Action | Promulgation of new regulation banning concealed firearms in executive branch agency offices |
Stage | Emergency/NOIRA |
Comment Period | Ended on 1/27/2016 |
I write in opposition to Gov. McAuliffe's proposed ban on firearms in state agency buildings. This is nothing more than an unnecessary executive overreach for the purpose of political posturing. The facts are that Virginia has not had any shooting incident within state agency buildings. Moreover, a ban on concealed carry violates the constitutional intention of being able to carry in the first place -- the right of self defense. Looking back at the various shooting incidences across the nation in the last decade, from Virginia Tech to Umpqua Community College in Oregon, one thing remains clear. Bad guys choose gun-free zones first. Highway rest stops will make an exceptionally inviting target. Why in the world would the governor and the citizens of this Commonwealth want to give evil persons such an opportunity? Judging from the number of comments already posted here, I believe the vast majority of taxpaying and voting Virginians agree that this ban is not only counterproductive, but is in contrast to the common sense that our Founding Fathers embodied in our state and federal constitutions. I urge that this ban be dropped and also request that the comment period for the proposal be extended for another 30 days.