Chris0nllyn
Well-Known Member
"In a post Aurora-Newtown environment, it's a reckless and irresponsible stunt to strut around in public with an assault-style weapon and think police should assume you're well-intentioned," Milwaukee Police Chief Edward Flynn said Thursday, referring to mass shooting incidents in Colorado and Connecticut.
The men are walking down the street when they see a police car's lights go on and they see officers approaching. As the officers order the men to put their hands against the wall, the police ask why they're carrying the guns that way.
"For self-defense," Branstrom says.
"These are real AR-15s guys. I'll cover them both," says one officer, who levels his own weapon at the men as another officer begins questioning them.
Police ask if the men are headed to the farmers market.
"Yeah, we were just going to do some shopping," Branstrom says.
"Do you understand how that might create a disturbance if you're walking around with an AR-15 strapped to your back?" asks an officer.
"Yeah, I guess some people don't like guns," Branstrom replies.
Throughout the stop, both men appear polite and cooperative. Another officer orders that they be put in handcuffs and moved to separate squad cars.
Branstrom asks, "Why are we being detained? Have we broken any laws?"
An officer replies that while Wisconsin recognizes the right to openly carry guns in most public areas, "there's a point where that can be crossed and it becomes disorderly conduct" and that's what the officers are investigating.
On the audio, officers discuss the fact that the men appear to be trying to make a statement, that both have concealed-carry permits.
"It's taking the Second Amendment a little too far," one officer says.
The officers check the concealed-carry permits and run the serial numbers of the guns. One speaks with a prosecutor — most of the conversation is inaudible because of background noise — and eventually the men are released with their property.
One officer offers this parting comment: "I get what you guys are trying to do. ... But when you grow up a little bit and you're a parent and have kids at an event like this and you see someone walk through with guns strapped to their back, your first inclination is going to be, 'All right, what's this guy up to? Is my child going to be safe?'"
Men carrying rifles to farmers market draw police, debate
So far, Wisconsin has paid out in 4 different cases like this.
The City of Madison agreed to pay $10,000 to settle a claim brought by the group and five members who were cited or arrested after wearing guns to a Culver's restaurant last year.
Prosecutors in May decided to drop the charges filed in the matter.
Wisconsin Carry, represented by Georgia gun rights attorney John Monroe, filed and settled similar federal lawsuits over several other arrests of people arrested after openly carrying guns on their porch, ($10,000) a church ($7,500) and other allowable areas ($6,500).
Madison pays $10,000 to men who wore guns to restaurant - JSOnline