Posted on 09/13/2013 5:11:48 PM PDT by marktwain
Earlier this week, a video was posted on YouTube which demonstrated how Appleton, Wisconsin, police violated the rights of two men who were openly carrying AR-15s, which is legal in the state of Wisconsin.
The two men were first held at gunpoint, then handcuffed and placed in the back of a squad car while the officers “investigated” the incident, only to find that the men had not broken any laws and there was no clear evidence to charge them with any crime.
Apparently, the police department had received three separate calls because the men were carrying “assault rifles” across their backs as they walked down the street.
The officer that made first initial contact asked the men what they’re carrying. When one of the men replied with the obvious, “guns,” the officer then asked what kind of guns. The man tells the officer that they are carrying ARs as well as concealed pistols. “Real AR’s? the officer asked, failing to explain what he considers a “real” AR. Nonetheless the officer seemed a little more than irritated that the men chose to exercise their Second Amendment rights in such a manner.
The officer can be heard telling the other officers that he will “cover them” while the investigation continues. The officer then told the men, “I don’t understand what’s going on, but you’re both going back to the precinct.”
The men’s firearms were taken and the men were eventually put into handcuffs and placed in the back of the police car. At that point, an officer realized that one of the men had a video camera around his neck. The officer takes the video camera and attempts to turn it off.
Only what the officer didn’t realize is that only the video was shut off while the audio continued to record as the officers searched through the men’s belongings and scrambled to find a crime to charge them with.
The officer initially told the men that they were being investigated for a possible disorderly conduct, explaining that there is a “fine line” in which one can exercise their right to open carry.
However, the men were not acting in an alarming or threatening manner. They were simply walking down the street with AR-15s slung across their backs. And, in fact, the Appleton Police Department’s own website explains that simply openly carrying a firearm is not grounds to be charged with disorderly conduct.
According to the department’s website, “Unless the facts and circumstances indicate a malicious or criminal intent, a person may not be charged with an ordinance or criminal offense of disorderly conduct for going armed with a concealed or openly carried firearm.”
The officers then ran the men’s IDs, concealed carry permits and even the serial numbers on their guns, which one admitted were “good firearms.” But the officers didn’t come up with a single citation that they could issue.
About halfway through the video, unbeknown to the officers that the audio was still recording, one of the officers stated, “Oh, this is going to be a lawsuit.”
At one point, an officer even referred to a similar incident from 2011 in which five men were illegally detained after openly carrying firearms in a Madison restaurant. The men filed a federal lawsuit against the city as well as the officers involved and won, leaving the city to pay the men $10,000.
There have been no reports on whether or not a suit will be filed against the officers in Appleton who detained the men for about 40 minutes before apologizing and sending them on their way.
lol go for it sport
I didn’t talk to them. You did. You are a witness.
As soon as you take on the rest of the corrupt cops in this country then I’ll get right on it.
unbelievable
It’s gaining traction. This is good.
Wrong.
Don’t be afraid.
These cops are criminals. See 18USC242.
Dd.... How else would you describe your outright fear? Mark didn’t i ply it at all... But your reaction is out of proportion.
From a psychological standpoint, you are projecting. Loudly.
“Courage is being scared to death but saddling up anyway.” John Wayne
Always check local and State laws before attempting to exercise a Right one political “side” or the other hates.
By it free speech or guns.
Yep. Federal felony. Can carry a term of life imprisonment or even death as a penalty.
Not used nearly often enough.
From a real perspective who gives a shit what you think.
Try quoting a real warrior and not an actor more know for his drinking and womanizing.
You do, apparently, since you took the time to formulate such a witty riposte...
18USC242:
Whoever, under color of any law, statute, ordinance, regulation, or custom, willfully subjects any person in any State, Territory, Commonwealth, Possession, or District to the deprivation of any rights, privileges, or immunities secured or protected by the Constitution or laws of the United States, or to different punishments, pains, or penalties, on account of such person being an alien, or by reason of his color, or race, than are prescribed for the punishment of citizens, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than one year, or both; and if bodily injury results from the acts committed in violation of this section or if such acts include the use, attempted use, or threatened use of a dangerous weapon, explosives, or fire, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both; and if death results from the acts committed in violation of this section or if such acts include kidnapping or an attempt to kidnap, aggravated sexual abuse, or an attempt to commit aggravated sexual abuse, or an attempt to kill, shall be fined under this title, or imprisoned for any term of years or for life, or both, or may be sentenced to death.
Yep. That’s the one...
18USC241 is the matching “Conspiracy to Deprive Civil Rights Under Color of Law” charge.
Most of Congress is guilty of one or the other.
Try this one on for size, although I doubt it will fit you well:
“Give me Liberty or give me death.” Patrick Henry.
Show them to me and if I have statements from them, I will. I spent time getting incompetent, useless and ultra violent cops getting fired and imprisoned. I’d expect the same from you or anyone else who has the goods on these pricks. Unbelievable from a supposed conservative.
I believe there is a complimentary Civil act that would make these cops personally liable financially. They need to be sued into bankruptcy and imprisoned as an example.
One man with courage is a Majority. Thomas Jefferson
Or if that isn’t good enough...
Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen. Winston Churchill
If you aren’t going to join us in the first part of Winston’s sentiment... Sit down and listen.
Agreed.
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