Breaking news, WA state allows guns in the capitol building

NINEX19 · May 26, 2004, 09:09 PM

Well, not really breaking news, but the anti crowd wants you to know and be alarmed. This has been allowed for years. It has just come to light amid installation of metal detectors and of course every liberal newspaper runs this story with the sky is falling in because people with valid licenses can carry past the metal detectors.

Published: Tuesday, May 25, 2004

Concealed guns OK in capitol
Rep. John Lovick complains that new metal detectors are wasted if a visitor can bring in a gun.

Associated Press

OLYMPIA - As state officials prepare to install metal detectors at the doors of the renovated Capitol building, they're also in the process of repealing the rule that bans firearms inside the seat of government.

The result? Lawmakers worried about gunfire from the House gallery may be treated to the unnerving site of an armed citizen setting off the detector, then casually flashing a concealed weapon permit.

The rule banning firearms is considered unenforceable because state law doesn't forbid guns except in specific places - a list that doesn't include the Capitol.

A visitor will be able to carry a firearm onto the Capitol Campus and through the detector if he or she has a permit, doesn't wave the gun around and doesn't scare people with it, according to the Department of General Administration.

"I wouldn't say it's absurd, but I would say it's the predicament we're in right now," Rob Fukai, the department's director, told The Olympian newspaper.

The department backed a bill to ban weapons in the statehouse earlier this year, but it died in the House Judiciary Committee. Meanwhile, the state's construction budget mandates leasing and installing metal detectors on the doors.

"The Legislature has been given the opportunity ... and historically they've declined to act on that," Fukai said.

Rep. John Lovick, a State Patrol sergeant, argued for the ban bill and the metal detectors, but now questions whether one will work without the other.

"Why do we need to lease these screeners if it's OK to have weapons?" asked Lovick, R-Mill Creek, who said he would push again for a bill banning weapons in the Capitol if he's re-elected this year.

The decision to formally repeal the rule followed a March 6 petition from two Port Orchard residents, Merton and Myrtle Cooper.

Merton Cooper, a retiree who's a fixture at legislative hearings and other public meetings, called the state plan to add weapons screening "stupid" and said the Capitol will be safer if people are allowed to carry concealed firearms inside.

Fukai said the agency plans to go ahead with leasing the weapons-screening equipment and hiring security officers.

In cases where a member of the public brings a gun to the Capitol, it would be up to State Patrol troopers to determine whether it's a problem, Fukai said.

The general language of state law concerning weapons in public makes it unlawful to carry, display or draw a firearm or dangerous weapon "in a manner, under circumstances, and at a time and place that either manifests an intent to intimidate another or that warrants alarm for the safety of other persons," Fukai said in a letter announcing the proposed rule change.

Fukai said there have not been incidents in the past, so he believes there won't be a significant change once the rule is repealed.

Under the lengthy rule-making process, the department will draft language to repeal the gun ban, hold hearings this fall, and enact the change before lawmakers return in January, Fukai said.

**Tamara** · May 27, 2004, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Lawmakers worried about gunfire from the House gallery...

I find that one good response to "worrying about gunfire" is to not do things that would make people want to shoot me.

Cactus · May 27, 2004, 09:43 PM

I bet that will be changed soon!

iso1 · May 28, 2004, 02:35 AM

"Why do we need to lease these screeners if it's OK to have weapons?" asked Lovick

Hmm. Maybe to do what you SAY it's all about? Stopping CRIMINALS!

Quit worrying about the law-abiding citizens for once...

NINEX19 · May 31, 2004, 09:57 PM

A local editorial:

Olympia is locked, loaded and dangerous

This guy needs to be set straight. More liberal garbage and lies.

Quote:

If gun owners show their permits and keep their weapons holstered, no one will bug them as they roam the halls, sit among wide-eyed schoolchildren in the gallery or drop in on the governor.

Quote:

Democrats were not of like mind in keeping rifle-bearing Joe-Bob from sitting next to any of the 150,000 grade-schoolers who visit the Capitol each year

Its always about the children. We have always been allowed to carry in the capitol and there has never been an incident. As the article states,

Quote:

Part of the problem is that many lawmakers are packing when they come to work on the floor of the House. It's practically urban legend that one can suffer a hernia lifting Republican Rep. Lois McMahan's purse because of the size of her gun.

So our lawmakers are part of the problem, umm?

Quote:

anyone know where I can get a permit for a rocket-propelled grenade launcher?

Yes, Mr. Cornfield, a permit for a concealed rocket-propelled grenade launcher is exactly the same as a permit for a concealed handgun for self defense.

**Tamara** · May 31, 2004, 09:59 PM

...because my initial response to:

Quote:

If gun owners show their permits and keep their weapons holstered, no one will bug them as they roam the halls, sit among wide-eyed schoolchildren in the gallery or drop in on the governor.

...was "Right. What's the problem?"

May 26, 2004, 09:09 PM	#1
NINEX19 Senior Member Join Date: December 12, 2001 Location: Western Washington Posts: 166	Breaking news, WA state allows guns in the capitol building Well, not really breaking news, but the anti crowd wants you to know and be alarmed. This has been allowed for years. It has just come to light amid installation of metal detectors and of course every liberal newspaper runs this story with the sky is falling in because people with valid licenses can carry past the metal detectors. Published: Tuesday, May 25, 2004 Concealed guns OK in capitol Rep. John Lovick complains that new metal detectors are wasted if a visitor can bring in a gun. Associated Press OLYMPIA - As state officials prepare to install metal detectors at the doors of the renovated Capitol building, they're also in the process of repealing the rule that bans firearms inside the seat of government. The result? Lawmakers worried about gunfire from the House gallery may be treated to the unnerving site of an armed citizen setting off the detector, then casually flashing a concealed weapon permit. The rule banning firearms is considered unenforceable because state law doesn't forbid guns except in specific places - a list that doesn't include the Capitol. A visitor will be able to carry a firearm onto the Capitol Campus and through the detector if he or she has a permit, doesn't wave the gun around and doesn't scare people with it, according to the Department of General Administration. "I wouldn't say it's absurd, but I would say it's the predicament we're in right now," Rob Fukai, the department's director, told The Olympian newspaper. The department backed a bill to ban weapons in the statehouse earlier this year, but it died in the House Judiciary Committee. Meanwhile, the state's construction budget mandates leasing and installing metal detectors on the doors. "The Legislature has been given the opportunity ... and historically they've declined to act on that," Fukai said. Rep. John Lovick, a State Patrol sergeant, argued for the ban bill and the metal detectors, but now questions whether one will work without the other. "Why do we need to lease these screeners if it's OK to have weapons?" asked Lovick, R-Mill Creek, who said he would push again for a bill banning weapons in the Capitol if he's re-elected this year. The decision to formally repeal the rule followed a March 6 petition from two Port Orchard residents, Merton and Myrtle Cooper. Merton Cooper, a retiree who's a fixture at legislative hearings and other public meetings, called the state plan to add weapons screening "stupid" and said the Capitol will be safer if people are allowed to carry concealed firearms inside. Fukai said the agency plans to go ahead with leasing the weapons-screening equipment and hiring security officers. In cases where a member of the public brings a gun to the Capitol, it would be up to State Patrol troopers to determine whether it's a problem, Fukai said. The general language of state law concerning weapons in public makes it unlawful to carry, display or draw a firearm or dangerous weapon "in a manner, under circumstances, and at a time and place that either manifests an intent to intimidate another or that warrants alarm for the safety of other persons," Fukai said in a letter announcing the proposed rule change. Fukai said there have not been incidents in the past, so he believes there won't be a significant change once the rule is repealed. Under the lengthy rule-making process, the department will draft language to repeal the gun ban, hold hearings this fall, and enact the change before lawmakers return in January, Fukai said.

May 27, 2004, 09:43 PM	#3
Cactus Senior Member Join Date: October 1, 1999 Location: Spanaway, WA Posts: 483	I bet that will be changed soon!

May 28, 2004, 02:35 AM	#4
iso1 Senior Member Join Date: November 2, 2000 Location: Reno, Nevada Posts: 581	"Why do we need to lease these screeners if it's OK to have weapons?" asked Lovick Hmm. Maybe to do what you SAY it's all about? Stopping CRIMINALS! Quit worrying about the law-abiding citizens for once...