All but two of the mass shootings in America since 1950 have been committed by criminals and terrorists in “gun-free zones,” which are exactly what this regulation creates. Given that we have had no shootings in state agencies, this prohibition is entirely without justification and both needlessly and recklessly endangers innocent lives. Since the number of Virginians legally carrying guns is at an all-time high and climbing, and violent crime in Virginia is at a historic low, it is hard to spin this as anything but a quid pro quo for Mayor Bloomberg's unprecedented  financial support of Governor McAuliffe's campaign. This gross overstepping of the limits placed on executive power by the Constitution of Virginia will engender an expensive and extensive legal challenge which must ultimately result in the ban being overturned. How can this possibly be construed as wise stewardship of State resources?

I urge you to extend the comment period on this regulation to ensure that as many as possible of the people you are placing in danger have an opportunity to express our disapproval.