Gun-toters Welcome in Virginia Capital
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,45141,00.html
Friday, February 08, 2002
RICHMOND, Va. — Security may be tightening in state capitals around the country, but Virginia lawmakers are still confident that gun-toters in the Capitol building don't present a risk.
The House of Delegates Committee on the Militia, Police and Public Safety voted 16-4 Friday to kill a bill that would ban people other than law enforcement officers from carrying guns in the Capitol and the General Assembly buildings.
The main opponent of the ban, Del. H. Morgan Griffith, R-Salem, said Virginia is a state that allows non-felons to carry concealed weapons and some lawmakers have permits to carry guns. They should not be prevented from carrying their guns into their workplace.
But one supporter of the ban said he would feel more confident if only police carried guns.
"I would personally feel safer knowing only law enforcement officers had weapons in these two buildings," Del. James F. Almand, D-Arlington, told the committee.
The Capitol has installed metal detectors and other security improvements since Sept. 11. Capitol police officers at security checkpoints say they make sure permits are valid and match the identity of the people carrying them before letting them in the building.
The Capitol has not had any problems with people carrying guns on the grounds, Griffith said.
Virginia law says people who carry firearms in plain view do not need concealed weapons permits.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,45141,00.html
Friday, February 08, 2002
RICHMOND, Va. — Security may be tightening in state capitals around the country, but Virginia lawmakers are still confident that gun-toters in the Capitol building don't present a risk.
The House of Delegates Committee on the Militia, Police and Public Safety voted 16-4 Friday to kill a bill that would ban people other than law enforcement officers from carrying guns in the Capitol and the General Assembly buildings.
The main opponent of the ban, Del. H. Morgan Griffith, R-Salem, said Virginia is a state that allows non-felons to carry concealed weapons and some lawmakers have permits to carry guns. They should not be prevented from carrying their guns into their workplace.
But one supporter of the ban said he would feel more confident if only police carried guns.
"I would personally feel safer knowing only law enforcement officers had weapons in these two buildings," Del. James F. Almand, D-Arlington, told the committee.
The Capitol has installed metal detectors and other security improvements since Sept. 11. Capitol police officers at security checkpoints say they make sure permits are valid and match the identity of the people carrying them before letting them in the building.
The Capitol has not had any problems with people carrying guns on the grounds, Griffith said.
Virginia law says people who carry firearms in plain view do not need concealed weapons permits.