I am surprised they did not shoot it down almost as if they knew who it was or to expect it.
Apparently he told a Tampa reporter what he was about to do, she went to DC to see him takeoff, then called the Capital Police to inform them that he was coming.
“I am surprised they did not shoot it down almost as if they knew who it was or to expect it.”
Never attribute to malice that which can be shown as incompetence.
His little gyrocopter represents capability for approximately as much potential harm as a motorscooter. Frankly this guy could operate in and out of there all day and if something went wrong there's plenty of open space to fall into.
Those laws he broke exist for the primary purpose of maximizing police convenience so they may crack down on idiots. But they don't hold much water when pressed up against the first amendment. That's a peaceable petition for redress of grievances and trying to make an example of him is a pointless waste of our tax dollars.