This proposed regulation would encourage violent criminals and the criminally insane to commit their acts of terror.  The Governor has no authority to pass this regulation by executive action, and it is entirely without justification.  It is Constitutional overreach and an end-run around the Legislature.  The overwhelming majority of mass public massacres have taken place in gun-free zones, which this regulation establishes. There has been no great historical precedent for shootings in Virginia state buildings.  This proposed regulation would potentially endanger state employees and other law-abiding citizens by openly declaring to the criminal that it is safe to proceed.  Furthermore, if off-duty police officers are also banned from carrying in gun-free zones, these areas are made even more unsafe.

Disarming good citizens (who are the only ones likely to obey the proposed regulation) does not make them safer.  Concealed permit holders are among the most law-abiding citizens in the State.  

Any bans in parking lots and interstate rest areas are also particularly troublesome and endanger innocent people by denying them their Constitutional right to self-defense. 

This regulation should not be approved and the emergency regulation should be withdrawn.  The Governor has a right to self-protection, and private citizens should also.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment.

Please extend the comment period for another 30 days.