Fort Collins Teenager Causes Stir By (Legally) Carrying Rifle In Wal-Mart

Would you be scared if you saw a teenager toting around a rifle in a Wal-Mart? It happened yesterday, January 23rd, at the Wal-Mart Supercenter on Mulberry and Lemay.

According to the Coloradoan the teen was from Wellington and walked in the store around 3:30 in the afternoon yesterday. He wasn’t breaking any actual laws. But, understandably, some patrons and employees were concerned and called police.

[The young man] told police that he was simply exercising his right to openly carry a legally owned rifle. [He] was asked by police to consider how his actions might alarm other people.

I’m all for the guy exercising his rights, but is Wal-Mart where anyone needs to have a gun? Considering the fights I’ve seen at Wal-Mart over $20 out-of-stock items and close parking spaces, I figure that's the last place I want to see people whip out firearms.

But I digress.

Legally, I can walk around Old Town in a speedo and a skintight mesh halter top, but I don’t do it. Why? Well, there’s no need to. And I am assuming he could have left his rifle in the car during his shopping trip.

Technically he wasn’t breaking any laws, but is there really a need to do that sort of thing? I'm not saying the guy can't have a gun, or use gun, or carry a gun...just that maybe he doesn't need it with him to buy groceries.

What do you think?

Also, I wonder how long before business start putting up “No Firearms” signs on their doors. I mean you can legally carry a weapon, but they could legally refuse you service too, right? If 7-11 can get away with, "No shirt, no shoes, no service." Then I'm sure other retailers could get away with, "You packin' heat? Get out."

I wonder how many more things like this will happen as the gun control debate continues to escalate.

[Coloradoan]

Picture by NechakoRiver, Flickr.