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Many State Capitols Have Security Holes
Armed men stand on the steps of the Michigan Capitol on Jan. 6. Until imposing a ban Monday, Michigan was one of the 20 state capitols where guns can be openly carried inside.
Paul Sancya
The Associated Press
Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to reflect that Nye County is in Nevada, not Arizona,
to reflect that Michigan banned guns in the statehouse Jan. 11, and to add additional new information.
State capitols around the country remain on high alert following the violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol and as new threats surface online, but with less than two-thirds of them employing metal detectors, and about 20 statehouses specifically allowing guns inside, there are many security gaps that rioters could exploit.
Photo: Dan Schwalm Photography Originally built in 1886, the Wyoming Capitol Square has recently undergone a renovation project of the 129,539-sf Historic State Capitol, the 360,862-sf Herschler Office Building, and an underground connector gallery that serves as a tunnel for the Capitol Square. The $300 million project replaced outdated building systems, added critical life safety infrastructure, and addressed public space needs, especially for larger meeting rooms. The Herschler Building was remodeled and expanded by 56,000 sf to house state agencies and elected officials. The atrium on the north side of the building was removed to improve and restore views to the Capitol. The Capitol Extension, a below-grade building that connects the Capitol to the Herschler Building, has been expanded by 28,000 sf to accommodate public space needs that could not be met in the Capitol. These spaces include large public meeting rooms, a 238-seat auditorium, a visitor’s center, and a stu