It is morally reprehensible to prohibit citizens from exercising their civil, natural, and Constitutionally-protected right of self-defense in state-agency buildings. Declaring an area a "gun-free zone" is as effective at stopping criminals as declaring it a "criminal-free zone."

A single armed citizen could have stopped the massacres at Virginia Tech, Sandy Hook, the theater in Aurora, Colorado, Ford Hood, and Paris. All of these tragedies occurred in "gun-free zones." Virginia should work to DECREASE the number of gun-free zones instead of adding to them. A ban on carrying in state agencies will only make them more inviting to criminals and terrorists and more dangerous to citizens.

In order to ensure that more people will be able to provide comments on this proposed regulation, I urge you to extend the comment period for another 30 days.

Thank you.