Flyers calling for an end to peaceful protests spark concern in Richmond

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — A flyer urging Virginians to arm themselves against federal immigration officers is raising safety concerns and drawing sharp criticism from Gov. Glenn Youngkin.

The flyer in question was seen displayed in Richmond. It reads, in part, “The time for peaceful protest is over."

“Fellow citizens, arm yourselves before it is too late," it continues.

The Richmond Police Department confirmed multiple flyers have been found in parts of the city.

An image of the flyer, shared by the Virginia Project last week, has been circulating on social media. Youngkin later reshared the post, condemning the message and calling for an investigation.

“Anyone who threatens law enforcement with violence will be found and prosecuted,” Youngkin said.

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His response came the same day of a deadly shooting at a Dallas immigration facility, where officials said agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) were targeted.

Some Richmond residents told 8News the flyer should be taken seriously.

“I do believe open threats for violence ... they should be taken seriously and prosecuted accordingly,” one person said.

Others dismissed it as an empty statement.

“I think that ICE and this kind of overreach of its powers … is a much larger threat to people than anything said on a piece of paper like that,” another resident said.

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Residents also expressed concerns that the flyer could make it harder for residents to safely protest immigration enforcement actions.

“Protests against ICE -- definitely, I think, will see a lot more police activity because of this,” one resident said. “Over policing a protest can cause harm … it can cause people to be anxious and do rash things.”

Richmond Police told 8News that it's working with Virginia State Police to investigate who is behind the flyers.