people had already been gathering during the day. part of this crowd gathered in riga cathedral square as the popular front had asked in its morning announcement. others gathered after the midday demonstration. they included colleagues and students. some were organised by their employers and alma maters. many families arrived, including women, the elderly and children. by that time most were already morally prepared that something could happen. people had arrived from all over the country. barricades were largely perceived as a form of nonviolent resistance, people being ready to form a human shield. however, many people did arm themselves, using whatever was available, ranging from pieces of metal to specially crafted shields and civil defence supplies. some had also prepared molotov cocktails, but these were confiscated to ensure fire safety. the latvian militia was armed with sub-machine guns and handguns.