LANSING, Mich. — State Sen. Michele Hoitenga, R-Manton, released the following statement Wednesday after the Michigan State Capitol Commission voted to ban all weapons from the state Capitol with the only exception being for current House and Senate lawmakers who have a concealed carry permit:
“Law-abiding citizens shouldn’t be forced to give up their rights when visiting their state Capitol. Concealed carry permit holders receive state-licensed instruction and have demonstrated proficiency in firearm safety.
“Thankfully, there has never been an incident of gun violence at our state Capitol, but that sadly cannot be said for other ‘gun-free zones.’ The money that the Capitol Commission is spending to prevent Michigan residents from protecting themselves in the Capitol would be better used improving student safety at our schools.
“If Democrats want to trample on the constitutional rights of Michigan residents who want to visit the historic Capitol building, they should at least have the guts to do it themselves.”
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