Cop says anyone who carries a gun should be shot!
EAST PALO ALTO, Kalifornia - February 9, 2010 - A controversy was brewing in East Palo Alto Tuesday night after a police detective made comments through his Facebook account saying “open carry” advocates who visibly carry guns in public should be shot.
Now East Palo Alto has become a reluctant testing ground for a battle of constitutional amendments: one police officer's “freedom of speech” versus a group’s “right to bear arms.”
Area resident Adnan Shahab is an “open carry” advocate who frequently goes out in public displaying an unloaded gun on his belt. Such activity is legal in Kalifornia with certain restrictions, such as staying clear of schools.
Shahab said he was offended by Facebook remarks posted by East Palo Alto detective Rod Tuason. Tuason published a comment that said he agreed with a friend that open carry advocates should come to Oakland, Richmond and East Palo Alto and that officers should shoot the advocates.
"It's shocking and disappointing to hear that a sworn officer is basically so cavalier with violating a person's second amendment rights and basically putting a bullet in them for doing absolutely nothing wrong," said Shahab.
East Palo Alto police were investigating whether the remarks violate department policies.
Now East Palo Alto has become a reluctant testing ground for a battle of constitutional amendments: one police officer's “freedom of speech” versus a group’s “right to bear arms.”
Area resident Adnan Shahab is an “open carry” advocate who frequently goes out in public displaying an unloaded gun on his belt. Such activity is legal in Kalifornia with certain restrictions, such as staying clear of schools.
Shahab said he was offended by Facebook remarks posted by East Palo Alto detective Rod Tuason. Tuason published a comment that said he agreed with a friend that open carry advocates should come to Oakland, Richmond and East Palo Alto and that officers should shoot the advocates.
"It's shocking and disappointing to hear that a sworn officer is basically so cavalier with violating a person's second amendment rights and basically putting a bullet in them for doing absolutely nothing wrong," said Shahab.
East Palo Alto police were investigating whether the remarks violate department policies.
Police also point out the remarks were made in a personal, private web page and were only made public by a blogger.
East Palo Alto Mayor David E. Woods told KTVU by phone that he was waiting for the police department investigation. He also expressed some misgivings about the behavior of open carry advocates.
"But I am concerned - although it's legal - about people walking around with firearms," said Mayor Woods.
Shahab said he believes the fact the comments came from a Facebook exchange made the remarks and any perceived threat more credible.
"Quite honestly I feel a little unsafe going to East Palo Alto right now," explained Shahab.
Police said there was no timetable for the investigation. Detective Tuason remained on-duty and did not return KTVU’s call requesting an interview.
East Palo Alto Mayor David E. Woods told KTVU by phone that he was waiting for the police department investigation. He also expressed some misgivings about the behavior of open carry advocates.
"But I am concerned - although it's legal - about people walking around with firearms," said Mayor Woods.
Shahab said he believes the fact the comments came from a Facebook exchange made the remarks and any perceived threat more credible.
"Quite honestly I feel a little unsafe going to East Palo Alto right now," explained Shahab.
Police said there was no timetable for the investigation. Detective Tuason remained on-duty and did not return KTVU’s call requesting an interview.
