Where in the story does it say he had it slung over his shoulder? Nowhere. I’m assuming then because he was there to ‘prove a point’ that he was displaying it ostentatiously, or brandishing it.
Bottom line - guns are serious tools. As I said, I grew up in the rural areas and guns are brought out to use, to clean, or to transport. They aren’t some neo-60’s hippie protest statement, and you don’t walk around with one to prove a point. He didn’t do anything illegal, but he sure didn’t use good gun handling protocol either. Like several said here, if I was carrying I would have had safety off ready to put the guy down if he made a wrong move.
..and had you shot yourself in the foot because you got overly nervous while finger a loaded weapon with the safety off, you would not only get a ride to the hospital, but you would be in trouble for unlawful discharge and whatever else the law could come up with.