Letter to Hon. William Walker, Sergeant-at-Arms, Hon. Karen Gibson, Sergeant-at-Arms, Hon. J. Brett Blanton, Capitol Architect, and Cheif J. Thomas Manger, Capitol Police - Hoyer Pens Second Letter to Capitol Police Board Urging Clarification on Firearm Safety in the Capitol Complex

Letter

Dear Sergeant Walker, Sergeant Gibson, Mr. Blanton, and Chief Manger:

Thank you for your December 30 response to my letter from December 14 requesting clarity about rules governing restrictions on Members' ability to carry firearms in the Capitol Complex. I appreciate your pledge to update Members on firearms regulations, as soon as practicable.

I understand that the CPB intends to meet as soon as this week, and it is my hope that you will use this opportunity to discuss necessary revisions to your current firearms regulations. I respectfully request serious consideration of the following proposed changes to Police Board Regulations Pertaining to Firearms, Explosives, Incendiary Devices, and Other Dangerous Weapons, dated October 31, 1967: an assessment of current regulations permitting Members of Congress to store firearms in their personal offices to assess whether a complete ban on firearms in the Capitol Complex should be instituted; a requirement that all federal and District of Columbia laws and regulations, and any associated fines and penalties, that prohibit firearms on the Capitol grounds are prominently displayed throughout the Capitol Complex; inclusion of language that would strictly prohibit individuals (including Members of Congress, staff, and other employees of the Capitol), outside of authorized law enforcement, from carrying firearms in the Capitol Complex, EXCEPT:

(1) with prior written authorization for the purpose of displaying or storing an unloaded firearm in a Member's personal office; and (2) in compliance with all federal and local laws and regulations governing the transport and storage of firearms in the District of Columbia, including, but not limited to, possession of a firearms license; personal firearms authorized under this subsection must be transported directly to and securely stored in a Member's personal office, solely by the Member himself or herself;

Capitol Police and other specified law enforcement would be authorized to conduct routine, unscheduled inspections to ensure safe storage in designated areas.

inclusion of language clarifying that firearms are prohibited from committee spaces (including not being allowed in a chair's personal office connected to a committee room), Capitol complex dining halls, restrooms, and all other spaces outside of Members' personal offices.

As I've said time and again, the safety and security of Members of Congress, staff, employees, visitors, and all individuals in the buildings and on the grounds of the Capitol complex is of the highest priority. I will stand firm in my commitment to advocating for Members' accessibility to clear and prudent firearms guidelines in order to prevent further ambiguity and ensure compliance with the rules.

I appreciate your consideration of this matter and look forward to your taking swift action at your next meeting to address this matter.

Source