RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Supporters of Michael Vick, animal rights activists and hordes of media have gathered outside the federal courthouse in Richmond, Virginia, where the Atlanta Falcons quarterback is scheduled to be arraigned today.
     
Members of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals are there, dressed in dog costumes. In addition, three people wearing Vick jerseys made the nine-hour trip from Boston, saying it was time someone supported the football star.
     
Streets near the courthouse were closed last night, and dozens of television trucks are already in place.
     
Vick is accused with three others of conspiracy involving competitive dogfighting, procuring and training pit bulls for fighting, and conducting the enterprise across state lines.

Federal prosecutors allege the operation was operated on Vick's property in rural Surry County.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)