Man raises questions after carrying rifle into JC Penney

KSL.com ^ | January 17th, 2013 | y Paul Nelson and Andrew Wittenberg

[Daffynition]

RIVERDALE — Pictures of a man carrying a rifle inside a big box store in Riverdale are raising a lot of eyebrows. The woman who took them tells KSL the man had no business bringing the gun where he did.

It was supposed to be just a regular trip to the JC Penney. Wednesday night, Cindy Yorgason was in line to return something when she saw a man with some pretty heavy fire power.

"He had the assault rifle over his shoulder," Yorgason said. "He had a handgun on the right side of his belt along with at least one additional clip."

She got out her phone after she said "a couple of other customers started to raise their eyes and look at this guy like, ‘Is he crazy?'"

She never felt threatened, but she believes a place like JC Penney is an inappropriate place to bring a weapon.

[Brooklyn Attitude]

It’s JC Penny, so there were only few people there anyway.

[who knows what evil?]

I see people ‘bearing arms’ all the time at the grocery store in Red Hampshire...

[MestaMachine]

AMEN, BROTHER!

[Daffynition]

JCP and the store would be empty. Who would feel threatened? No one is there.

[Resettozero]

Obvious an attention starved person looking for 15 minutes of fame.

Correction: "Obviously an attention-starved well-protected and confident person looking for 15 minutes of fame."

[djf]

I got a Marlin 60 tube-fed autoloader .22 and it’s actually STAMPED J. C. PENNEY on the barrel...

From the serial number, I think it’s circa 1967 or so.

[who knows what evil?]

His khaki belt doesn't match his black trousers!

Really...in Penney's, of all places. He's trying to stir the pot from several directions at the same time.

[kenmcg]

You can bet no one got mugged while he was in the store.

[rarestia]

Provoking a reaction? Yeah, the reaction should be, “Thank God there’s someone nearby who could react if another shooter went traipsing through this mall.”

Fact is, millions of people, myself included, carry firearms concealed from view for personal protection and would have absolutely no problem using them in defense of self or others. This gentleman decided to openly carry his arms, a right which no one can deny him, and he peaceably went about his business.

If open-carry ever passes in Florida, my wife and I intend to go about our lawful business, shopping, groceries, even getting mani/pedis with our rifles slung across our backs and pistols on our hips. We’re PROUD to be gun owners and to be law-abiding citizens.

This limp-wristed BS about “oh, this is a stranger, I don’t know his mental state and he’s got an assault weapon” has GOT TO STOP. There are millions of law enforcement officers around this country, and there’s no way every single one of them is mentally perfect. I personally know a handful who juice (roids) and have TERRIBLE anger management issues, but no one thinks twice about calling them for safety.

This needs to be normalized the same way that the left tries to normalize homosexuality and gay marriage. THIS IS OUR FIGHT TO WIN! The right to self-defense and arms is affirmed in the Second amendment, and we should NOT be afraid to exercise it EVER!

[TSgt]

I personally feel very safe around armed citizens.

Exposure is exactly what is needed to desensitize the public. It worked for the homosexual mafia...

[hiredhand]

We know that discretion is the better part of valor. But part of me wonders what the net effect would be if we collectively slung our EBRs and holstered our pistols and simply went about our daily business open carrying where we are able to legally.

When only one person does this, it gives the impression that he's an "attention seeker", and while he might be, the perception would be entirely different if EVERYBODY who were able did what he's doing. THAT would send a definite message.

... just saying. :-)

[paul51]

I used to think people who did this sort of thing were real bozo’s that hurt the cause. Now, with all the anti gun hystria from every direction, I think it’s time for a little push back. If the mere sight of my fire arm scares you or 'offends' you, too bad. Go home, lock your doors and close your blinds.

PS. don’t sweep people with your muzzxle. it’s bad form.

[TSgt]

Exactly!

My county has the highest number of concealed carry permits for our area. You bet that guy standing next to you in the frozen food section is packing.

In fact, with all of the recent shootings I feel that I’m not protecting my family if I venture out with them unarmed.

We need more good guys with guns not less of them.

[hal ogen]

I don’t see the problem. It isn’t like he is shooting anyone. Isn’t there still a Bill of Rights? We should see more guns around being carried by normal, average citizens.

[ArrogantBustard]

Fabulouth!

But shouldn't the vertical foregrip match the horizontal handguard?

[lwd]

I find it more outragous that he’s even shopping at JC Penny.

[Conserev1]

Although it’s good to make a statement. I feel this kind of publicity is not the correct manner to do so! The guy was just pushing the envelope, and I would think could have been arrested not on a weapons charge but an inciting panic charge!
Hell in most states now the old rifle in the rear pickup window does not fly, as weapon transportation has to be in a secure case and unloaded with ammo in separate location!
This is not proper and sends the wrong message from Second Amendment Supporters. Weapons have their place and JCP is not the place for this exhibition.

[BipolarBob]

This gentleman decided to openly carry his arms, a right which no one can deny him
He's on private property. That owner has the right to restrict who he does business with. You do concealed carry? Good for you. That's what this guy should have done. Carrying a rifle in a mall nowadays is inviting trouble.

[Paladin2]

[Perseverando]

And the dangerous black color!