The Michigan Capitol Commission unanimously voted on Monday to ban open firearms inside the state capitol after last week’s deadly riot in Washington, DC, according to several reports.
The Detroit Free Press reported that the commission was pressed for years to enact the ban, but often argued that it was not authorized to do so. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel (D) argued in a recent opinion, however, that she has legal authority.
Prior to Monday’s decision, Michigan was one of only three states that had no regulations on firearms or security measures for its Capitol, according to the Free Press.
Some Democratic state lawmakers said the new ban does not go far enough, arguing that all firearms should be banned, both hidden and open-ended.
The newspaper reported that state deputies Donna Lasinski, Sarah Anthony and Brenda Carter issued a joint statement saying the safety of those inside the Capitol building was still at risk.
“In addition to legislators doing the work of the people, our Capitol is open to schoolchildren, tour groups and others looking to learn more about the history of our incredible state. Without a significant change in policy, lives will continue to be put at risk. of domestic terrorists carrying guns, “said Democratic lawmakers.
John Truscott, vice chairman of the commission that voted in favor of the ban, said the government agency had no funds to take tougher action.
“We don’t have the budget, staff, infrastructure to implement at this time,” said Truscott after the meeting, according to Free Press. “It is very easy to see if someone is visibly carrying it.”
The move in Lansing comes less than a week after a crowd of Trump supporters attacked the U.S. Capitol building, with rioters breaking windows and doors and vandalizing lawmakers’ offices. Five people died because of the riot.
Michigan is no stranger to armed threats within its Capitol. In May, hundreds of protesters, some of whom were armed, marched to the Capitol to protest a Gov. stay-at-home order Gretchen Whitmer
The governors of Gretchen WhitmerEight urge the feds to immediately send the vaccine doses now in reserve. At least 6 Republican lawmakers participated in Trump-inspired protests. State capitals are under siege by pro-Trump mobs MORE (D).
After the protest, Whitmer publicly supported the arms ban inside the Capitol.
A few months later, the FBI announced that it had thwarted an attempt by armed militia members to kidnap Whitmer. In the end, thirteen people were charged with connection to the conspiracy.
Whitmer said later President Trump
Donald TrumpOutgoing Capitol Police Chief accuses House and Senate security officials of hampering efforts to summon the National Guard: WaPo PGA announces plans to transfer the 2022 championship from Trump’s property Former Democratic Senator: Biden Department of Justice can investigate speakers on January 6 for MORE encouragementThe rhetoric has become a “rallying cry” for similar extremist groups.
“Hate groups heard the president’s words not as a rebuke, but as a rallying cry, as a call to action. When our leaders speak, their words matter. They have weight. When our leaders meet, encourage or fraternize with domestic terrorists, they legitimize their actions and are complicit, ”said Whitmer.
Trump regularly criticized Whitmer for restrictions on the state’s coronavirus.
Following the state commission’s decision to ban firearms on Monday, Whitmer issued a statement saying: “Action by the Capitol Commission to prohibit the carrying of weapons at the Capitol is a good start, but more action is needed. On a normal day, hundreds of people walk around the Capitol, including groups of fourth graders, teachers and parents in school trips to learn about the state government. “