LANSING — A state panel on Monday banned the open carry of guns in Michigan s Capitol, a week after an armed mob rioted in the U.S. Capitol and following an attempt last year to storm the statehouse.Moves to ban weapons at the statehouse have been pushed since April, when protesters opposed to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer s COVID-19 restrictions, some armed with long rifles and other weapons, entered the Michigan State Capitol demanding to be allowed into the legislative chambers. Some entered
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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.
Republicans say they can’t ban concealed weapons because it would be difficult to enforce. Democrats say that’s a lame excuse that keeps no one safe as the FBI warns of more armed protests.