Associates defend man SAFE Act Proponent) who had gun in school

The Buffalo News ^

[matt04]

Dwayne Ferguson spent more than a decade advocating for nonviolence and peace in the streets of Buffalo.

He was a well-known face in the movement for the SAFE Act, the state law that made carrying a gun on school property a felony. He was also a familiar presence in the hallways of the city’s Harvey Austin Elementary School, where he worked in the after-school program and mentored students.

No one imagined that on Thursday he would show up at the school in possession of a gun, touching off an hours-long lockdown, search and ultimately his arrest on two felony charges.

Ferguson, 52, told WGRZ-TV that he frequently carries the gun, for which he has a permit, and did not realize he had it on him when he went to the school as part of the mentoring program.

Those who have worked with him also said they believe it was an honest mistake.

“I’m sure Dwayne went into the school not thinking he had the gun on him,” said Rev. James E. Giles, a friend of Ferguson and president of Back to Basics Outreach Ministries. “We know this for a fact, that he called out to a Buffalo police lieutenant asking why the school was in lockdown, and that they were looking for a man with a gun.

“Dwayne’s reaction was to get his kids – he had about 50 of them – and make sure they were safe,” Giles explained. “He led them into the cafeteria and closed the doors.”

Giles, like Ferguson, is a member of Buffalo Peacemakers, an anti-violence coalition that targets gang-related street crime.

[matt04]

Couldn't have happened to a nicer guy.

[matt04]

But surely, if he is in a situation where seconds count, he can just say he is for non-violence and the bad guy will just stop and wait for the cops to show up? Right. That how it is supposed to work for every one else.

[E. Pluribus Unum]

He's a Dimocrat.

The charges will be dropped.

[matt04]

Some of Ferguson’s supporters echoed similar criticism, saying that carrying a weapon meant Ferguson could have helped police in the event there was a gunman actually threatening students.

These people are delusional. Sounds like this guy is someone who shouldn't have a gun.

[Tzimisce]

You break the law you get punished.

That’s how it’s supposed to work.

But this is Obamaland so I’m guessing this guy will get off scot free

[Lurker]

Zero tolerance.

Lock him up for the full four years.

[paint_your_wagon]

So an anonymous tip about a man with a gun and the police are called in. Then people are patted down by police, and that’s when they find it on him.

Last I heard, it’s a big no no to carry a gun on a public school campus. But a police pat down based on an anonymous tip? Will this search be deemed Constitutional?

[Chode]

ten bucks says the RAT-POS walks...

[SunkenCiv]

Fry him in the electric chair, then claim that it was an honest mistake.

[marktwain]

He just considers himself to be part of the elite. Democrats are not necessarily against guns. They are just against people other than *themselves*, or others of like mind, having guns.

[theBuckwheat]

Laws don’t apply to the Democrats who vote for them. They only apply to those who oppose them.

[matt04]

I’m curious to know how someone knew he had the gun. Maybe it printed and some caught a glimpse in a crowd, but didn’t see exactly who.

[TurboZamboni]

In a development I’m sure will shock you, trusting SGN reader, Chicago State Sen. Donne Trotter worked out a plea bargain with local prosecutors that saw felony gun charges reduced to a misdemeanor.

http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/trotter/index?tab=articles

Dems seem to forget they’re carrying guns quite a bit.

[grobdriver]

and did not realize he had it on him

Who believes this BS?
Answer: Nobody. String 'im up, just like he wanted.

[Brad from Tennessee]

Comments at the end of the article are great:

Mike Wrage
• 6 minutes ago

Ya, Really. Im packing, but yet I don’t remember Im packing. I forgot I had an open beer while driving officer. Really, It would be like a cop going home, Taking off belt and gun changing clothes, putting on the hide gun they all carry, thinking nothing of it, an going out, only to get caught with it later. Two sides here. I feel if one is going to carry. You best damn sure remember that you are. Let him live with the laws he helped enact on the rest of us. Otherwise. PURELY IRRESONSIBLE OWNERSHIP.

redc1c4
• 7 minutes ago

he wanted this law, so i think he deserves to get the maximum punishment he supported.

throw the book at him and make him an example for others to consider before they advocate giving away their rights.

goatonastick
• 21 minutes ago

So what’s the point of having a gun on you if you don’t ever remember you have it on you?

Rick Vincent
• 40 minutes ago

If you forgot you were carrying a gun, you shouldn’t have one.

Guest
• 42 minutes ago

I predict this guy has a future as a US Congressman. He already has the “I want to pass a law, but I should be exempt from it”, down pretty good.

[smokingfrog]

Lock him up and throw away the key.

[Gene Eric]

Lock up the POS for life.

[headstamp 2]

Evidently someone saw the gun on him but he himself didn’t know he had it on him.

Color me skeptical. He damn well knew he had the gun on him. Being a Democrat he just figured the law didn’t apply to him.

[RobinOfKingston]

To be hoisted on one’s own petard comes to mind.

[matt04]

I notice if I have my iPhone and keys in the opposite pockets I normally have them in, he damn well he knew he was packing. If some saw it, I’m assuming it was carried in the waistband. No way you don’t know you have it.