RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Several gun rights advocates are criticizing Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s move to ban concealed handguns in state-owned office buildings.

Advocates a public hearing Wednesday in Richmond said the governor’s executive order is making the state less safe and more vulnerable to a mass shooting.

McAuliffe issued an executive order last year banning the open carry and concealed carry of guns in most state-owned office buildings, saying the move was necessary to prevent gun-related violence.

Some gun control advocates commended McAuliffe’s move, but most speakers at Wednesday’s hearing opposed the measure.

McAuliffe, a Democrat, has been an outspoken advocate for tighter gun control measures, and is often in disagreement on gun issues with the GOP-controlled General Assembly.

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