A Mississippi man with an “enhanced” concealed carry permit was arrested over the weekend for discharging a firearm inside city limits after he accidentally hit a woman with a shell in church when his gun discharged.
Churchgoers at Pinelake Church in Rankin County were preparing for service on Sunday morning when the 9mm handgun in Joseph Edgar Ray’s pocket discharged while he was sitting down.
Flowood Police Department Lt. Ricky McMillian told the paper that the bullet lodged in the concrete floor and a woman was hit by the shell. WAPT also reported that “[f]ragments from the bullet shell grazed a woman nearby.” WJTV’s report said that the shell “barely broke skin.”
“It did hit a lady in the leg but it didn’t break her skin so the lady wasn’t hurt,” McMillian noted. “Even though it was an accident, we recognize the seriousness of the situation… Worst case scenario, is it goes off and someone dies.”
Pinelake Church Executive Pastor of Operations Rod Cadenhead pointed out in a statement that guns were not allowed on the property. In fact, a sign in front of the church says, “Carrying of a pistol or revolver is prohibited.”
I've never been a fan of pocket carry because it seems to be asking for a violation of Rule #3, keep your finger off the trigger till your sights are on the target. In my mind, it applies to stuff too. One has but to visualize the stuff a guy carries in his pocket and thing honestly list the things that will fit inside a trigger guard. The same applies to purse carry. There are items called pocket holsters that are designed to completely cover the trigger area to prevent that.
ReplyDeleteAs for the "enhanced" permit, I had to go look that up because it sounded like BS, but its really there. Churches ARE listed as no carry zones in the state law, but the enhanced permit allows it. But then the sign posted at the church overrides the enhanced permit. So the guy is still in trouble. At least the way I read it.
If I'm mistaken, perhaps someone with more direct knowledge can correct me. It does sound like a pretty meandering legal path.
I think you meandered the path perfectly. The question comes to mind how common is it for concealed carry folks to ignore the posted signs. The gun is concealed after all so unless something goes wrong no one will ever know.
DeleteWe know Greg for one would disregard the sign. He said he would disregard Starbucks request that people do not bring their guns into their store, but Greg said he would anyways.
DeleteAnon,
DeleteIn the case of this story, the signs have the force of law, and disregarding them is punishable by law. The Starbucks request is just that, a request. In most jurisdictions, it doesn't have the force of law.
For instance, in Minnesota, in order for a business to ban guns, they must post a properly formatted sign in a way defined by the state law. The only exception to these rules are churches. Starbucks for example hasn't posted as required by state law, so its entirely legal to enter.
Even if the business doesn't post, you can still be asked to leave, and refusal can be prosecuted as trespassing.
There is a venue up here called Buffalo Wild Wings which posts that guns are banned. It isn't a legal sign, but I wont enter because I'm voting with my wallet.
There is also a mall that posts, but it isn't a legal sign because the law states that landlords cant post. Individual stores have to post. Ironically, the mall has a sporting goods store that sells firearms.
If I carry in another state, there has to be a reciprocity agreement to make my permit valid there and its my responsibility to follow the local laws.
Why would someone bring a gun into a church?
ReplyDeleteBecause some wacko might believe that everyone inside is unarmed.
DeleteYou are truly despicable. Bring a weapon of murder into a church. No wonder Steve says you are a lying criminal, you are.
DeleteGreg, you're a sick man. You are so paranoid and insecure that you really believe you need a gun everywhere you go. Besides your paranoia and insecurity, you're stupid too. The chances that you'll one day use your precious to save the day are lower than that one day your gun will be misused in some way. That makes your decision to carry just plain stupid.
DeleteMikeb, I would be stupid if I accepted your judgement in these matters. Instead, I listen to experts. That includes police officers, current and former, and self-defense instructors. I listen to experts on the Constitution and to historians. Your side only offers faulty emotionalism and insults.
DeleteBut consider: Do you really think that calling me sick will convince me to join your side? Do you really think that throwing bullshit numbers without proper analysis at me will make me believe in what you say?
Quite a line of BS coming from a liar who promotes criminal behavior.
DeleteGreg, I wouldn't expect in a million years that you'd join my side. I just calls 'em likes I sees 'em.
Delete