Michigan Has Banned Open Carry of Guns Inside The Capitol Building

The Michigan Capitol Commission voted unanimously to ban the open carry of firearms in the Capitol building.

The unanimous decision was a little bit of a surprise considering this same commission could not reach an agreement a few months ago. The idea of banning open carry firearms at the capitol building has been up for debate since the protests in Lansing this summer over Governor Whitmer's emergency orders. The tone changed quite a bit today after the domestic terrorists attacked lawmakers in Washington D.C. last week.

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While many people are celebrating this win, not all people are happy about it. The pro gun crowd have already started to make their displeasure heard. There are also many lawmakers who do not think the open carry ban is enough.

Even Governor Whitmer released a statement after the announcement about the ban of open carry firearms in the capitol.

The Capitol Commission’s action to ban open carry guns at the Capitol is a good start, but more action is needed. On a normal day, hundreds of people walk through the Capitol, including groups of fourth graders, teachers and parents on school field trips to learn about state government

Governor Whitmer went on to say that more action is needed to keep the capitol safe, and that she stands ready to start the actions needed.

Prior to this ban, Michigan was one of only three states without any firearms regulations at the capitol building. There are hardly any safety precautions at all once you get inside the building.

I've been on a few field trips with my kids to the capitol building, and have asked our tour guides about the lack of protective glass in the public chambers. They have signs up in the capitol telling people that no signs may be brought into the building, out of fear that they may damage the walls or artwork. It seems weird that there has never been a law banning guns in the building, considering the damage that a bullet can do to walls, artwork, humans, and many other things.

I support the ban of firearms inside the capitol, but I realize that there will be many people unhappy with this decision.