I'm still waiting for any further developments on this, and when I see something I'll definitely post it up because I definitely feel that Mr. Noble should take this case to the courts - if not for personal gain, then to at least establish that he was well within his rights as an American citizen.
Here's a letter to the editor:
Holstered handgun is perfectly legal
Published: Friday, September 5, 2008 7:30 AM EDT
A sidebar story to the coverage of Barack Obama’s visit to Beaver (“Man with gun to face charges” Saturday) revealed the utter ignorance of some of our supposed law enforcers about the law.
Deputy sheriffs arrested John Noble of Industry for carrying a holstered handgun in Beaver on the evening of the Obama rally. Even more appalling, state police detained Noble and questioned him at length when he was taken to their barracks.
Are none of these officers aware that it is completely legal and constitutionally protected to carry a firearm in plain sight?
In instances like this, there is usually some reference to whether or not the alleged offender “had a permit to carry” the gun.
Let’s be very clear: In Pennsylvania, this refers to the permit to carry a concealed weapon. This permit is completely irrelevant (and unnecessary) in the case of Noble. We all have the right to carry firearms in plain sight, even if a presidential candidate happens to be in town.
It’s time for our law enforcers to learn what the law is. If I were Noble, I’d be seriously contemplating a civil suit against the fools who violated his rights.
Joe Bell
Center Township
As the writer stated, carrying an unloaded, holstered weapon is completely legal in PA - and we don't need a permit for that.
Anyone recall Obama stating that Pennsylvanians will cling to their guns and their religion? ...got at least one of those right
