November 14th, 2009
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Author: SEATTLE – Bob Warden alerted everyone that he was going to take his legal, concealed, and holstered Glock into the Southwest Community Center at noon.
“Public officials who choose to completely go against the law should not be able to get away with it,” he said.
Warden was protesting the recent executive order by Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels to ban the possession of firearms at designated city facilities and parks.
It was reaction to the shooting at Seattle’s Folklife Festival last year.
The state Attorney General’s Office says it doesn’t believe the city has the legal right to make such an order.
“Some people are going to look at this as if the city of Seattle has a big sue me sign on it,” said Dan Sytman of the Attorney General’s office.
The one-man protest was over in a minute.
The media circus made little sense to some parents.
“He’s got a right to make a legal challenge but I support the city’s decision,” said Marco Millanese.
But Warden says it now lays the groundwork to continue to fight the issue.
“I now have the legal standing to file suit to challenging the rule,” he said.
He says that’s because he was personally turned away, unlike the plaintiffs in another case.
“We’re absolutely prepared for the challenge,” said Nickels spokesman, Alex Fryer.
As far as the Attorney General’s opinion goes, Fryer said “It’s just an opinion, we have a right and we’re willing to go to court to prove it.”
The mayor’s order states if anyone with a gun refuses to leave the designated areas they could be arrested for criminal trespass.
Warden left, and was not detained.
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spiritus said on November 14, 2009 at 4:48 PM
Well done Mr. Warden!
We who could not be there with you support your efforts on behalf of all law-abiding gun owners!
kalaloch said on November 14, 2009 at 5:04 PM
If he needs a weapon to feel like a man, OK. However, when I take my kids to a Community Center, I don’t want someone with an inferiority complex anywhere someone with a loaded weapon. Leave it outside, buddy.
92cg6 said on November 14, 2009 at 5:35 PM
Has nothing to do with an inferiority complex, unfortunately its just the world we live in today. If I happen to be out in public enjoying a day with my family, and was forced into a dangerous situation where seconds could mean the difference between life or death.. I’d much rather have a loaded gun in my hand instead of a cell phone talking to a 911 dispatcher.
factoid said on November 14, 2009 at 5:41 PM
“kalaloch” I suppose when a criminal enters the center with a gun and threatens you and your child, you would wish Mr. Warden was there.
I wonder why Mr. Nickel’s made an executive order that he knows is unconstitutional. Is anyone else bothered by this blatant waste of our tax money?