The Colorado lawmaker apologized for leaving on Thursday uncontrolled firearm This week in the bathroom at the state Capitol.
State Rep. Don Wilson, a Republican, left a loaded 9mm Glock handgun on a shelf in a single-person bathroom around 9 p.m. local time, the Colorado State Patrol reported. The Capitol closed to the public that evening at 7:00 p.m.
State Patrol officials said surveillance video shows the gun was left unattended for about 20 minutes before it was found and safely stored by cleaning staff. Wilson contacted state troopers about an hour later, who returned the gun to him.
“I want to be clear that I take full and complete responsibility for the incident. I made a mistake and I’m very sorry,” Wilson said statement Thursday. “I take firearm safety very seriously. This is a humbling experience and I will reaffirm my commitment to responsible handling procedures.”
Colorado State Police said an investigation determined Wilson had not violated any state laws.
“Individuals with Capitol credentials and access are permitted to carry firearms in secured areas in accordance with Colorado gun laws,” state police said.
House Speaker Julie McCluskie, a Democrat, warned Wilson that “this incident has created a dangerous situation.”
He added that Democrats are pursuing legislation that would ban the carrying of firearms in the Capitol.
A measure A ban on firearms in sensitive locations, including some government buildings, was introduced in February.
“The fact that a Republican lawmaker carelessly left a loaded gun in a public bathroom demonstrates the need for gun safety policies that Democrats have been fighting for,” said Democratic Senate President Steve Feinberg, who sponsored the measure.
There are similar efforts shortened In Congress.
Last year, the House Natural Resources Committee rejected a Democratic amendment to ban firearms from committee hearings after the Republican-controlled Rules Committee struck down a provision by Democrats that would have banned firearms in committee and hearing rooms.
Tuesday’s incident was not the first time a gun has been mishandled at the Colorado State Capitol.
State Representative Richard Holtorf, who is running for Congress in the 4th Congressional District, dropped his gun in front of the House of Representatives on his way to the 2022 ballot. This was reported by the Denver Post.