Open carry has been legal in Wisconsin since 1848. You’d think that after 166 years the police would be used to seeing it. That wasn’t the case when the Germantown Police Department received calls about a man open-carrying near a busy town street.
According to TMJ4, the police were flooded with calls about the man, William Polster was carrying a holstered pistol and a shotgun on a sling on his back. He told the media that he carries the firearms to educate the public about their rights and for personal protection.
Police confronted Polster, but nothing came of the contact since he wasn’t breaking any laws.
Germantown Police Chief Peter Hoell called Polster’s behavior “risky.” He told TMJ4, if you’re this passionate about gun rights, take a positive approach. Don’t scare people.
The situation sparked the debate locally about open carry. On social media, gun advocates thanked Germantown Police for not squandering Second Amendment rights.
“Thank you Germantown Police Department Wisconsin Officers and Chief Peter Hoell for the excellent manner in which you handled this call for service. You addressed your citizen’s concerns for their safety and protected OUR country’s Second Amendment Rights at the same time,” wrote Kenneth W. Bohn on the Germantown Police’s Facebook page.
Constitutional Sheriff Brad Rogers told Joshua Cook that he works very hard training and educating his officers regarding open carry and Second Amendment rights. “In Indiana it’s not against the law to open carry. We have no reason to ask for a gun permit or anything. Just because they’re walking through Walmart and carrying a 6 shooter on their side is no reason to detain them or question them,” said Rogers.
Activists in Texas and South Carolina are trying to pass laws that would allow citizens to open carry. South Carolina ranks 5th in the nation for the highest violent crime rate and many activists believe open carry and less gun regulations will reduce violent crimes.
One thing is certain though, Polster has the right to defend himself whether his weapon is concealed or not.
What are your thoughts? Are open-carry advocates doing the right thing by educating the public on 2nd Amendment Rights? Please comment below.
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