Oppose new restrictions on law-abiding citizens ability to defend themselves and others

I strongly oppose this proposed regulation because it creates new spaces where law-abiding citizens and the public will be unable to defend themselves from those with criminal intent.

We have had no shootings at state agency buildings, so what is the impetus for such a regulation?

Further, by specifically applying this regulation to people with a concealed handgun permit, the Commonwealth recklessly endangers innocent people. Concealed weapons permit holders include off-duty law enforcement, survivors of domestic violence, individuals in witness protections, and others who may face a greater than average chance of being targeted by a person who intends them harm. Disarming good citizens (who are the only ones likely to obey the prohibition) does not make them safer.

Additionally and of greatest importance, the Governor has no authority for this regulation. If the General Assembly wanted the Governor to disarm citizens in public places, it would have granted him this power. Because this regulation is unconstitutional, it will not hold up when it is challenged in court. This will result in taxpayer funds being wasted in the defense of this indefensible regulation.

This proposed regulation is a solution for which there is no problem. In fact, since 1950, all but two of the mass shootings that have been committed by criminals and terrorists occurred in “gun-free zones,” such as those created by this regulation.

For these reasons, this regulation should not be approved and the emergency regulation should be withdrawn.

Additionally, no action so sweeping should be done in haste. THERE IS NO EMERGENCY. Please extended the comment period for another 30 days.