This regulation defies logic and common sense.  First, what is alleged problem it seeks to remedy? There hasn’t been a single shooting in Virginia state agencies to justify such a proposal. Furthermore, it will place restrictions on concealed-carry permit (CHP) holders who are statically the most law-abiding citizens in the Commonwealth given the fact that they must go through background checks, firearm training and have an almost impeccable record.  Does the Department of General Services actually believe that this regulation will prevent criminals from committing crimes against state agencies? How could it? Criminals by definition do not obey the law. They have not and will not go through all the steps necessary to obtain a CHP let alone leave their weapon at home before entering a state agency building merely because the Department of General Services says to. This regulation will only be followed by CHP holders – not criminals.

Furthermore, since 1960, all but two public mass shootings have been in gun-free “safe-zones”. The effect of this regulation will be the creation of yet another more appropriately named “death zone” where criminals and terrorists have free reign to do their bidding. When seconds count, police, at best, are minutes away. Why eliminate the most effective deterrent to crime – a good guy with a gun? The people of this Commonwealth deserve much better than this politically motivated, illogical regulation.