« Ind. Decisions - Indiana Supreme Court denies billboard appeal | Main | Courts - "She lost temper on state bench, but now lands new role" »

Saturday, September 09, 2006

Ind. Gov't. - More on: Limited access to Statehouse and adjoining buildings underway

Some reflections on Niki Kelly's story Thursday on security meaures to be instituted in the Statehouse and adjoining office buildings. This part especially caused me to recall a related story:

In addition, some people entering the building are specifically exempted from the law against carrying firearms in the Statehouse, including various law enforcement officials as well as legislators and members of the judiciary.

A number of lawmakers have permits to carry guns and sometimes have them on the floor during debate, according to a 2003 Journal Gazette story.

The related story story appeared in the Washington Post earlier this year. A quote:

RICHMOND, Jan. 26 -- Del. John S. "Jack" Reid had gone through this morning routine dozens of times. He'd reach into his pocket, pull out his small semiautomatic .380 handgun, release the clip and store the weapon safely in the desk drawer of his office on the seventh floor of the Virginia General Assembly Building.

But something went wrong Thursday. Reid's pistol, which he said he carries for protection, fired as he popped the clip from the handle, sending a single bullet into the cushion of a bulletproof vest that was hanging from the back of his closed office door.

No one was injured, although Reid said he suffered a cut on his hand from the friction of the gun's slide snapping back.

A Virgina blogger asked the obvious question: "What kind of xxxxxxx brings a loaded gun and body armor to the General Assembly?"

Another noted: "The only people who are allowed to enter the General Assembly building without walking through the metal detector ... are the lawmakers and their official staff. So does Reid expect an assault from one of his Democratic colleagues?"

Posted by Marcia Oddi on September 9, 2006 08:18 PM
Posted to Indiana Government