Posted on 06/14/2007 9:46:36 AM PDT by kiriath_jearim
Pro-gun activist David Nelson was ejected from last week's Utah Pride festival by its organisers, security and law-enforcement officers for possessing an unconcealed firearm.
Nelson, who owns the gay group Stonewall Shooting Sports of Utah, has filed a complaint with city Police Chief Chris Burbank against Lt. Rusty Isakson for what Nelson described as "grossly and specifically violative of state weapons laws."
In the complaint, Nelson described how he arrived at the festival, purchased an admission ticket and entered the event before he was detained, questioned and ejected.
"As a state Concealed Firearm Permit holder, I possessed and carried my firearm unconcealed, but holstered, at the event," Nelson said.
"I never unholstered it or displayed in a threatening way. In fact, my firearm was unloaded according to state laws (no chambered cartridge). I carefully reviewed the advance published event rules; they didn't prohibit my possession or unconcealed carrying.
"After I presented my ticket to a main-gate staffer and entered the event, security staffers and organisers met me and asked about my possession and unconcealed carrying," Nelson said.
"I answered their questions simply and truthfully. As a Utahn with disabilities who uses a cane, my possession and unconcealed carrying is as much a visual deterrent of violence as it is a more responsive and reliable mode of carrying if I need it."
Utah state laws prohibit "a local authority” [from enforcing] any ordinance, regulation, rule, or policy pertaining to firearms that in any way inhibits or restricts the possession or use of firearms on either public or private property."
Despite this, Isakson wrote a police report about the matter. Nelson said Isakson told him that he'd send an unsolicited copy of the report to the state Bureau of Criminal Identification for their review, and that "one sure way to lose your permit is to abuse it like this."
"His implication seemed clear to me: He was intentionally jeopardising my permit," Nelson said.
"He then asked me 'to leave' the event property. It was the first such request of me by anyone involved in the matter, and I left immediately."
Nelson's ejection and consequent complaint have received the attention of Second Amendment advocates in the state including those who are lawyers and legislators.
They've encouraged him to take his complaint further by pursuing court charges against the city, its police department and others who were allegedly responsible for violating his legal rights.
"My complaint to Chief Burbank is only the first step," Nelson said. "I'll pursue appropriate solutions of my complaints against the event organisers and their security staff regardless of any solution with the chief."
“This is my rifle, this is my gun. This is for fighting, this is for fun.”
I’d say Lt. Rusty Isakson should thank his lucky stars he didn’t get blwon away. pun intended.
Did they arrest everyone at the event who unholstered their gun?
I’d say Lt. Rusty Isakson should thank his lucky stars he didn’t get blown away. pun intended.
The Second Amendment applies to everyone and while I’m not fond of the fellow’s lifestyle choices I cannot fault him for his actions as a responsible firearms owner. His actions were completely reasonable and within the law. Perhaps this event will make him reconsider the people he assosicates with since they obviously have no respect for his rights and the law.
Niiiice.
The citizen did his research, knew the laws, knew what he was permitted to do, followed the police officer’s instructions. He is articulate and willing to pursue this to resolution.
Added PC bonus: disabled and gay!
Wishing him the best.
But I thought homosexuals all claimed to be sooooo tolerant of others.
“But I thought homosexuals all claimed to be sooooo tolerant of others.”
Liberals are only tolerant of everyone who agrees with them.
But it appears that politically incorrect gun carriers get their rights trampled on regardless of the sexual preference.
Good find.
Some of the most bigoted people are homosexuals. Anyone not exactly like them are usually heavily criticized be they str8, bi or a transgender.
Now that’s just funny, I don’t care who ya are!
Hmmm. Gives new meaning to the phrase “pink & packing”, doesn’t it?
Sounds like the guy knew the laws and was well within his rights. Don’t agree with his lifestyle, but hope he takes them all to court and gets a nice little retirement package from them.
“Gay gun enthusiast” - a redundancy.
Stupid cop didn’t know the gun laws. He’s going to be in a world of hurt, and deservedy so. The extent of the hurt will depend on how vindictive Nelson is feeling. I don’t know, but it looks like there may even be grounds for a federal lawsuit for violation of Nelson’s civil rights, and even possibly grounds for criminal charges against the cop for violation of Nelson’s rights under color of law.
L
Don’t hold your breath. The local PD will issue a statement clearing their LT, saying in effect “Procedure was followed”, and that will be the end of it.
When it gets to the SCOTUS, they will claim that they had an orally communicated procedure for dealing with these situations (as opposed to written, where it can be used against them), and SCOTUS will okay it in the name of ‘public safety’. If any haven’t noticed, ‘public safety’ is the new euphemism for socialisim and all its inherent denial of freedom.
I think he would receive more tolerance and acceptance of his Gay lifestyle if he went to a NRA meeting, than acceptance of his gun ownership lifestyle at a Gay Pride festival.
but note, he’s not crying about it being a hate crime.
“Is that a gun in your pocket, or are you just happy to see me?”
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