Virginia legislators who lawfully carry concealed handguns at the state Capitol can’t bring them to Virginia’s inauguration Saturday due to stricter U.S. Secret Service security protocols due to the attendance of Bill and Hillary Clinton.
As The Virginian-Pilot reported Saturday, the former president and his wife, a past U.S. senator and secretary of state, plan to be at the Jan. 11 ceremony in Richmond for the swearing in of their longtime friend, Terry McAuliffe, as the state’s 72nd governor.
Because of that, House of Delegates Clerk G. Paul Nardo in an email Friday advised members of the 100-seat House of “special, one-time security arrangements” similar to those when Queen Elizabeth II visited the Capitol in 2007.
Those arrangements include a ban on all weapons.
Other prohibited items are: biological, chemical, radiological or other hazardous materials; toy weapons; fireworks; pepper spray or mace; multi-purpose tools; screwdrivers; needles or razor blades; laser pointers or air horns; and soda cans.
Nardo’s email noted a restriction on umbrellas could be lifted depending on the weather.
Normally, lawmakers and citizens are permitted to legally posses firearms on the state grounds; many gun rights advocates take advantage of that policy when they visit the Capitol for rallies and legislative hearings.
I feel certain there will be a hue and cry from the 2A enthusiasts, whether they planned on attending or not. I think this is one time everyone can leave their weapons at home. They will be well-guarded.
Is the move political? I expect Terry McAuliffe will get the blame. Actually, the ruling is fairly standard secret service protocol when presidents, past presidents and heads of states are in attendance.
Other than the weapons, how does this list of contraband differ from attendance at an athletic event?
I don’t have any issue with this. If someone is under the protection of the secret service (and a former Pres and 1st lady are), then the Secret Service can implement a reasonable “security bubble” around those they protect. Now, if the Clinton’s were not in attendence, and McAuliffe made this policy in contradiction to VA law, I’d have an issue. I do believe we do have a duty to protect our current and past presidents, whether I was a supporter or not.
Very fair, Steve.
As one of the resident 2nd Amendment fanatics….
I don’t have a problem with it, as per Steve’s reasoning.
I plan to wander around the Capitol anyway on Lobby Day, while carrying, supporting the VCDL.
What will that do for you? Is that a contest to see who has the bigger and better toys?