Posted on 11/17/2021 6:47:13 AM PST by where's_the_Outrage?
The Claim
While making his closing statement, Assistant District Attorney Thomas Binger produced the weapon that Rittenhouse used during the shooting incident on August 25, 2020.
Binger then raised and pointed the weapon in the courtroom. The moment was captured by the court's cameras and multiple photographers in the room.
The video and images of the episode have since been widely shared online, accompanied by questions around Binger's handling of the firearm—including his appearing to put his finger on the trigger—and claims that he aimed the rifle at the jury.....
While it is accurate to say that the prosecutor raises the weapon and points it in a certain direction, the line of sight appears to go diagonally across the room, rather than toward the jury, which is seated behind and to the left of the spot where he stands.....
Finally, there is no basis to the claims that the weapon was loaded or unsafe. Both Binger and—later—defense attorney Mark Richards stated that it was first checked by a weapons safety professional.
(Excerpt) Read more at msn.com ...
I don’t. And I don’t think anyone else here does either. That’s kind of my point. The photo alone doesn’t give us enough information to know whether it was safe or not.
I look at the other way. If someone across the room from me opens the bolt of the rifle — and then points the rifle in my general direction — I have no idea what he saw or didn’t see in the chamber. I have to assume that the rifle *might* be loaded.
So even if we are willing to give ADA Binger the benefit of the doubt, the people on one-side of that courtroom felt somewhat uncomfortable. I’m sure that is what he intended also.
Thanks Alecs...
"Oh no, I thought it was empty!"
Too late...
If I've checked it or not, I never consider a gun unloaded.
I never point a gun at a person, even temporarily in transit.
I have been here since 07 and don’t remember ever noticing that. Thank you for the heads up.
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