PORTLAND, Maine — A man who strolled through Maine’s largest city with an assault weapon similar to one used in the Connecticut elementary school shootings is drawing criticism from both gun control and gun rights advocates.
Portland police received more than 65 calls Monday reporting that a young man was walking through Parkside neighborhood and the Back Cove area with an AR-15-style assault weapon. Justin Dean, 24, insisted he was not making any sort of statement but rather had the loaded rifle for protection while exercising his Second Amendment rights.
Comments
"Dean said he never intended to frighten anyone and is surprised by the outcry." Don't bet on it. This young man made a conscious decision to do this, and no one with a grasp of basic social niceties woudl opt to do it, unless they were deliberately trying to be provocative. The question is, is he a self-styled activist, or is he possible a dangerous, over-zealous "kook"?
Expect more of these type of "in your face" stunts, as gun owners become more belligerent about their "rights".