Delegate Patrick Hope Introduces Measure to Ensure the Safety of General Assembly Members, Their Staff, and the Public
Richmond – Today, Delegate Patrick A. Hope will introduce legislation that would prohibit firearms in the Virginia Capitol and the General Assembly Building (GAB). Del. Hope said, “The tragedy this weekend in Tucson should cause all public officials to re-examine the safety and security of themselves, their staff, and visitors.”
In responding to possible criticism to the bill, Hope stated, “There’s nothing offensive or unconstitutional about asking individuals not to bring firearms into the GAB or the Capitol. You can’t walk through an airport with a gun, you can’t enter the US Capitol or Federal Courthouses with a gun. Why should the Virginia Capitol and the GAB be any different?”
Hope concluded, “Everyday we put our personal lives, the lives of our staff, and the lives of the general public at risk by allowing firearms in the GAB and the Capitol. Today, I’m introducing a bill that will remove a very real threat to the safety and security of everyone who enters our facilities.”
In contrast to this moment of sanity from Patrick Hope, there are a number of other gun-related bills this session, including one by State Sen. Roscoe Reynolds (D-Henry) that “would allow persons who have been treated for mental-illness and substance abuse in a residential setting to apply for restoration of their concealed handgun permits gun before the current five-year waiting period expires.” In addition, “Reynolds has also proposed lifting restrictions on purchasing and transporting firearms by persons with abuse-based protective orders against them-deferring any sanction only if, and until an actual finding of abuse has been issued.” Yeah, that’s just what we need — make it easier for mentally disturbed and/or abusive people to get guns. It’s like Homer Simpson said when he’s told there’s a waiting period to buy a gun: But I’m mad NOWWWWW!!!!
P.S. Of course, if Hope has his way, we won’t get fun stories like this one anymore. Wouldn’t that be a shame? (snark)
Sign up for the Blue Virginia weekly newsletter
