RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Several gun rights advocates are criticizing the Virginia governor's move to ban concealed handguns in state-owned office buildings.
Advocates at a public hearing Wednesday in Richmond said Gov. Terry McAuliffe's executive order is making the state less safe and more vulnerable to a mass shooting.
McAuliffe issued an executive order last year banning the open carry and concealed carry of guns in most state-owned office buildings, saying the move was necessary to prevent gun-related violence.
Some gun control advocates commended McAuliffe's move, but most speakers at Wednesday's hearing opposed the measure.
McAuliffe, a Democrat, has been an outspoken advocate for tighter gun control measures, and is often in disagreement on gun issues with the GOP-controlled General Assembly.