Open carry firearms ban doesn't go far enough, Michigan House Democratic leaders say

LANSING - The Michigan State Capitol Commission has not done enough to protect lawmakers, school kids, tour groups and others inside the state's Capitol, House Democratic leaders said Monday.

After armed protestors came to the Capitol in the spring – a dress rehearsal to what happened last week in Washington, D.C. – the commission took an incremental step and voted to ban open carry firearms.

"Banning open carry firearms is an incremental step, however it does not go far enough to ensure the safety of lawmakers doing the people's work inside the Capitol, school kids, tour groups and others entering the building," said Rep. Sarah Anthony, D-Lansing. "The commission's vote today will continue to allow domestic terrorists access to Michigan's Capitol. The nation is watching what's happening in Michigan and wondering why there is complacency to the threat of violence."

Since last spring, House Democrats have urged the Michigan State Capitol Commission to address the health and safety of those doing the people's work inside the building.

"Armed protesters used our state Capitol for a spring dress rehearsal for what went on in Washington, D.C. last week," said Rep. Brenda Carter, D-Pontiac. "The ban on open carry firearms is long overdue and it is my hope we see further action."

The 101st Legislature convenes on Wednesday.

"I have called on House Speaker Jason Wentworth to refuse to seat the 18 House Republican members until they have publicly disavowed their actions which have stoked the dangerous and tense environment we now find ourselves in," said House Democratic Leader Donna Lasinski, D-Scio Twp.