‘Strapped at the Cap’: Lawmakers and Lobbyists Pack Heat as Gun-Free Zone Falls

CHEYENNE—For the first time in a decade, the Wyoming Capitol’s hallways and committee rooms are no longer gun-free zones during the legislative session. And some lawmakers, lobbyists and activists are taking full advantage.

Mark Jones, national director of Gun Owners of America, walked through a side door early Thursday morning and noticed the difference immediately. The “no guns” signs were gone. He was carrying a concealed 10 mm Glock pistol. “If a 9 mm is good, a 10 mm is even better!” he said.

The change comes courtesy of House Bill 172, which repealed gun-free zones in the Capitol and many other state government buildings. Rep. Jeremy Haroldson, R-Wheatland, had run similar bills every year since 2021. Finally, last year, Gov. Mark Gordon let it become law without his signature.

Haroldson, wearing camo pants and a Punisher skull pin with neon yellow hair, presented another gun bill Thursday morning. Asked if he carried, the pastor said “absolutely”—rotating through three guns, though he declined to specify which.

The new reality has spread through the building. NRA lobbyist Brian Gorsch, when asked if he was carrying, smiled and patted his biceps: “I’ve got my guns right here.” Sen. John Kolb, R-Rock Springs, who defended the bill, was more guarded: “I’d be stupid to tell you. The uncertainty is what protects people.”

Not everyone is armed. Rep. Scott Heiner, R-Green River, opened his suit jacket and spun around to prove he wasn’t carrying. Reps. Chris Knapp and Reuben Tarver looked on, chuckling. “For my part, I feel more safe and secure,” Heiner said. “I know some of my legislative friends carry.”

Capitol security hasn’t raised alarms. “You gotta remember that we’re in Wyoming, so this is pretty normal,” a Highway Patrol trooper said. Capt. Benjamin Schlosser, stationed near the governor’s office, confirmed: “As of right now, we’ve had no issues with guns.”

The Second Amendment appetite hasn’t been satisfied. Six gun bills are in play this budget session, including Haroldson’s measures to lower the concealed carry age to 18 and allow guns on public college campuses.

Aaron Dorr, Iowa-based lobbyist for Wyoming Gun Owners, stood in the Senate gallery Thursday texting as lawmakers debated another gun bill. Does he carry? “Absolutely!” he said. A Glock 19.

Sen. Chris Rothfuss, D-Laramie, who voted against the repeal, shrugged in an elevator Friday. “I’m trying to keep it out of my mind. And I haven’t been shot yet.” Sen. Wendy Schuler, R-Evanston, added: “There are too many other more important things to think about.”

The elevator doors opened. Dorr stood there, looking at his phone.