Michele Hoitenga

LANSING — On Wednesday, the Michigan State Capitol Commission voted to ban guns in the statehouse except those carried by police, security, or current legislators.

The commission initially was expected to ban state representatives and senators from carrying firearms, too, but the commission decided to include lawmakers in the list of those able to carry a gun in the Capitol.

State Capitol Commission Chairman William Kandler did not return a message seeking comment.

The commission is tasked with setting regulations to provide safety to visitors and employees in the Capitol building.

The ban on firearms strengthens a policy from two years ago that made it illegal to carry openly but allowed concealed weapons for anyone visiting.

State Sen. Michele Hoitenga, R-Manton, who represents Northeast Michigan, opposes the rule change and believes it is a blatant violation of the Second Amendment.

She wrote a letter to the commission pleading her case as to why concealed carry should be allowed and even threatened litigation. Hoitenga said she was surprised the commission reversed course on letting her and her legislative comrades carry concealed weapons.

“I wrote a letter to the commission and they responded and said a decision had already been made that there would be no firearms,” she said. “I figured it was in black and white and a done deal. So I am a little surprised.”

Had the commission not allowed concealed carry for legislators, Hoitenga intended to take her gun to work, anyhow, when open legislative session resumes in early September. She said she would consider the move a way to defend her constitutional right as well as the rights of her constituents.

Walk-through weapon detection devices were installed near the main entrances of the Capitol last week in advance of the expected rule change.

Hoitenga said she had hired an attorney who would have escorted her to work that day in case someone tried to violate her right to bear arms. She was also ready to be arrested if it came down to it, but hoped it wouldn’t come to that.

“We really didn’t know what to expect, but I was ready to be arrested,” she said. “Obviously, I didn’t want to be arrested, because I am a person who believes in the rule of law.”

Hoitenga said she chooses to bring a gun to work not because she doesn’t feel safe inside the Capitol, but because she often walks in downtown Lansing during the late night and early morning hours after an extended session.

“There are times when we get out at 1 a.m. in the morning and it can be scary walking back to the office or to get something to eat,” she said. “Especially if you are alone. I’m not fearful in the Capitol.”

Steve Schulwitz can be reached at 989-358-5689 at sschulwitz@thealpenanews.com. Follow him on Twitter @ss_alpenanews.com.