I am grateful that in 2015 Governor Terry McAuliffe issued a series of executive orders to make our communities safer from gun violence. One of the rules banned guns in buildings owned or leased by the state. It was instituted as an emergency order so it could go into effect immediately, but that also means it expires this year.

I am writing in the hope that Virginia will make that ban permanent. As I learned today about the gun violence in Chicago and other cities, and as we witness gun violence across our country, this rule is important for the safety of the citizens of our Commonwealth.

Please make the ban permanent! Thank you.

John Copenhaver