imported post
Went to Springfield Mall today to buy some towels on sale at JC Penney's. Entered JC Penney with my XD-9 on my right hip, bought my towels and since they were bulky, went back to the car to put away my purchases. Went back in and went to Sports Authority and bought some clothes. Decided I was hungry, so headed for the Food Court. On the way there, a Fairfax County Deputy paid me no mind (he must have seen my firearm) as he responded to a little girl lost situation. The little girl was surrounded by mall security and a cleaning lady who were trying to get her name, etc. No problems, so far.
Then I arrive at the big food court and am dismayed to see that it was closed. No Arby's or Dairy Queen for me. At that moment a mall security guard (unarmed of course) approaches me and asks if I am a LEO. I say no.
"Do you have a permit for that?"
"I don't need one to open carry, but I do have a concealed handgun permit. See?" I show him the permit. I ask, "Does this make you feel better?" and I pull my shirt over the gun.
Three more arrive and one starts to tell me that firearms are not allowed on mall property.
I ask, "Where is it posted?"
"That's mall policy. There's a lot of negative activity here and the mall owners do not want people carrying weapons."
"That's why I carry, in case any of that negative activity is directed towards me. Where is this policy posted? I came in through JC Penney's and there is nothing there that says I can't carry."
"It's mall policy and you need to put your gun in your car."
"But where is it posted? Are you the owner of this property?"
"I am the law around here and you can't bring that in here."
I can't believe what I am hearing as I face a phalanx of four young unarmed security guards.
Then a more senior guard arrives and asks if I have a permit. I said I came in open carrying, but show him my CHP. He asks if that is a real gun since BB guns are not allowed. I say it's a real gun. He says that's fine then since Fairfax County law allows people to open carry without a permit or conceal carry with a permit. He says the county knows it.
I add that the law in Virginia, the whole state, allows open carry without a permit. And Senior Mall Guard says that is right, except you can't conceal carry in Ruby Tuesday's, or in a private home without the owner's permission. (Note that I am in the closed Food Court.)
I turn toward the young guards and say I hope you are taking notes. Let this be a lesson for you. I ask for the one guard's name (Mr. I Am The Law), but he refuses to give it. To rub it in a little, I say so let's repeat this so we're all clear. I can open carry in the mall. I ask if we're cool and then go in search of dinner.
I was so hoping they would try to detain me, grab me, and take my weapon so I could sue the pants off of them, but Mr. Senior Mall Guard arrived before that could happen.
Anyone know the name of a lawyer good at wrongful arrest/violation of civil rights lawsuits in Virginia? I might get lucky next time.
I'll ask Springfield Mall if they have a "criminals are safe to carry in the mall since law-abiding citizens are not allowed to carry" policy.
No problems buying groceries at the Giant on Edsall Road/Van Dorn Street.
Keep on packing!