Yelling “Toy Guns” on a Crowded Facebook Page

The Volokh Conspiracy ^ | 11/01/2013 | Eugene Volokh

[Rusty0604]

On October 22, 2013, Angelo Appi (DOB 1-3-1967) turned himself into the East Haven Police Department on an arrest warrant charging him with Breach of Peace in the Second Degree.

The arrest warrant originated from an incident that took place the previous day in which Appi allegedly posted on Facebook the following message “Maybe I have to walk in with Toy guns just to prove a point!”

The comments were regarding Joseph Melillo Middle School in which Appi has previously pointed out what he believes are lapses in security at the school

He wasn’t threatening to attack anyone. He wasn’t threatening to illegally bring a gun anywhere. He wasn’t even expressly threatening to bring a toy gun anywhere — but if he was, then it’s at most a conditional threat that “maybe” he might bring a toy gun somewhere. Even if this is enough to justify the police investigating Appi and his intentions, it can’t justify prosecuting him for his speech.

[G Larry]

When somebody points out the elite aren’t doing their job, they prefer to target the guy shining the light on their incompetence.

[Marcella]

White people do not have free speech anymore. You could lose your job, your house and car can be searched, you can be fined and arrested. You have to be careful what you say around which people and what you say on the internet.

Black people, it appears, can say anything at any time about anyone and it's just swell.

[Pontiac]

Mr. Appi should publish the name of the idiot judge that signed the arrest warrant.

This judge should not win reelection (assuming the judge is subject to election).

This is clearly an illegal arrest.

[sport]

he should consider himself lucky he was able to turn himself in. The child in California was shot down like a rabid dog by the law for walking down the road with a toy gun. And some on this forum applauded the murder.

[Flick Lives]

Bingo!