capitol. Most of the demonstrators kept their protest across the street from the statehouse, but a handful brought their weapons indoors.

“I think there’s more momentum with the people for their rights than there is with the government for legislation,” Dupea said while carrying his M1 Garand semi-automatic rifle. “Eventually, the government has to capitulate to the will of the people.”

State lawmakers have proposed a variety of ways to combat gun violence, including an expansion of background checks and allowing teachers to carry weapons.

Supporters of new restrictions are optimistic that some legislation can pass the Legislature this year as lawmakers respond to the mass killing at an elementary school in Connecticut.

Gun advocates argued that new restrictions on gun sales and magazine capacities would infringe on Second Amendment rights.

Many speakers at the rally Friday focused on President Barack Obama and federal efforts to control gun violence. Some shouted to impeach Obama and accused him of committing treason.

Sen. Pam Roach, R-Auburn, encouraged people to make their voices heard and remain politically active to defend gun rights. She said afterward that she’d like to see the state focus on mental health issues and make sure people with mental problems are getting treatment.

“These are the ones who commit the crimes,” Roach said. “We’ve done nothing but make it easier for people with mental health issues to walk among us, untreated, and get around firearms.”

Roach said mentally ill people don’t own firearms but get them from family members or steal them. She encouraged people to make sure their guns are stored with a lock.