But it really is not.
Some guys show up for the Open Carry event at the Starbucks in San Antonio. At least one of them has a rifle instead of a pistol. One of the non-open carrying customers reports being frightened to the police. The police arrive and cite the open carriers for “disorderly conduct”.
Under Texas law, open carrying a rifle is not illegal as long as the gun is not loaded.
But San Antonio police Chief William McManus told KENS-TV that gun owners can still be charged with disorderly conduct if anyone feels threatened at any point during a demonstration. In other words, if anyone around you is uncomfortable with firearms, you could technically be charged with a crime.
“It’s a disorderly offense that officers will address accordingly,†the police chief said.
Links to the video and story at above link.
Now, I would like to hear how much money these guys get from Chief McManus once they win their lawsuit.
I’m of a mind to think that the Chief and his officers are a little bit off on their idea of people “feeling threatened”. A rifle slung over the shoulder is as non-threatening as it gets. If the person with the rifle is holding it in their hands, or waving it about in an unsafe manner, then that is another matter. However, if they did any of that, I missed it.
Being craven does not give you special rights to remove the rights of others.
The Open Carry of handguns is illegal in Texas. OC of rifles are their only option.
So, Tango, if that’s true, the arrested (in a non-custodial say) the wrong folks, while standing right next to the “right” folks to arrest? hmmm… No matter which way you slice it, SOMEBODY (or -bodies) is being an idiot.
There may be exceptions to the OC law if a company allows it? I dunno. Never heard of any, but I live in utah.
So, if I’m afeered of cops carrying openly, can I swear out a complaint for Disorderly?