Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) is speaking out in support of banning guns inside of the state Capitol following stay-at-home protests.
The Democratic governor expressed concern about the armed protesters during an interview with NBC News Wednesday.
Whitmer also offered an example of a typical workday for legislators who now wear bulletproof vests to work as a result of armed protestors bringing assault rifles, nooses, and swastikas into the Capitol building.
âThere are legislators who are wearing bulletproof vests to go to work,â Whitmer said. âNo one should be intimidated by someone whoâs bringing in an assault rifle into their workplace.â
Because of this, she is in support of efforts to possibly ban firearms inside of the Capitol building.
She said, âNo one should be intimidated by someone whoâs bringing in an assault rifle into their workplace. And so there is conversation about changing that law. I think itâs long overdue, and I absolutely support that change. You shouldnât be intimidated going to be the voice of the people who elected you.â
Whitmer was asked why protestors have been allowed to enter with guns in the first place. She noted that it is currently legal in the state to do so.
See Whitmerâs remarks below:
She also shared her opinion of the protests, noting that they could be politically-driven, as there is speculation she could be one of the women being considered as former Vice President Joe Bidenâs running mate.
âThese protests were more like political rallies, and then youâve got the partisan propaganda,â Whitmer also told the publication. âYou saw the signs that people made. This was a political statement because Michigan is an important state and the 2020 presidential election is looming.â
The armed protests and ban discussions have led to some political divide among Michigan lawmakers. While some Republicans have sided with Democratic lawmakers arguing firearms are not necessary for demonstrations, other Republicans have expressed no interest in enforcing such a ban, according to Detroit Free Press.
John Truscott, the vice-chairman of the Michigan State Capitol Commission which oversees the building, has also weighed in with his opinion on the discussions about a possible ban.
Although Truscott, a Republican, describes himself as a Second Amendment advocate, he insists he is not in favor of guns inside the building.
âWe do not like seeing guns brought into the building â loaded guns â and Iâm a Second Amendment advocate,â Truscott said.
As of Thursday morning, there are more than 45,000 coronavirus cases in the state of Michigan.
