Video Shows Libertarian Adam Kokesh Challenging D.C. Laws By Publicly Loading Shotgun

Not taking any crap

The libertarian activist Adam Kokesh might have canceled his Independence Day rally in which participants would have attempted to march through D.C. with loaded guns, but judging from a video he uploaded to YouTube this morning, it appears he decided to carry it out as a private party.

Kokesh is seen in a 22-second video loading and then pumping a single-barrel shotgun while standing on Freedom Plaza on Pennsylvania Avenue NW, across from the John A. Wilson Building and a few blocks from the White House. The video is dated July 4, 2013, with the title "Open Carry March on DC a Success."

While loading the gun, Kokesh, 31, recites the last passage of the "Final American Revolution Pledge of Resistance," a manifesto he posted on his website on Wednesday.

"We will not be silent," he says. "We will not obey. We will not allow our government to destroy our humanity. We are the final"—pausing to pull back the shotgun grip—"American"—releasing the grip—"revolution. See you next Independence Day."

The Metropolitan Police Department and U.S. Park Police say in a joint statement that they have seen the video and are reviewing it.