LANSING, Mich. — One Michigan state senator says the open carry ban isn't enough. State Senator Dayna Polehanki is urging her fellow lawmakers to ban all firearms in the Michigan Capitol, following the decision on Monday by the Capitol Commission to ban open carry in the building.
Polehanki says the need is more urgent following the riots at the U.S. Capitol, which reminded her of the day protesters in Michigan brought guns into the state Capitol on April 30, 2020.
"It was like deja vu," said Sen. Polehanki. "We have experienced this in Michigan, and what I saw happening at the U.S. Capitol had the same energy, the same paraphernalia, the same Trump flags, nooses, Confederate flags. [I] just wonder if it happens here again. We have guns that are welcome, albeit concealed, now in the Michigan Capitol. It could be a bloodbath."
A Democrat representing Michigan's 7th District, Sen. Polehanki plans to reintroduce bills next week that would push for a complete ban on firearms. She is being joined in her effort by Sen. Rosemary Bayers of the 12th District.
Monday's decision prompted Polehanki to purchase Mace, a gas mask, and a helmet. She plans to keep the items underneath her desk.
