Shots fired at Capitol in Austin

[A-R]

I only know Dan Patrick from his sportscaster days WAY BACK when I was growing up in Houston. My mom still lives in Houston area and loves Patrick and his politics. He is a big supporter of RKBA and a CHL. The quote Stevie attributes to Patrick may have just been a reactionary off-the-cuff remark from someone who wasn't even there in the Capitol at the time.

Logan Spence, Patrick's chief of staff, was at the Capitol and is quoted extensively in this Austin Statesman article.

http://www.statesman.com/news/local/ala ... 90240.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Lawmakers have debated for years whether to beef up security at the Capitol. Some measures have been added, but they have not included security checkpoints at entrances. Spence said he did not think security should be heightened. Patrick, a Houston Republican, is a strong supporter of gun rights and the right to carry.

"It was a brush with death, yes. He was carrying a loaded weapon and could have used it, but that doesn't mean this should bring additional regulations," Spence said, noting that no one in Patrick's office has a concealed-weapon permit, as Patrick does.

"I think the system worked perfectly. God was taking care of us."

That's what I like to hear.

And Stevie_d_64, I agree with your sentiments as well. Just want to make sure we're not overly chastising a guy for an off-the-cuff heat-of-the-moment remark. From what I understand, Patrick carries in the Capitol. Let's hope he's not a what's-good-for-the-goose-is-not-good-for-the-gander type of guy.

[wgoforth]

On the news this morn, it was stated that currently CHL's are allowed in the capitol, and that after this, "they" are going to re-look at this. Of course since this was outside, it would not have made any difference. I read recently where there are only 6 states in which you can carry in the capitol. I like that Texas has such a distinguishment!

[stevie_d_64]

here ya go...

The following is a cut and paste from Dan’s Facebook page:

Dan Patrick Many comments on today’s shooting at the Capitol.

I want to keep our Capitol open for easy access to the public. I support allowing CHL holders to carry in the Capitol as they can now. At the same time we have an obligation to protect the employees, the DPS officers, and most importantly the public who visit, as well a...s legislators. I believe we can create a plan that will accomplish those goals.

Ok, how do you do this without screening and scrutinizing everyone??? CHL or not???

No one other than in official contacts with Law Enforcement were we required to reveal our CHL status...And even that has been relaxed if I recall correctly???

You cannot have it both ways Senator! If you want to reverse the SB501 provisions from back in 2005, fine...You do so at your own political peril...

What never ceases to amaze me is that in the span of 24 hours, such a benign event can take us from such positive pro-self-defense status, to a weak reaction by someone who should understand you cannot defend every single situation...But they were lucky this time, I will give him that...But you cannot have this both ways...

Let it go Dan...We have bigger fish to fry...We need you on other issues...

If you feel that strongly about it...Arm your staff, and keep it quiet...If not, I question your pro Texas CHL and pro Second Amendment position...

Remember, they did not know this guy had a gun till he drew it and put a few holes in that pink granite...

Just my opinion...

[A-R]

Stevie, can you elaborate on the SB501 provisions? I was not paying close attention to such things at that time in my life. SB = a bill, right? What are the relevant statutes that came from this bill?

Also anyone know the particulars of concealed carry at the Capitol? I've heard conflicting things elsewhere: anything from no restrictions to only restricted while Legislature is in session to only resticted while in session and inside the chamber itself, not the whole building, etc.

[gregthehand]

http://guanabee.com/2010/01/shooting-at ... e-capital/

The stupidity of the press never ceases to amaze me.

More like a blogger on some latino website.

[O6nop]

Ok, how do you do this without screening and scrutinizing everyone??? CHL or not???
...
...
Let it go Dan...We have bigger fish to fry...We need you on other issues...

If you feel that strongly about it...Arm your staff, and keep it quiet...If not, I question your pro Texas CHL and pro Second Amendment position...

You asked how and then you answered it, Maybe that is his plan... we can't condemn someone for what he might be thinking. Unless there's some quote I missed.

[Charles L. Cotton]

Stevie, can you elaborate on the SB501 provisions? I was not paying close attention to such things at that time in my life. SB = a bill, right? What are the relevant statutes that came from this bill?

Also anyone know the particulars of concealed carry at the Capitol? I've heard conflicting things elsewhere: anything from no restrictions to only restricted while Legislature is in session to only resticted while in session and inside the chamber itself, not the whole building, etc.

SB501 amended TPC §30.06 prohibiting governmental entities from using 30.06 to bar and/or prosecute armed CHL's from governmental property. They can and must post 30.06 signs if they want to keep armed CHL's out of meetings of governmental entities.

A CHL can carry his/her handgun all over the Capitol. They cannot carry in the gallery of the House or Senate, if 30.06 signs are present. This could be the case with committee meetings, but none of them have used 30.06 signs.

Chas.

[A-R]

Stevie, can you elaborate on the SB501 provisions? I was not paying close attention to such things at that time in my life. SB = a bill, right? What are the relevant statutes that came from this bill?

Also anyone know the particulars of concealed carry at the Capitol? I've heard conflicting things elsewhere: anything from no restrictions to only restricted while Legislature is in session to only resticted while in session and inside the chamber itself, not the whole building, etc.

SB501 amended TPC §30.06 prohibiting governmental entities from using 30.06 to bar and/or prosecute armed CHL's from governmental property. They can and must post 30.06 signs if they want to keep armed CHL's out of meetings of governmental entities.

A CHL can carry his/her handgun all over the Capitol. They cannot carry in the gallery of the House or Senate, if 30.06 signs are present. This could be the case with committee meetings, but none of them have used 30.06 signs.

Chas.

Thanks Charles.

[stevie_d_64]

Sorry, Charles beat me to it...I had to go git some lunch...

Whut he sayed iz guud!!!

[marksiwel]

So it begins
http://www.kvue.com/news/local/Leaders- ... 36757.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

AUSTIN -- For some members of Travis County’s legislative delegation, Thursday’s gunfire at the State Capitol underscores the need for more security there; for other legislators, some tourists and the governor, tightened security should be undertaken with great care.

”You know, there are things that happen in the world. In the United States we're as safe as we can be,” said Capitol Tourist Jennifer Bryan, who was able to walk through the very same doors as the accused gunman without passing through a metal detector.

Metal detectors are in place outside of the House and Senate chambers only when the Legislature is in session. State Rep. Eddie Rodriguez, D-Austin, believes they should now be permanently installed at the entrances of the Capitol.

"That happens during the session, and I don’t see why that shouldn’t happen year-round. This is one of the most popular places to visit in the entire State of Texas,” he said.

He also thinks legislators should consider changes to the law which allows Texans to carry permitted, concealed weapons into the Capitol.

Rodriguez would likely run into opposition from fellow State Rep. Mark Strama, D-Austin, who remembers the last debate over guns at the Capitol.

“To say were going to let you carry a concealed weapon everywhere, but you can’t carry one here where we work -- the hypocrisy just overwhelmed the argument, and I suspect that hypocrisy would prevent anybody from passing a law in the coming session,” Strama explained.

Strama also opposes permanent metal detectors.

“They create a line, it slows down the ability of people to go in and watch the proceedings at the Capitol, it’s a genuine inconvenience and it’s going to keep some people from coming and watching what we do,” he said.

Governor Rick Perry told reporters Texans should be allowed to bring guns into the Capitol.

He also says metal detectors aren't needed.

“I'm always up for looking at new ways to protect citizens, but the last thing I want is to see the Texas Capitol turn into DFW Airport,” Perry said.

DPS wouldn't comment on any specific details concerning what they do or don't do to keep the Capitol secure

[bizarrenormality]

He was outside. Where do these numb skulls plan to put the metal detectors? The Mexican border?

[chabouk]

What does the Texas Constitution say about open government? I know it's generally accepted that state and local government must be open and accessible, but what's the constitutional basis?

Anything that significantly impedes public access runs counter to that principle.

[Sidro]

There are two things we should really look at this scenario. We have a subject that discharges a firearm on state property, and we have a response to this. The Troopers and others that took this person down could have done it with lethal force but did not. Also with shots fired by this subject they very well could have dropped him were he stood. Someones life could have ended here. What would we do in this case?

[Greybeard]

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/hot ... 31213.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; states NOT a CHL holder

[AustinBoy]

Did anyone else notice how the news kept reporting on the "lack of security" while at same time saying that multiple DPS officers took the guy down without firing a shot?

The way I understood it, the guy got swarmed/dive tackled while holding/firing a gun!!! Crazy!!

I guess those DPS guys are a lot braver than I am!


Ty