Sensible and responsible gun owners oppose this regulation!:

* There have been no shootings in Virginia state agencies.  There is no reason to justify imposing this restriction on law-abiding citizens

* Concealed handgun permit holders have proven to be the most responsible and law abiding group of people in the Commonwealth.  Yet they are prohibited from defending themselves in a state agency building under this proposed regulation

* The General Assembly has NOT granted authority to the Governor to prohibit guns in state agencies.  The General Assembly controls the field on firearms laws in Virginia. 

* The Governor lacks the authority to prohibit firearms in state agencies because - the bill to prohibit this regulation from being a law did not make it into law - the Governor vetoed it!  The will of the People through their elected representation has been very clear - this regulation is NOT supported by the majority of voters

* All but two of the public mass shootings since 1960 have happened in gun-free-zones AND this regulation  helps to create more gun free zones!  This regulation on it's own will increase the danger of a mass public shooting in a state agency.  Understand this - it will not reduce shootings in state agencies.

I urge that the proposed regulation be withdrawn.

Michael J. O'Tool resident of Virginia