“Since when does carrying a holstered sidearm and staring at people constitute grounds for forced disarmament? “
Correct.
The entire state of Washington is an open carry state, and that open carry allows for LOADED weapons.
Without a verbal threat, or motion threat (putting his hand on the firearm like he’s going to pull it) the man was perfectly within his legal rights and there are no laws in the state preventing his actions as described.
And WA is also a “preemption” state, where state law applies to every municipality. The municipality cannot enact stricter laws than the state.
This was a criminal act by SPD and the judge who issued the warrant.
So by this precedent, if a cop with a gun looks at me funny or stares at somebody he should have his firearm taken away. Right?