The proposed regulation to prohibit the carrying of concealed weapons in all offices occupied by the executive branch and its agencies is by far the most illogical and unnecessary suggestion this government has made to date on the issue of firearms.

Virginia concealed weapon permit holders are not the problem. In fact, they are statically by far and away the most law-abiding individuals in the Commonwealth. The Virginia Constitution and the United States Constitution guarantee the individual the right to bear arms. This is a sacred right that guarantees all others and is necessary for a free and safe society.

This proposed regulation has nothing to do with safety but everything to do with making a political statement. It will do nothing to keep the employees of the Executive Branch safe and in fact, it disarms them and makes them dependent on the state to provide for their safety. As the threat of domestic terrorism increases, and considering the fact that ISIS has named Virginia directly as a target, is the Commonwealth prepared to foot the bill to increase security at these locations? In the aftermath of the terrorist attack in San Bernardino, California, we witnessed firsthand how the government there was unable to respond quick enough to save lives. In attacks such as this, lives are measured in seconds but response times take minutes. Does the Commonwealth really think it can do better than the four minute response time of the San Bernardino police department?

This regulation puts lives at risk. It creates yet another dangerous “gun-free zone” that virtually insures loss of life in the event of a terrorist attack on the executive branch and its agencies. It should be immediately discarded.