(WWJ) In Lansing, a new effort is underway to ban the open carry of firearms in Michigan's State Capitol.
WWJ Lansing Bureau Chief Tim Skubick reported Tuesday that the anti-gun lobby is searching for another vote by the State Capitol Commission to make that happene.
The last time there was a vote it was a 3-3 tie — with Commission Vice Chair John Truscott, a Republican, among the "no" votes.
"Now comes forth that Mr. Truscott has reconsidered, and now he is, quote, open to the possibility, underscore the possibility, if voting yes, while banning open carry at the State Capitol, while at the same time allowing concealed weapons to come in," Skubick said.
It remains unclear at this time whether a new vote is forthcoming.
"If indeed he does change his mind — and we don't know if that will happen — this would be a game changer," Skubick said. "The pro-gun lobby will likey fight it; the anti-gun lobby will rejoice if he changes his no to yes."
This debate has been ongoing since last spring photos of armed protesters at the Capitol went viral on social media, and made the news nationwide.
Sen. Dayna Polehanki (D-Livonia) on April 30 tweeted a photo after demonstrators carrying long guns entered the Senate public gallery, shouting at lawmakers on the chamber floor." Directly above me, men with rifles yelling at us. Some of my colleagues who own bullet proof vests are wearing them," Polehanki wrote.
The protesters were unhappy with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's stay-home and other executive orders concerning the COVID-19 pandemic, and were urging legislators to vote against an extension of the state of emergency.
