I’m not saying his actions were correct, but the gun was not “loaded.” He was certainly not displaying proper weapons handling by any means and he obviously never learned the first rule of gun safety.
Despite that, he obviously thought the gun a toy, and there is no way it was “capable of killing or seriously injuring someone.” Even airguns are not sold loaded or charged.
While you and I (and all from the gun culture) agree that all weapons should be treated as lethal at all times, most people today have no training and little understanding of guns. Air rifles, BB guns and paintball guns are considered toys by most people and I doubt many here could say they never did something stupid with some sort of air rifle. It’s a bit of a meme, you know: “it’s all fun and games til you shoot your eye out.”
Yes, the guy was not following basic gun safety rules, but he was acting in character with many, if not most, recreational airgun users. The only dangerous and criminal actions came from the caller and police.
Couple things.
What type of packaging was the rifle in?
Why did be take it out of the packaging and move to a different section of the store?
All of the Walmarts around have here a separate register In sporting goods around here.
If you are interested in the weapon you look at it there, put it back in the box, buy it or not. You don't keep it and go try on pants.
If he had stayed in sporting goods this probably wouldn't have happened.
Why was he acting so bizzare?
He may have been trolling for a reaction.
Keep in mind that we are in a state of heightened awareness due to muslims. I expect to hear of a mass terrorist shooting in, say, a department store or some other public place any day.
The cops would have no idea that it wasn't loaded. If he wanted to he could have had it loaded and charged in seconds.