The Michigan State Capitol Commission voted unanimously Monday to ban the open carry of firearms within the state Capitol building in Lansing. This decision was motivated by the January 6 attack on the US Capitol, as well as armed protesters storming the Michigan state Capitol building last April.

The commission manages the Capitol building and its grounds. In a meeting originally scheduled for January 25 but pushed forward to Monday, the commission voted 6-0 to ban the open carry of firearms within the building.

Under the new policy, which became effective immediately, only law enforcement personnel and people with valid concealed-weapon permits are allowed to carry a firearm into the building. The commission declined to adopt stricter prohibitions because it was unsure of its power to adopt a full ban. The commission also stated that it did not have the budget to enact measures to enforce a full ban.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said that the decision was “only a single step down the long path of reforms that are necessary to make our legislators, state employees and visitors safe.” She stated that the policy was “simply not enough” and called on the commission to “take the proper action and pass the necessary reforms.” Similarly, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer called for the ban of all weapons at the Capitol.