Dear Governor:

I am extremely disappointed in your decision to criminalize the lawful carrying of firearms in Executive branch facilities. Criminological research consistently shows that criminals (and terrorists) exercise a selection process when targetting victims: they select victims who are "easy prey", preferably in locations where resistance will be minimal or non-existent. A facility designated as a "gun-free zone" is a prime exemplar of such a location. Your regulation immediately multiplies the number of venues where terrorists now believe, logically and correctly, that they are free to operate. In effect, you have made law-abiding Virginians LESS safe at these facilities. I fear that the probability of a mass casualty incident has now increased significantly, as the terrorists' calculus has shifted in their favor. I urge you to re-consider the dangerous step that you have taken, for the sake of this Commonwealth and its citizens.