Rock musician and outspoken gun rights advocate Ted Nugent is under investigation after allegedly bringing a weapon into the Michigan state Capitol, violating the building’s firearms policy. The incident, first reported by Click On Detroit, has raised questions about security procedures at the government facility.
According to Michigan State Police Director Shanon Banner, Nugent entered the Capitol through the north entrance, where the weapons detection system flagged a potential firearm. However, the alert was reportedly missed by the on-site trooper until Nugent had already moved past the checkpoint.
“MR. NUGENT WAS SCREENED AT THE NORTH ENTRANCE OF THE CAPITOL YESTERDAY,” BANNER SAID. “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.”
After completing his Capitol visit, Nugent was approached by authorities who explained the building’s no-weapons policy. He was cooperative, and the situation did not escalate further.
“UPON COMPLETING HIS MEETING, MSP PERSONNEL CONTACTED MR. NUGENT AND NOTIFIED HIM OF THE WEAPONS POLICY, AND HE COMPLIED,” BANNER CONTINUED. “WE ARE STILL EVALUATING HOW THE WEAPONS DETECTION ALERT WAS MISSED AND WILL BE FOLLOWING UP TO ENSURE THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN AGAIN.”
While Nugent has not been charged, the investigation remains ongoing. Police are reviewing how the security lapse occurred and what measures can prevent future incidents.
This is not Nugent’s first brush with legal issues related to guns or hunting. He has previously faced controversy over wildlife violations. In one high-profile case, Nugent pleaded guilty in Alaska to taking more bears than allowed, resulting in a $10,000 fine, a one-year hunting ban, and mandatory public service announcements on ethical hunting.
Despite his legal history, Nugent remains a fierce defender of Second Amendment rights, frequently speaking out against stricter gun control measures and maintaining a strong presence in America’s gun rights debate.
As officials continue to investigate the Capitol incident, it adds another layer to Nugent’s complex public image — one that continues to draw both criticism and support across the political and cultural spectrum.
