Ted Nugent Enters Michigan State Capitol While Armed, Sparks Renewed Debate Over Armed Carry Policies ~ VIDEO
Ammoland Inc. Posted on July 8, 2025 by Ammoland Editors & Staff
LANSING, MI – Rock legend and outspoken outdoorsman Ted Nugent made headlines after bringing a firearm into the Michigan State Capitol while testifying before lawmakers on hunting regulations.
The incident took place on June 25, 2025, as Nugent entered the building’s north entrance to address a joint House Committee on accountability within the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. According to Michigan State Police (MSP), the Capitol’s weapons detection system flagged the firearm, but the trooper stationed at the checkpoint did not notice the alert until Nugent had already passed through security.
After completing his testimony, Nugent was informed by troopers about the Capitol’s firearm ban and “complied immediately,” MSP confirmed in a statement. The type of firearm Nugent carried has not been publicly disclosed.
Michigan prohibits both open and concealed carry in the Capitol for everyone except “only-ones” ~ lawmakers with concealed pistol licenses and on-duty law enforcement officers.
These bans were implemented in 2021 and 2023, following protests in which armed citizens entered the building.
The Michigan State Capitol Commission called the incident “rare but inexcusable” and has pledged to tighten security measures, including adding a second trooper at key entrances. Some Democratic lawmakers expressed frustration that Nugent was allowed to continue his visit after the firearm detection.
“The issue is not that Ted Nugent had a firearm in the Capitol, right? The issue is that the policy was not followed,” said Rep. Laurie Pohutsky (D-Livonia), “Someone who should not have had a firearm in the Capitol had one, and that should not be permitted.”
For many Americans, however, the event reignites an ongoing debate about the right to self-defense in public buildings.
Critics of Michigan’s carry bans argue that if the state cannot provide full armed protection for visitors and staff, citizens should retain the ability to defend themselves. Nugent, a longtime advocate for Second Amendment rights, has not publicly commented on the matter.
MSP says they are reviewing the lapse and “evaluating procedures to ensure it does not happen again.”
The controversy highlights a broader tension between state-imposed firearm restrictions and the fundamental right of individuals to protect themselves—even in spaces where government security may fall short. The fact that “Uncle Ted” was able to breach the so-called security underscores why Michiganders—and all Americans—should be able to carry in these places.
What do you think about concealed or even open carry in public buildings?
My thought is IF THE FRIGGIN’ .GOV CAN’T PROTECT ME IN THE FEDERAL OFFICES/BUILDINGS
(BECAUSE SOME OFFICER IS ASLEEP @ THE WHEEL! ESPECIALLY!)
**I AM ALLOWED TO CARRY AND PROTECT MYSELF!.**He didn’t let Uncle Ted go by ARMED
because he was testifying or because he was the MOTOR CITY MADMAN!..
HE DROPPED THE DUCKIN’ BALL!.
I did this job for YEARS! NOBODY got by me! Like firearms I TRAINED UP, got profecient, and went to work. I stopped Cops, Lawyers, City Councilmen and Women who carried!, Bodyguards (I was one of those too!) ALL had to ‘GET THE MOMMY MAY I PERMISSION TO CONTINUE TO THEIR DESTINATION !’ Did I like hassling LEO’S? Hell NO! But it was MY JOB! Tough Nuggies!.
When .gov INVENTS STOOPID rules they have to be ENFORCED!
Till they get a Brain and realize that Armed Citizen could STOP Mass Shootings by @ least HALF! (if not more), Till these dying Mall Owners, Shop keepers, Stupid SHEEP take down those idiotic GFZ (Gun Free Zone) signs, Till many more folks’ DIE who shouldn’t have to and the buy a clue!
This Country is NOT FREE!
(so ends a magnificant RANT for the day).
‘Cat Scratch Fever Uncle Ted!’----YOU ROCK!
WWG1WGA
NCSWIC
