Richmond Police gained a new tool to crack down on people carrying rifles, handguns or shotguns at protests or other gatherings, including during continuing racial justice and police brutality protests.

Richmond City Council voted 9-0 Tuesday to expand the previously approved gun ban that already makes it illegal to carry firearms into city buildings and parks.

The expansion would make it illegal to “possess, carry or transport” firearms, ammunition or firearm components on streets, medians and other city-owned property near gatherings that would require a city permit whether organizers secured one or not.

Although the mayor described the ordinance as applying to all public events and festivals held in Richmond, the proposal appears to be aimed at the armed volunteers who accompany Black Lives Matter and racial justice protesters and have described themselves as providing security.

Mayor Levar M. Stoney introduced the proposal to City Council in August in the wake of loud criticism of armed security at recent BLM events and other demonstrations.

Police Chief Gerald M. Smith vigorously supported the measure. Since taking over as chief this summer, Chief Smith has taken a tougher approach to the protests that recently have appeared to wane, allowing more arrests for alleged transgressions despite a series of lawsuits alleging violations of constitutional rights or injury from police.

Under the new law, police would have to publicly post signs announcing the ban before enforcing it against armed people joining marches that disrupt traffic or attending public demonstrations at the Lee statue and in other areas of the city.

The law would not apply to “spontaneous demonstrations,” but could be applied to any event announced via social media or other public source of information. Violation is a Class 1 misdemeanor that carries a maximum penalty of a year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.

Philip Van Cleave, president of the gun rights advocacy group Virginia Citizens Defense League, considers such laws an overreach that have little to do with public safety.

He is most concerned that the city law would impact people who have permits to carry concealed weapons.

According to Mr. Van Cleave, the law is a response to the sight of legally armed Black people participating in protests against police brutality and the fear that engenders even in Virginia where open carry of weapons is legal.