(WXYZ) — The images have thrust Michigan into the national news. Several people crowded into the Michigan Capitol Building last Thursday to protest Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s continued lockdown on business. Many of the people were carrying assault rifles.
Michigan is one of only a few states that do not ban guns in the capitol. But that could change. People in both political parties have criticized the protesters last week.
It is not clear if the ban would need to be imposed by the Governor in an Executive Order, the Legislature with a new law or a body known as the Capitol Commission. That body has six members appointed two each by the Governor, the House and the Senate. It is non-partisan but now has 4 Republicans as that party controls the House and Senate.
John Truscott is Vice Chair and says they are gathering the legal research and will discuss the issue during the next meeting next week.
State Senator Sylvia Santana of Detroit wore a bullet-proof vest on the floor of the Senate last week, after one of her colleagues posted a picture of the people in the Senate gallery with guns. She got the vest from her husband, Harvey Santana, who is a Deputy Sheriff who wanted to keep her safe. ,
It is not yet clear when the Legislature will take up the issue, but Senator Santana says it will not be fast-tracked. unless an unfortunate incident happens with a gun.
Second Amendment supporters hold an annual rally in Lansing and do a walk-through the capitol, but all Michigan buildings have gun bans and enhanced security that went into effect after 9/11.
