A Heavily Armed Man Caused Panic at a Supermarket. But Did He Break the Law?

[yotehunt]

The question I ask myself is. Do I need an AR, shotgun and vest on today. While in public? These freedom fighters really ruin it for the rest of us.

 

[kickbacked]

Get my family as far away as possible, call police. Body armor with two firearms in a supermarket while not illegal, is enough for me to question motives and I believe is enough to have police presence in the area.

 

[manifest destiny]

Get my family as far away as possible, call police.

100%.
See something, say something is the gov's mantra. Multiple weapons WITH body armor in the setting of a supermarket would, I think, qualify as seeing something worth saying something- after I've left the building.

 

[Leadeye]

Put some distance between us and him first, anything else would have to be determined later.

 

[actaeon277]

In Indiana at least, it is Constitutional carry. You are allowed to carry your firearm however you choose.

Here's a wonderful little thread all about OCing. You might want to peruse it a bit.

And
Constitutional Carry is about pistols.
There is no 'license/permit' for long gun carry.

 

[hotcupofbro]

It's this kind of stuff that gets around to giving gun owners a bad name

 

[daddyusmaximus]

Maybe it's just me, but if the guy wasn't wearing anything to indicate he's working in an LEO capacity, or if I even suspected him of not being a LEO, I'd be wondering why the idiot was walking around dressed up in full battle rattle.

My spidy senses would be all kind of tingly so (while readying myself to pounce) I'd strait up question him.
I mean, hell, at that point, if he decided to go all nuts you loose.
In public or not, I'd feel backed into a corner. I'd be in reaction mode, and I'd rather "act" than "react".

"Yo dude... What gives with all the go to war crap?"

From that point... it's on him to come up with a suitable answer, and peaceful actions.
Flashback... I just became a soldier again trying to distinguish a normal haji from an enemy insurgent.

He may not have broken the law, depending that state... but he completely broke even gun culture social norms, so yeah, that requires some looking into... right then, and there.

 

[KLB]

There were a bunch of these Youtube warriors for a while. I haven't heard of any recently. Maybe Covid put an end to it

 

[jbombelli]

Maybe it's just me, but if the guy wasn't wearing anything to indicate he's working in an LEO capacity, or if I even suspected him of not being a LEO, I'd be wondering why the idiot was walking around dressed up in full battle rattle.

My spidy senses would be all kind of tingly so (while readying myself to pounce) I'd strait up question him.
I mean, hell, at that point, if he decided to go all nuts you loose.
In public or not, I'd feel backed into a corner. I'd be in reaction mode, and I'd rather "act" than "react".

"Yo dude... What gives with all the go to war crap?"

From that point... it's on him to come up with a suitable answer, and peaceful actions.
Flashback... I just became a soldier again trying to distinguish a normal haji from an enemy insurgent.

He may not have broken the law, depending that state... but he completely broke even gun culture social norms, so yeah, that requires some looking into... right then, and there.

What would you do if he said "none of your f'ing business, now f' off"?

 

[Bugzilla]

Depends in what state it happens!

 

[SheepDog4Life]

Wut!?!? Isn't this similar to your EDC loadout including loose ammo and a second cellphone because you just never know?

 

[Creedmoor]

2nd Amendment Freedom is frightening to some.

 

[HoughMade]

Get my family as far away as possible, call police. Body armor with two firearms in a supermarket while not illegal, is enough for me to question motives and I believe is enough to have police presence in the area.

I agree with this. Crime or not, I have no issue with the police having a discussion with him.

 

[HoughMade]

Wut!?!? Isn't this similar to your EDC loadout including loose ammo and a second cellphone because you just never know?

What? No extra ammo for the long guns?

Amateur.

 

[daddyusmaximus]

What would you do if he said "none of your f'ing business, now f' off"?

Yeah, I wouldn't feel comfy to F off. Might catch one in the back.
I'm more likely to F around, and find out... while I'm right there ready.
Like I said... I'd rather "act"... than "react".
Right or wrong, that would be all it would take for be to draw down on on him.
Simultaneously, I'd yell for somebody to call 911, possible active shooter.
Next move is his.

I don't think it would be very hard to explain my thinking there was a possible threat given todays environment. I could always use trigger words in my interview like "He had a military grade assault weapon".

I'm not anti 2A, but if you're gonna act what most people would consider threatening... be ready to be treated like a threat.
Every single time some nutbag goes on a shooting spree, we all sit at our computers talking about how we wish we were there to stop it. Well, when you see what looks like the signs of one... You gotta do something.

Two of my favorite quote of all time.

1. Just because you can, doesn't mean you should.

2. The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil, is that good men do nothing.

 

[SheepDog4Life]

2nd Amendment Freedom is frightening to some.

Big emphasis on the IF, if the reporting I read is correct:

He had his long guns and handguns in a big bag (guitar bag). The person who called it in reported he was in the restroom loading the handguns and putting them in his coat pockets and loading the long guns. ETA: and putting on a tactical vest.

I'm with the see something - say something crowd. Within the confines of the restroom, likely directly to him at an opportune, i.e. his hands are empty, moment.

His attorney said he was on the way to the firing range and he's car-less, so he had the bag to carry them. Had to stop and shop on the way to the range, but had a guacamole accident, so he went to the restroom to clean his firearms, completely innocent doings.

Sorry, my BS meter is pegged in the red.

Also, not sure if the was a back up argument or the fact his client was being held awaiting court, his attorney said he had mental health issues and self-harm/suicide ideation or attempts, so he should get help rather than being held in jail.

 

[BehindBlueI's]

What I would do would be very context dependent. However once you're audibly loading up in the bathroom and come up with body armor and long guns, if anyone burns you down and I'm on the jury they will walk for it. You got a **** around and find out trophy. Before the "but OC is legal" whining starts, yes, but let's look at the totality of the circumstances and why someone would be loading in a public place. Is it reasonable to assume a threat? Is it reasonable to challenge someone when you're outgunned and out armored?

 

[The Bubba Effect]

What kind of look does he have on his face?

Blank 1000 yard star of soyboy gone psycho or dumb self satisfied smile of "2a activist" who is having a big day showing their *ss in public...


Either way, i am going to MOVE!

 

[Brad69]

So having spent quite a few years in full “kit”.
Why would you wear that crap if you didn’t need too? My neck hurts just thinking about the old Kpot!

I have a folding stock MCX that would be easy to sling over your back. If I need to carry it everyday it’s “Mad Max” times.

 

[jbombelli]

Yeah, I wouldn't feel comfy to F off. Might catch one in the back.
I'm more likely to F around, and find out... while I'm right there ready.
Like I said... I'd rather "act"... than "react".
Right or wrong, that would be all it would take for be to draw down on on him.
Simultaneously, I'd yell for somebody to call 911, possible active shooter.
Next move is his.

I don't think it would be very hard to explain my thinking there was a possible threat given todays environment. I could always use trigger words in my interview like "He had a military grade assault weapon".

I'm not anti 2A, but if you're gonna act what most people would consider threatening... be ready to be treated like a threat.
Every single time some nutbag goes on a shooting spree, we all sit at our computers talking about how we wish we were there to stop it. Well, when you see what looks like the signs of one... You gotta do something.

Two of my favorite quote of all time.

1. Just because you can, doesn't mean you should.

2. The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil, is that good men do nothing.

So to condense, you'll go confront the guy, demand he explain himself to you, and draw on him when he tells you to f' off?

I just want to make sure I'm not misunderstanding.

Why can't you just keep your eyes up and be prepared in case things go south?