In 2020, protesters brought long guns into the state capitol.
The next year the group that oversees building operations voted to ban the open carry of firearms there but continued to allow concealed weapons with a license.
Now, the Capitol Commission has many new members. Commissioner Tim Bowlin says “any security issue” will be on the table.
“It’s a matter of cost. It’s a matter of functionality. It’s about providing the visitors and the tenants of this building a secure and safe environment. When you put millions of dollars into the building, you also want to protect the building as well.”
Some ideas floated in the past include the installation of metal detectors and a total ban on firearms.
