Arrest at Obama rally sparks gun rights debate

[mekender]

Typing in caps will not impact what laws will be written. He allegedly crossed police tape, which was close enough to "at the rally" to have articles' titles including the words: "Man carrying gun at Obama rally."

then why isnt he charged with trespassing in a secured area? i would imagine that would carry a stiffer penalty...

[Combat Controller]

I am going to take Occams Razor to this story. I am pretty sure the Secret Service would have gotten involved if they felt there was an issue. I have been ejected by them in the past as they cleared an area.

While it is not that unreasonable as a cop to talk to a man with a gun at a political rally, the worst thing you can do is try and cover anything up. This guy could be a nutjob trying to recreate "Taxi Driver" for all the cop would know. I bet the trooper would have lots his job if the guy did start shooting. This is a classic no win situation here.

On the other hand we are all adults and should be treated as such until we prove otherwise.

[Aglifter]

Frankly, I don't think the Secret Service even lets local LEOs get too close -- I know when I was asked to move, it was by the Secret Service -- the only LEOs were out directing traffic quite some distance away. I honestly don't even understand why guns are prohibited at political rallies -- it's obvious why the Joyce Foundation's Jackass would do so, but I don't really see what good it does, I imagine the Secret Service has to maintain a watch over everyone, regardless.