MONTPELIER – Gov. Phil Scott signed legislation late yesterday afternoon that would effectively ban residents of six states from entering Vermont. Gov. Scott denied that it was a ban, and said only that it was to ensure the safety of Vermonters. The ban is seen as controversial, despite the last minute amendment that would allow access to the state for those with relatives living here.

The six states whose residents are are now banned from entering Vermont are:

Arizona, the state of Jared Lee Loughner. Loughner opened fire at a supermarket in 2011, killing six people, wounding thirteen others, and putting Rep. Gabrielle Giffords in critical condition after shooting her in the head.

Colorado, the state of James Eagan Holmes. Holmes killed twelve people and injured seventy more at a movie theater in 2012.

North Carolina, the state of Frazier Glenn Miller, Jr.. Miller traveled to Kansas in 2014 and killed three people outside of a Jewish Community Center and Village Shalom retirement home.

Pennsylvania, the state of Eric Matthew Frein. Frein opened fire on a state police barracks with a sniper rifle in 2014, killing one officer and wounding another.

South Carolina, the state of Dylann Storm Roof. Roof murdered nine people and injured one more during a prayer service at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in 2015.

Wisconsin, the state of Wade Michael Page. Page was a white supremacist who shot and killed six people and wounded four others at a Sikh temple in 2012.

Over the coming months, as the effects of the travel restrictions are observed, the state has vowed to consider expanding the ban to the other 43 states that contain possible terrorists.

Image Credits: Portengaround.