Michigan State Capitol Commission speaks out after Ted Nugent enters capitol with firearm

Two weeks ago, musician and outdoors activist Ted Nugent brought a firearm into the Michigan State Capitol building, according to Michigan State Police (MSP).

Nugent's firearm was identified by a trooper working security at the door, but the trooper did not see the alert until Nugent left the screening area, police say.

Upon being notified of the capitol's weapons policy, Nugent surrendered his firearm.

• Previous coverage: Ted Nugent carried gun into Michigan State Capitol despite ban

The Michigan State Capitol Commission told News Channel 3 the incident is rare, but inexcusable nonetheless, and they don't want anything like it to happen ever again.

Commission Chair William Kandler said they are looking for ways to make the building safer as a result.

"Now that we're in this period of extreme political violence, we have to look at things a little bit differently, and so that's why we went through this whole process of getting the best equipment we could find," Kandler said.

There was only one trooper working security at the north entrance of the capitol building that Wednesday, June 25, which Kandler said is a result of staffing shortages.

They now plan to add a second trooper to the north entrance.

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"It took several months to get to this point where there are enough people to cover all the doors, all the time," Kandler said. "We're just getting there now."

MSP released a statement to News Channel 3 on the matter:

Mr. Nugent was screened at the north entrance of the Capitol on Wednesday, June 25. The weapons detection system functioned correctly and alerted to a possible weapon; however, the trooper staffing the entry point did not see the alert until after Mr. Nugent left the screening area. Upon completing his meeting, MSP personnel contacted Mr. Nugent and notified him of the weapons policy, and he complied. We are committed to the safety and security of all who work at and visit the Capitol, and we’ll be reviewing this situation to ensure it does not happen again.

Kandler said he appreciated how transparent MSP was with them on the incident.

"They were very forthcoming, told us what happened, admitted they made a mistake, immediately implemented a policy that to address it, of adding an extra person, extra trooper at that north entrance," he said. "And so we worked together really well."

MSP did not disclose to News Channel 3 if the trooper who was at the north entrance is facing disciplinary action.