Rock icon and outspoken political figure Ted Nugent brought a firearm into the Michigan Capitol building on Wednesday, a direct violation of the Capitol’s weapons ban—an incident now being attributed to a security lapse by the Michigan State Police (MSP).
Nugent, who appeared before a joint session of three House committees to oppose state conservation regulations—including bans on deer baiting—was armed during his testimony, officials confirmed.
According to MSP spokesperson Shanon Banner, Nugent was screened at the Capitol’s north entrance, where the weapons detection system correctly flagged a potential weapon. However, due to human error, the alert was missed by the trooper on duty until after Nugent had entered the building.
“Upon completing his meeting, MSP personnel contacted Mr. Nugent and notified him of the weapons policy, and he complied,” Banner stated via email. “We are still evaluating how the weapons detection alert was missed and will be following up to ensure this does not happen again.”
Banner did not specify what type of weapon Nugent was carrying, nor did she clarify whether the weapon was confiscated or if Nugent simply left Capitol grounds. “He complied by no longer being armed within the Capitol,” she said.
Open and concealed carry of firearms are both prohibited on Capitol grounds, with few exceptions. Nugent’s presence with a weapon while addressing lawmakers has sparked concerns about security protocols at the statehouse.
State Representative Laurie Pohutsky (D-Livonia), who was seated directly in front of Nugent during his heated remarks, criticized his invitation to speak and later noted on TikTok that it was clear he appeared to be armed during his testimony.
As of now, no disciplinary action has been announced regarding the trooper who missed the weapons alert.
