LANSING — Sens. Erika Geiss (D-Taylor) and Sylvia Santana (D-Detroit) issued the following statement after the Capitol Commission today decided to create a special committee and delay a decision on prohibiting guns from the Capitol:
“The Capitol Commission’s decision to delay a ruling on guns in the Capitol is putting the health and safety of legislators, staff, Capitol employees and visiting guests from the general public at dire risk. With protestors scheduled to come to the Capitol on Thursday for their self-proclaimed ‘Judgment Day,’ today was a missed opportunity to act in a timely fashion. It should also be noted that while people were physically located in and intimidated at the Capitol during the last armed protest on April 30th, the Commission quickly abandoned and adjourned its virtual meeting today after receiving threats online.
“The role of the Capitol Commission is to protect the art, grounds, and historic features of the Capitol. However, the irony is not lost that art can be protected and gardens can be tended to without the presence of firearms. The Commission’s decision to delay action on such an important issue, as well as fail to even address the symbols of hatred that we also asked to be prohibited from the Capitol and its grounds in the letter we sent to them last week, is beyond disappointing. It’s irresponsible, and we expect better from those entrusted with the care of the people’s building and all who pass through it.”
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