Just sent this to my State Senator. Need to find a means of contacting my delegate, because she is brand new this year.
I am writing you today concerning Governor McAuliff's Executive Order 50. Originally the Executive order banned the open carry of firearms in state offices, but he has allowed the Department of General services to extend the ban to concealed carry as well, regardless of permit.
This is a dangerous precedent which sets up gun free zones in our public buildings. These buildings are funded by the people of Virginia. The people of Virginia have the right to defend themselves. Gun free zones are easy targets for mass shootings and terrorists. The majority of mass shootings occur in areas which already banned the possession of firearms by law abiding citizens.
This sort of regulation will do nothing to stop those so inclined from bringing firearms into state buildings and causing mayhem and death. This regulation will only ensure that law abiding citizens will not have the means to defend themselves and stop active shooters while in public state buildings.
Furthermore, to ban conceal carry, even with permit shows that Governor McAuliffe does not respect the authority of the Virginia Legislature in allowing these permits to be issued to law abiding citizens who have passed background checks. It shows that Governor McAuliffe does not respect the authority of the judges who have signed off on issuing these permits.
Please consider doing anything within your power to block this Executive Order and any future actions which may prevent law abiding citizens from protecting themselves in our public buildings.