Some WA legislators come to the Capitol armed with guns
It’s legal for state lawmakers to carry firearms while voting on bills and conducting the people’s business.
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Members of the Washington National Guard stand near a fence surrounding the Capitol in anticipation of protests Jan. 11, 2021, in Olympia. State capitals across the country are under heightened security after the siege of the U.S. Capitol last week. (Ted S. Warren/AP)
The Washington Legislature started its new session Monday behind a security fence and a contingent of National Guardsmen. But after what happened at the U.S. Capitol last week, some lawmakers were also ready to defend themselves, if things went sideways.
Security measures at state capitols range widely.
About 30 state capitols employ metal detectors, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Spokesperson Mick Bullock would not elaborate, citing security concerns. On the flip side, according to the Crime Prevention Research Center, a pro-gun research group, about 20 capitols officially allow carrying legal firearms inside.
The Michigan Capitol is one of them.
Critics say that while the Michigan Capitol Commission voted unanimously Monday to ban the open carry of guns inside the Capitol, the ban should include all firearms carried by anyone inside the Capitol who is not law enforcement, regardless of whether they are carried openly or concealed.
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Many State Capitols Have Security Holes
Armed men stand on the steps of the Michigan Capitol on Jan. 6. Until imposing a ban Monday, Michigan was one of the 20 state capitols where guns can be openly carried inside.
Paul Sancya
The Associated Press
Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to reflect that Nye County is in Nevada, not Arizona,
to reflect that Michigan banned guns in the statehouse Jan. 11, and to add additional new information.
State capitols around the country remain on high alert following the violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol and as new threats surface online, but with less than two-thirds of them employing metal detectors, and about 20 statehouses specifically allowing guns inside, there are many security gaps that rioters could exploit.
With less than two-thirds of state capitol buildings employing metal detectors, and about 20 statehouses specifically allowing guns inside, there are many security gaps that rioters could exploit.