As a natural born Virginian, United States Army Veteran and Virginia State Employee,  I disagree with the Emergency State Agency Open Carry Gun ban that the current Governor of Virginia has put in place. The ban will further strengthen those who willfully desire to cause tragedy in others lives. The media furthers the tragedy of events by hastey media coverage,along with opinons and video from all types of sources,just to get the "story" put up on the TV. Even before all facts are known about the entire scope of the situation or before it has been deciphered by our Law Enforcement Agencies.The public is now able to form an idea of what they percieve has happened and is believed to be the entire truth.

 We now have signs plastered on all VA State Agency Building and Property stating the fact , for all to read         " NOTICE  Firearms Prohibited". Now these signs are a calling card for anyone who desires to cause havoc to the personnel at that location,in fact it reinforces to them,no one will be able to defend themselves in a time of needat that location. It was already against state policy to bring firearms onto state property,parking lots etc. Unless of course you work in a police or military position and are on duty. As state employees we all knew this policy and abided by this policy. The concern is not for those who currently work at the agency ,but rather for those in the public who didn't know this policy and now know we are unarmed.

This issue needs to be over turned. I now feel very uneasy while at work,wondering if the next vendor or salesperson, or citizen allowed onto state property could to do me harm,while knowing that I definitely do not have a gun since I work on state property.Employees have to go through a criminal background check prior to employment, visitors do not.This creates an uneasy work environment for those state employees who don't have armed protection around them,as the Governor does.                       

The comment period needs to be extended for this Regulatory Town Hall.