(WXYZ) — The Michigan State Capitol Commission has delayed a vote on banning firearms from the Capitol.
The commission met Monday afternoon virtually. During the meeting, they also formed a committee to study the subject of firearms in the Capitol building.
During the hearing, Secretary of the Senate Margaret O'Brien made a motion to form a committee to study the issue of firearms in the Capitol.
That committee would work with the legislature and the governor's office and get feedback from both.
Amy Shaw, an attorney working for the commission, said that the legislature should make the decision.
It came after Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued a formal opinion that the commission could ban guns.
"From a security standpoint, we've lost our way," Nessel told 7 Action News. "No sane government operates in this matter."
Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey sent a letter to the commission requesting that it thoroughly review and consider policies before implementing.
Nessel said demonstrators crossed a line during a recent protest against Governor Gretchen Whitmer's executive orders. Some demonstrators carried military-style weapons into the Capitol building.
House Democratic Leader Christine Greig released this statement after the delayed vote.
“I am appalled at the Capitol Commission’s decision to shirk their responsibility to make a decision regarding the safety of legislators, staff and members of the public on Capitol grounds. According to Attorney General Dana Nessel and backed up by a previous determination by former Attorney General Bill Schuette, there is no doubt whatsoever regarding the Commissions legal authority to decide on this matter."
The images made national headlines. Members of both political parties in Michigan criticized the group's actions.
"If the Capitol Commission or the legislature fails to act, it's not a matter of if there will be a serious incident at the Capitol. It's when," Nessel said. "And when that occurs, if the Capitol Commission fails to take action, they'll have blood on their hands. It's as simple as that."
Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey sent a letter to the commission requesting that it thoroughly review and consider policies before implementing. Read the full letter below:
Capitol Commission Letter M... by WXYZ-TV Channel 7 Detroit on Scribd
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