[RussP]

Thinking about this, reading the news reports, I wonder what effect this will have on how people perceive those of us who carry for self defense.

I'll explain using a paragraph from the updated report jdavionic linked to in his post.

• The paragraph essentially said Daniel, the shooter, was carrying the pistol in his pocket. When detectives interviewed him he told them he brought the gun to display and intimidate anyone attempting to stop him.

What will readers get out of that paragraph? Here is what I believe they will take away from that...

Anyone displaying a gun (Open Carry) is just trying to intimidate me.

Is that going to affect Texas open carry legislation?

Are they going to stop there? C'mon, , no way.

There's been no report that I can find stating Daniel did not have a license to carry concealed. That would help debunk any association with those of us possessing carry permits/licenses.

Again thinking like an anti, "How can we trust people carrying guns? Look at that Walmart guy..."

• He was previously arrested driving while intoxicated
  
  
• He has another DWI in Austin
  
  
• He's charged with possession of Marijuana
  
  
• Daniel told his roommate, "Dude, I've gotten away with worse s*** than that. I run from the cops on my bike almost daily."
  
  
• and that day he mentioned to his roommate he might possibly rob a store.

And the anti says, "Is everyone carrying a gun like that? We can't let people like that carry guns"

That's the perception some, maybe many will take away for this.

How do we combat that?

[glocksterr]

the world is a dangerous place. but this guy was not too smart, up on charges, doing crime in front of cameras, devil may care attitude, ect...

sad!

sounds like the officer was trying to be nice...

but a good reason to carry if there ever was one.

[DScottHewitt]

Originally Posted by jdavionic

If you search the local news sources for Austin, there are several articles. Here is one -
http://www.kxan.com/dpp/news/austin/apd-officer-shot

I don't see any indication that the shooter was a former LEO. He did have a past problem with intoxication though. I don't have a facebook account, but you might find more info on him if you do. The link that I posted above includes a link to his facebook page, I think.

Facebook page doesn't say anything about him being a former LEO. But his latest recommended link is "Cheers, Drink Beer and Live Longer"

[DScottHewitt]

Originally Posted by glocksterr

the world is a dangerous place. but this guy was not too smart, up on charges, doing crime in front of cameras, devil may care attitude, ect...

sad!

sounds like the officer was trying to be nice...

but a good reason to carry if there ever was one.

He probably was, since he was on duty.

[Warp]

Originally Posted by RussP

Thinking about this, reading the news reports, I wonder what effect this will have on how people perceive those of us who carry for self defense.

I'll explain using a paragraph from the updated report jdavionic linked to in his post.

• The paragraph essentially said Daniel, the shooter, was carrying the pistol in his pocket. When detectives interviewed him he told them he brought the gun to display and intimidate anyone attempting to stop him.

What will readers get out of that paragraph? Here is what I believe they will take away from that...

Is that going to affect Texas open carry legislation?

Are they going to stop there? C'mon, , no way.

There's been no report that I can find stating Daniel did not have a license to carry concealed. That would help debunk any association with those of us possessing carry permits/licenses.

Again thinking like an anti, "How can we trust people carrying guns? Look at that Walmart guy..."

• He was previously arrested driving while intoxicated
  
  
• He has another DWI in Austin
  
  
• He's charged with possession of Marijuana
  
  
• Daniel told his roommate, "Dude, I've gotten away with worse s*** than that. I run from the cops on my bike almost daily."
  
  
• and that day he mentioned to his roommate he might possibly rob a store.

And the anti says, "Is everyone carrying a gun like that? We can't let people like that carry guns"

That's the perception some, maybe many will take away for this.

How do we combat that?

Open Carry, in a professional manner, as the nicest guy in the room.