“The armed intimidation and threats of violence that have surrounded recent protests at the State Capitol made it prudent for me to request a formal opinion from the Attorney General on the Michigan State Capitol Commission’s authority to prohibit firearms.

“Recent events have brought questions about the safety and security of legislators, staff and the general public to the forefront and must be addressed urgently to ensure armed threats, intimidation and the disruption of the legislative process do not occur in our statehouse.

“I am very appreciative of Attorney General Nessel’s thorough legal analysis and her timely response to my request. With there now being no doubt whatsoever regarding their legal authority, the Michigan State Capitol Commission must act immediately to prohibit firearms within the Capitol, to ensure the safety and security of everyone who enters our statehouse and to protect the integrity of the People’s business that occurs there each day.”

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