I am writing in regards to the “emergency” state-agency gun ban put in place by Governor Terrance McAuliffe and his efforts to expand this ban to rescind the rights of law abiding citizens to protect themselves in public places.  Please consider the following:

The holder of a conceal carry permit has met the following requirements,

• Be a law abiding citizen who is 21 years of age or older
• Demonstrate handgun competence through one of several court approved methods
• Undergo firearm safety training as part of the court approved method
• Produce a certificate of completion of such training with application
• Submit an application that includes pertinent information for identification, answer questions under oath confirming applicant is not disqualified to own a firearm under state law, and apply his/her signature confirming understanding of the criminal penalties for any false statements in the application.
• Pay a fee with application and have it notarized.
• Be approved through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System.
• Submit to fingerprint impressions
• If approved, CC Permit holder must have permit present whenever carrying
• Holder will have the permit revoked for a variety of minor or major offenses.
• Holder must reapply every 5 years

A criminal committing an illegal act of violence, including terrorism, by gun, explosive device, or any other weapon, by definition, does not adhere to any of the aforementioned requirements. 

Accordingly, this ban would not only revoke the rights of those who have demonstrated good character and applicable knowledge to protect themselves and others, but may place all law abiding citizens in unnecessary and avoidable danger while assuring criminals of their own security when perpetrating crimes against innocent men, women, and children.  If anything, this policy will embolden criminals and terrorists while increasing the risks for law abiding citizens who enter these so-called ‘gun free zones’.

I urge the rejection of this recent order to strip law abiding citizens of their constitutional right to protect themselves and to withdraw the request for the permanent application of this emergency order.    

Furthermore, I hereby request that the citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia be afforded an extension of the public comment period for this matter by no less than 30 days.

Respectfully yours,

Michael B. Watson

Williamsburg, VA

Member – Virginia House of Delegates 2012 – 2014

Email: MikeWatson.VA@gmail.com