Washington State - Open Carry Cited

[Chief_Engineer]

VANCOUVER, Wash. - A Vancouver man was cited Friday for wearing his pistol in a grocery store even though it’s legal to carry a gun in Washington and Oregon.

The incident is part of a growing controversy over what’s called the “Open Carry” law and highlights the debate over people openly wearing firearms in public places.

While police said it is legal in Washington and Oregon to openly carry firearms in public places, Kurt Kirby was ticketed by Vancouver Police on Friday outside an Albertsons on East 4th Plain after shopping with his loaded semiautomatic pistol holstered on his waist.

The owner of the nearby martial arts studio called 9-1-1, and according to the police report, the owner was alarmed because he teaches small children and was concerned for their safety.

The police officer cited Kirby under the law that says it is wrong to carry a weapon if it “manifests an intent to intimidate another or that warrants alarm for the safety of other persons.”

Gun rights advocates said there has been an increase in “open carry” cases in response to gun control groups that have tried to pressure Starbucks to forbid guns in its stores.

Source: By Dan Tilkin KATU News and KATU.com Staff

“I think that people who believe in open carry say, ‘we’re going to have a reaction to that reaction, and … we’re going to carry more openly and more often,” said Cliff Nutting, a gun rights activist.

Kirby declined to speak to the media Monday on advice from his attorney, but according to the police report, Kirby told officers he’s openly carried his gun into several stores in recent months without a problem.

But according to the police report, the day before being cited Kirby had a run-in with security at the Vancouver Mall. He and his wife were escorted from the mall by security after shoppers complained about their weapons strapped to their waists.

According to the police report, the Kirbys were belligerent, perhaps trying to argue that they were not breaking any laws.

[G50AE]

Gun rights advocates said there has been an increase in “open carry” cases in response to gun control groups that have tried to pressure Starbucks to forbid guns in its stores.

Yeah, this is a "problem" that the anti-gunners instigated IMHO. In several states the anti-gunners have protested concealed carry laws or reforms to the concealed carry laws by saying, "Why don't you just carry your guns openly instead of hiding them?" Some people in the gunrights community turn around and give the anti's what they ask for by practicing open carry. It's a case of watch what you ask for, you might actually get it.

While the failed Starbucks gambit that the Brady Center engaged in has resulted in more people practicing open carry, I feel that the root cause of this "problem" is that the anti's asked for it.

[RixGotSkills]

Can anyone suggest a good way to keep track of those establishments that appreciate open carry? I want to start a list of businesses, etc that support the practice of OC so we can all support them. I have no interest whatsoever in patronizing businesses that forbid firearms (Taco Mac). I'd much rather spend my money at places that support OC/2A.

[Glock Fan]

Can anyone suggest a good way to keep track of those establishments that appreciate open carry? I want to start a list of businesses, etc that support the practice of OC so we can all support them. I have no interest whatsoever in patronizing businesses that forbid firearms (Taco Mac). I'd much rather spend my money at places that support OC/2A.

Off the top of my head, "Wal-mart" and "Starbucks" come to mind. I've OC'd in Best Buy, Office Depot, Office Max, FedEx Kinkos, Olive Garden, Arby's, Sonic and a few other places without problems. I'm not familiar with corporate policies other than the policies of Wal-mart and Starbucks.



gf

[Yosimite sam]

I do believe it is time for public education on this issue.Any thoughts on how we can accomplish this?

[marionandjohn]

Can anyone suggest a good way to keep track of those establishments that appreciate open carry? I want to start a list of businesses, etc that support the practice of OC so we can all support them. I have no interest whatsoever in patronizing businesses that forbid firearms (Taco Mac). I'd much rather spend my money at places that support OC/2A.

Not sure what part of GA your in/from but I am in Warner Robins and frequent Macon area. I have OC with out any issues to Target, Starbucks, Krogers, Olive Garden, Chilles, Mall of Centerville, Toys'r'us, Sams Club, Wal Mart, Academy Sporting Goods, Owens Boarding House, and I am sure of a few more. The more I OC the more I am getting use to it and like it that much more. I am not sure of "Corporate Policies" but if and when I have an issue with said store or bussiness then I am sure Corporate will inform me of their policy then. As it was said in another thread its all about how you present yourself. If you present yourself as a self respected law abiding citizen most people will leave you alone if you present yourself as a "thuggish" type or on who is carrying to say HEY I can do this and you cant stop me. Then your gonna have issues. Presentation is a huge part.

Georgiacarry.org has a forum dedicated to places who have posted signs or places that are off limits. I know that signs arent legal binding in GA but they pretty much say CC here please.

[BCI-Instructor]

Can anyone suggest a good way to keep track of those establishments that appreciate open carry? I want to start a list of businesses, etc that support the practice of OC so we can all support them. I have no interest whatsoever in patronizing businesses that forbid firearms (Taco Mac). I'd much rather spend my money at places that support OC/2A.

There will be a list posted at this website DEFENDERS » American Freedom - very soon. If you send your details there they will be posted within 24 hours. Please include the city & State so we can keep track better.
On a side note, a CCW permit can be obtained in Washington State by simply paying the fee, there is no training requirement, so they are very easy to get, just in case you don't want to Open Carry.
TIBA LLC

[RixGotSkills]

Thanks for the updates! Probably the best piece of advice IMHO: Look respectable. My mom taught me this over 30 years ago. I'd be willing to bet that if I put on a pressed shirt and slacks while OCing, nobody would even look twice. Put on an offensive tshirt, camo pants and filthy boots and try it and see what happens! Might make a good video...

RH

[Unfettered Might]

Can anyone suggest a good way to keep track of those establishments that appreciate open carry? I want to start a list of businesses, etc that support the practice of OC so we can all support them. I have no interest whatsoever in patronizing businesses that forbid firearms (Taco Mac). I'd much rather spend my money at places that support OC/2A.

Friend or Foe - TheSecond.us

Results are posted instantly.

[Unfettered Might]

Thanks for the updates! Probably the best piece of advice IMHO: Look respectable. My mom taught me this over 30 years ago. I'd be willing to bet that if I put on a pressed shirt and slacks while OCing, nobody would even look twice. Put on an offensive tshirt, camo pants and filthy boots and try it and see what happens! Might make a good video...

RH

I've done it both ways. I've worn the nice shirt and jeans and the hooded sweatshirt with a Punisher skull on the front of it and camo pants, just to see of there was a difference in people's reaction to me OCing. I even have long hair.

It didn't make a difference, I guess I live in a state that is so pro gun that no one cares.

However, in both attires, I carried myself assertively and gave nothing but yes sirs and no ma'ams. That's just how I am and it probably makes more of a difference than anything.