UPDATE: Capitol Commission delays vote on firearm ban in State Capitol

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Updated: Mon 1:19 PM, May 11, 2020

LANSING, MI (WILX/AP) -- The Michigan State Capitol Commission has decided to delay its decision on banning firearms inside of the State Capitol building, voting to form a committee to study whether to ban or restrict guns inside the building.

The decision was made at the commission's Monday, May 11 meeting.

The State Capitol Commission will seek input from the Legislature, which is controlled by Republicans, and Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who has a ceremonial office in the Statehouse. The move came less than two weeks after some lawmakers said they felt intimidated by armed demonstrators protesting the governor’s orders to curb the coronavirus.

House Democratic Leader Christine Greig released the following statement regarding the delay of the decision:

“I am appalled at the Capitol Commission’s decision to shirk their responsibility to make a decision regarding the safety of legislators, staff and members of the public on Capitol grounds. According to Attorney General Dana Nessel and backed up by a previous determination by former Attorney General Bill Schuette, there is no doubt whatsoever regarding the commission's legal authority to decide on this matter.

“It is clear that partisan politics are at play again in this matter. The conduct of today’s meeting and the Commission’s action both smacks of partisanship and shows a stunning disregard for public safety that places legislators, staff and the public at great risk. The Michigan State Capitol Commission must not delay a decision to prohibit firearms within the Capitol to appease Republican leadership. With very real threats of the continued presence of assault-style weapons at future meetings of the legislature, and numerous and many specific threats of violence against legislators and statewide officials, this matter is not resolved. We must ensure the safety and security of everyone who enters our State Capitol.”

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https://www.wilx.com/content/news/AG-Nessel-issues-formal-opinion-regarding-guns-at-the-State-Capitol-570369431.html

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Goddamned cowards. I despise republicans more and more every day.

[kimbutgar]

1. Little idiot boys with guns are more important than people's safety in their eyes

Repukes need to be voted out of office in November.

[Budi]

2. No shit. They chose to "form a comittee". A freaking discussion group since the urgency was't clear?

NRA has some deep foreign pockets.

[LastDemocratInSC]

3. Maybe the committee will write a mission statement.

Always a feel good step in any crisis.

[Jamastiene]

4. K&R

because when the stupid strikes again, everyone needs to know about it.

I thought guns were already not allowed to be carried onto government property. It should be a law. How about no guns on any public property? We will never be safe without something to protect us from the bullies who like to brandish guns to threaten and intimidate people.