[mlocher]

This is not Canada, this is Vancouver WASHINGTON. This is the United States, think across the river from Portland, Oregon.

My bad and thanks for the correction. My argument still holds -- stupid law -- do away with it. Now I can voice my opinion.

[mvpel]

My bad and thanks for the correction. My argument still holds -- stupid law -- do away with it. Now I can voice my opinion.

It's not a stupid law, it's a stupid cop. From the article's comment thread:

Excerpt from the training for the King County Sheriff’s Office

TITLE OF TRAINING:
Open Carry of Firearm in Washington

06/06 1
RCW 9.41.270 states “It shall be unlawful for any person to carry, exhibit, display, or draw any firearm or any other weapon apparently capable of producing bodily harm, in a manner, under circumstances, and at a time and place that either manifests an intent to intimidate another or that warrants alarm for the safety of others.” Can the men be charged? Obviously people are looking at them a second time when they see the guns in plain view.

POSSIBLE ANSWERS
A. Yes
B. No

DETAILED ANSWER / EXPLANATION: (provide sources / references)

The correct answer is: B. No

In this law, mere possession of an openly carried handgun is not prohibited. In order to support an enforcement action under this law the officer must be able to articulate (describe in a convincing manner) malicious intent by the suspect or circumstances that reasonably cause alarm to the public. In either case, because open carry in Washington is presumably legal, the articulation must include something beyond mere, open possession.

RCW 9.41.300