Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued an opinion Monday that the State Capitol Commission can prohibit firearms in the Capitol building.

The opinion says a review of past cases and state law, the commission can regulate firearms within areas under its control.

“I firmly believe in the right to protest, the right to demonstrate, and the right to loudly and strongly object to those causes that move us,” Nessel said. “These rights are so fundamental to our democracy that they are enshrined in the First Amendment of our Constitution. But it is also important to remember that the right to protest does not encompass the right to violence, or the right to harm those individuals with whom you disagree.”

Nessel notified the commission on Friday it had the authority to ban firearms at the Capitol but they dismissed it because it was not a formal opinion. The formal opinion was issued Monday.

The opinion follows a demonstration by residents who were armed with guns while legislators were in session.

Some lawmakers and Capitol employees expressed they felt threatened or feared for their safety, Nessel stated.

Click here to read the opinion