Rising concern over the safety of lawmakers and the public is causing lawmakers to reconsider where guns are allowed near the state Capitol.
Capitol Square is kind of like a public square for all of Virginia. It's the location of the Capitol building, and the landscaped walkways around it are usually a stage of sorts for activists who want to make a point. But Andrew Goddard says his organization that advocates for gun control has not been able to use it lately because of concern over guns.
"For the last two years, my organization has tried to continue its permitted annual vigil," Goddard says. "And we've been prevented from doing so and our First Amendment rights have been completely crushed by the fact that the area has not been allowed to be used because of the threat or potential threat of armed individuals."
That's why lawmakers are considering a bill that would ban guns from Capitol Square. D.J. Spiker at the National Rifle Association opposes the bill.
"Organizationally the NRA does not support creating more gun-free zones," he says.
Senator Scott Surovell is a Democrat from Fairfax County who's concerned about an exemption in the bill for former State Police officers.
"A retired State Police officer can carry an open AR-15 all over Capitol Square anytime he likes," Surovell explains.
Last year, Governor Ralph Northam temporarily banned guns from Capitol Square for a large-scale event that attracted firearms enthusiasts from across the country. The bill now under consideration would extend that ban permanently.
This report, provided by Virginia Public Radio, was made possible with support from the Virginia Education Association.
