Gun-rights supporters rally in Capitol today

Hundreds of gun rights supporters and several dozen pro-gun lawmakers are expected to gather in the Capitol today for the third annual Right to Bear Arms Rally.

Featured speakers include Alan Keyes, former Republican presidential candidate; Larry Pratt, executive director of the Gun Owners of America; and Melody Zullinger, executive director of the Pennsyvlania Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs. The event begins at 10 a.m. in the Capitol Rotunda.

At last year's rally some activists generated controversy when they held up a banner that said Rep. Angel Cruz (D., Phila.) should be "hung from the tree of liberty" for proposing a measure requiring gun registration.

The event comes nearly a week after a controversial proposal to require the reporting of lost and stolen weapons failed in the state House. The firearms bill that had contained the lost and stolen amendment could be considered by the House as early as today. It would increase the penalties for possessing a gun with altered or obliterated serial numbers. Other amendments attached to that bill that passed the House last week include establishing penalties for false reporting of lost or stolen weapons and requiring the state police to maintain a registry of lost and stolen weapons.