Activist Who Loaded a Shotgun on Freedom Plaza Pleads Guilty

Adam Kokesh: 'We will not be silent; we will not obey'

Adam Kokesh -- the activist who loaded a shotgun on video in downtown D.C. in July -- pleaded guilty Wednesday to charges of carrying a rifle or shotgun in the District, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition.

He also pleaded guilty to a charge of possession of marijuana in another case.

Kokesh faces up to five years in prison for the gun charge at his sentencing, which was set for Jan. 14.

Kokesh, 31, was arrested July 9 on the gun and drug charges after authorities searched his Herndon, Va., home and seized 10 weapons -- including the shotgun shown in his YouTube video.

The search came five days after Kokesh posted a video to YouTube that showed him loading a shotgun while standing on Freedom Plaza between the White House and the Capitol.

"We will not be silent; we will not obey; we will not allow our government to destroy our humanity," Kokesh said in the video. He later said he was protesting the fact that citizens are permitted to carry guns in Virginia but not once they cross the river into the District.

A U.S. Park Police officer reviewed the video and determined the video was authentic.

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