April 11, 2024 01:37 PM UTC

Don Wilson Inadvertently Makes Strong Argument for Banning Guns at State Capitol

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• by: Colorado Pols

Colorado lawmakers are still debating a handful of gun violence prevention measures, including SB24-131, which seeks to ban firearms from certain “sensitive spaces.” Among those “sensitive spaces” is the Colorado State Capitol, where for years irresponsible lawmakers have dropped their weapons in public; left them in committee rooms; and had them stolen from their vehicles outside.

In an effort to do the bidding of extreme gun groups like Rocky Mountain Gun Owners (RMGO) and others, Republicans in the legislature have been making all sorts of absurd arguments against the proposed legislation. But before he could get his chance to opine on the bill subject, Rep. Don Wilson (R-Monument) inadvertently made another strong case IN FAVOR of restricting guns from the Capitol.

Wilson posted the following letter to the platform formerly known as Twitter today in which he admits that he accidentally left his own firearm in a public restroom on Tuesday evening:

“I take firearm safety very seriously,” says Wilson. He means this to be a serious statement, but it is a patently absurd thing to say after you just acknowledged leaving your gun in a public restroom. It is a small blessing that this took place after the State Capitol was closed to the public for the day, but it is nevertheless yet another reason why there is no good argument whatsoever for continuing to allow legislators to carry firearms at work.

Colorado House Democrats issued a statement this afternoon.

Said House Speaker Julie McCluskie:

The consequences of leaving a firearm unattended in a public space could be very serious, and the incident this week created a dangerous situation. This should not have happened and cannot happen again, and this is why our caucus is pursuing legislation to prohibit carrying firearms in the Capitol. [Pols emphasis]

Added Majority Leader Monica Duran:

As a responsible firearm owner, it’s frustrating and disappointing to continually see colleagues make mistakes with their guns. Everyone who carries a firearm must do so with the utmost care at all times, which is why it is so important to me that people receive proper training and observe it and that we strengthen the requirements for a concealed carry permit. I’ve expressed my deepest concerns to Rep. Wilson and Minority Leadership. It’s my expectation that he follows through with his commitment not to carry his firearm at the Capitol.

Colorado is very lucky that these multiple misplacements of firearms haven’t led to shootings inside the Capitol already.

If any lawmakers were still looking for a reason to vote “YES” on SB24-131, Rep. Wilson just made it easy for them.