News Summary

Rock musician Ted Nugent caused an uproar after entering the Michigan Capitol armed with a concealed firearm during a joint committee hearing. The incident has raised serious questions about the Capitol’s security protocols and the enforcement of weapons bans, prompting an investigation by the Michigan State Police. While Nugent complied with the policies once approached, lawmakers are emphasizing the need for stricter safety measures amidst ongoing concerns about firearms in government buildings.

Lansing, Michigan – Rock musician and hunting advocate Ted Nugent entered the Michigan Capitol on June 25, 2025, armed with a concealed firearm during a joint committee hearing. The hearing, focused on holding the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) accountable for hunting regulations, has now raised serious security concerns.

The incident occurred when Nugent arrived at the Capitol through the north entrance. As he passed through the weapons detection system, the Michigan State Police (MSP) reported an alert for a possible weapon; however, the trooper on duty did not notice the alert until Nugent had already exited the screening area. This lapse in security protocols has led to significant scrutiny of the processes in place for ensuring the safety of Capitol visitors and staff.

State Representative Laurie Pohutsky, who was present during Nugent’s testimony, observed early on that he was armed. She promptly raised this issue with House sergeants and state police, but no immediate actions were taken to address the situation. Following Nugent’s testimony, members of the MSP approached him and explained the Capitol’s strict weapons policy to which he complied.

It’s important to note that Nugent is not exempt from the Capitol’s weapons ban, which prohibits both concealed and open carry of firearms, except for on-duty law enforcement personnel and certain legislators with concealed carry permits. This ban was instituted in response to concerns raised after armed protests at the Capitol, particularly those that took place in April 2020. The recent incident has reignited dialogue about the enforcement of this policy and the security measures in place.

In response to the event, MSP has launched an investigation to understand how Nugent was able to enter the Capitol with a firearm undetected. They are reviewing procedures to prevent similar occurrences in the future. Concerns have been raised by lawmakers regarding the implications of allowing individuals to carry firearms within the Capitol building, as it poses a potential threat to the safety of officials and visitors.

Representative Pohutsky has publicly expressed her worries over the enforcement of the firearms ban, stressing that permitting anyone to carry a weapon in the Capitol can endanger lives. Observers noted that Nugent appeared armed during his 10-minute commentary, raising further tension during an already contentious meeting.

The MSP has committed to evaluating this incident thoroughly and exploring policy improvements to fortify safety protocols at the Capitol. As of now, Nugent’s team has been reached out to for comments regarding the incident, but they have not yet provided a response.

As the investigation progresses, officials are expected to address the vulnerabilities in the Capitol’s security measures to prevent any future oversights and ensure that the safety of all who enter the building remains a top priority.