Man carries assault rifle to Obama protest -- and it's legal

cnn ^ | August 18, 2009

[JoeProBono]

PHOENIX, Arizona (CNN) -- A man toting an assault rifle was among a dozen protesters carrying weapons while demonstrating outside President Obama's speech to veterans on Monday, but no laws were broken. It was the second instance in recent days in which weapons have been seen near presidential events.

[charmedone]

10 or 12 years ago a fellow was seen carrying (legally) a pistol at the Phoenix Open. He was a Tiger fan. BUT, he was arrested for some BS charge and it was reported he was stalking Tiger.

Media created tension just to sell papers. Of course, Tiger was incensed and quit coming to the tourney here for years (not sure if he comes now or not).

[mysterio]

Maybe he was insecure because of the implied threat of the angry, organized NAZI mob and thought he needed his arms for his PUBLIC SAFETY??

If that were the case, he would have been carrying a holstered sidearm or two.

The Black Panthers carried powerful rifles for the same kind of effect in the 1960s in California, including into the state assembly. This led to the Mulford act being passed and signed into law.

Start carrying assault rifles to town hall meetings, and you'll get the next AWB passed in no time flat.

[stuartcr]

Yes, under certain circumstances it does make sense, that’ why I’m all for the law. This, I don’t think, is anywhere near that.

[devistate one four]

Weapon -vs- firearm.

which sounds better to an anti gunner or a person who doesn’t know anything about guns?

[stuartcr]

I’m afraid the majority of people will view this negatively. There are many, many people that just do not like weapons, especially on the streets where they can see them.

[dog breath]

I think that your comment sums it up best, it is a bonehead thing to do for any reason. Besides creating panic it would also be a good way to get yourself detained or even shot by a jumpy secret service agent. Lord knows, guarding Obama must be a difficult enough assignment without things like this. There is no point he couldn't of made in another fashion.

[charmedone]

“They came right out and said that he was against reform.”

That doesn’t make it true, and in fact, tends to go against the statement considering.

[Callahan]

Wasn’t Easy-E (rapper of NWA fame, 7 kids by 7 women, etc.) an NRA member and frequent donor? I always wondered why more hip-hop types don’t support gun rights since they rap about them so much). I guess it’s cause we don’t teach people to shoot sideways.

[Free Vulcan]

Yeah that’s what I thought. Kind of has the opposite effect of what they’re wanting. Definitely think the guy was a plant, but he may have helped our side more than his.

[bolobaby]

According to the government, automobiles are just as dangerous (if not MORE dangerous) than guns: http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/outreach/safesobr/13qp/facts/facthom.html "Fact A motor vehicle�s purpose is to transport people from one place to another. However, under the right circumstances, motor vehicles become as deadly, if not deadlier, than guns. The latest statistics show that almost twice the number of people die in vehicle crashes per year than by all other forms of homicide combined. And more people are killed in alcohol-related crashes per year than are killed by firearms. Courts across the country do not equate motor vehicles with guns if used as they are intended to be used. But if the operator intends to use the vehicle as a weapon, then motor vehicles and guns are equally effective weapons." And yet, I don't recall CNN having their panties in a wad when someone drives a car near a presidential event. CNN should take a hint from Iraq. When a terrorist wants to cause mass casualties or go after a high value target, they use a car bomb, not small arms.

[omega4179]

Even if he’s us he is not helping! He singlehandedly changed the subject matter from town halls to calls for more restrictions and restraint.

[SampleMan]

It appears to me that he is black!

It was clear to me that he must be black when CNN didn't headling the story "KLANSMEN THREATEN BELOVED LEADER"

[stuartcr]

All someone has to do, is yell something like...’OMG, he’s got a gun!’...and start running. Crap can happen really fast in this situation, especially if there are many other armed persons around. Who do the authorities know is the good guy, or a bad guy?

[charmedone]

“this guy was an Obama astroturf plant”

I heard a friend of his on the radio this morning and he says the guy is legit right wing but no harmful intent. Making a poor point poorly.

[Callahan]

A gun is a tool. I don’t bring my tools along unless I need them or plan on using them.

[o_zarkman44]

We don’t know what the motive of the unidentified rifle carrier is. He could be a black panther plant with the backing of Union strongarms trying to scare legitimagte protest.

If that is the case, we should have great concern that the radical left is trying to intimidate anti Obama demonstrators. Like the voter intimidation in Philly by the Black Panthers, who were recently absconded by the Justice Dept, finding no violations of law.

Either way we go, there WAS NO VIOLATION OF THE LAW. Carrying an AR15 to a political rally is not in good taste IMHO. A sidearm is much more palatable in a large crowd.
But frankly when demonstrating with conservatives I have no fear or concern from that group. But the left wingers, and especially the minority branch of the left wing are known for violent confrontations.

If this is a symbolic escalation by the minority left wingers we better get prepared.

[taxcontrol]

I make no assertions as to why he is carrying ... only an observation as to the effect.

[Pessimist]

I smell false flag here....

[Gaffer]

Now, that’s just plain wrong to do that to a perfectly good rifle.....hell, it even has the Nato barrel on it with a bayo mount and everything! Just damn!

[b4its2late]

I thought he was a leftist plant or one of Obama’s new civilian defense force.