Banned from Wal-Mart

We can do this 1 of 2 ways. You can just show me your ID and I'll let you be on your way OR I can ask the store manager if he wants to ban you from Wal-Mart and at that point, it WILL require you to provide ID. If we take choice number 2, I would have to detain you.

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Yeah, yeah, it finally happened. Here is MY side of the story:

I was with my friend and her family in Charlotsville, VA. We wanted to do some shopping and seeing the scenic views. We drove to Wal-Mart in Waynesboro. We were in the store approx 1 hour. Numerous customers noticed me carrying my firearm, yet didn't have any noticeable reaction. Even a few Wal-Mart associates noticed and didn't say a word. It was only until I was LEAVING when the door greeter noticed and had a huge reaction. She then told another co-worker of what she had seen. While I was outside eating a tasty McD double cheeseburgerand conversing with my friend while he was smoking, an employee approached me.

Employee - Is that a gun?

Me - Yes.

Emp - A real gun?

Me - Uh-huh.

Emp - It's not a BB gun?

Me - No. (wtf, this lady is really simple)

Emp - You took that inside the store?

Me - Yeah. (NO, I left it outside on it's leash)

Emp - Do you have a license to carry that?

Me - State of Virginia doesn't require a license.

Emp - WHAT?!

Me - STATE OF VIRGINIA DOESN'T REQUIRE ME TO HAVE A LICENSE TO CARRY IT! (that's what I should have said, but I just repeated my first answer in a calm manner)

So, she then put this disgusted look on her face and walked away. My friend and I looked at each other and shrugged. 45 seconds later, the family comes out and we make our way to the car. 2 steps before getting to the car, a LEO walked up to me and asked if I could speak with him. I complied. Conversation went on like this:

LEO - So what's going on?

Me - I have no clue.

LEO - Well, we received a call about a man with a gun. They where walking around the store looking for you.

Me - No one didn't say a thing to me except "do you need any help today?". Besides I was outside.

LEO - Do you have a permit?

Me - Nope.

LEO - Don't you think that carrying like that would scary other people?

Me - Depends. But have I did anything illegal?

LEO - No, but if I weren't on the job, and I saw you carrying, I would have some concern.

Me - When was the last time youheard of a criminal open carrying? (2 seconds of silence).Am I free to go?

LEO - Before you go, can I see some identification?

Me - Why, if you don't mind me asking?

LEO - To make sure you don't have any warrants or felony charges.

Me - Did I do something wrong?

LEO - No, I just want to know who I'm talking to.

Me - Am I required to show you identification right now?

LEO - No, but I now feel uneasy that you won't show me your ID.

Me - I understand you are doing you job, and I have the utmost respect for you, however if I have done nothing wrong and I am not required to show ID, I'm going to be on my way.

LEO - If you just leave, I cannot complete the call that I'm on. We can do this 1 of 2 ways. You can just show me your ID and I'll let you be on your way OR I can ask the store manager if he wants to ban you from Wal-Mart and at that point, it WILL require you to provide ID. If we take choice number 2, I would have to detain you.

Me - Do what you must do.

At this point he radios for another unit to speak with the manager. So while we are waiting (it's been about 10 mins so far) we starting chatting about guns and the recent VT shooting. Almost 5 mins later, another unit pulls up and the 1st LEO explains the situation. First thing out the 2nd LEO's mouth was:

2nd LEO - Why is the hammer cocked back?

Me - That's the way I like to carry it.

2nd LEO - So why do you have it cocked back?

Me - Because it's a 1911.

2nd LEO - (blank stare)

Me - It was designed to be carried in condition one.

2nd LEO - (blank stare)

Me - "Cocked and locked".

2nd LEO - Well that's dangerous. Someone could bump into you and it could go off.

Me - It has 3 safeties, the firing pin, the thumb, and grip.

1st LEO - we are waiting for the manager to come out.

(5 mins later) 1st LEO steps away and speaks to the manager. (2 mins later) 1st LEO explains that the manager has to call his manager. (10 mins later) They fill out the paper work and I'm on my way.

WTF...

So when I got home I called 1-800-WALMART laid down the 411 and they said I will get a call within a few business days.

I will still continue to open carry. I will continue to open carry until my gun gets tired of being carried openly.



Your thoughts and comments will be most appreciated.



***special thanks to Jim for lending an ear when I need to talk***

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I understand your point of view, but in todays world u cant have that kind of attitude towards cops. Eventhough there is nothing wrong the way you handled the situation but u created a drama, and drew attention. If you return to that location in the future u will be arrested. I have barred people in the past, as long as they cooperate and help me help them we are cool. Even if a cops came up to me and said do u want to barr them? I would say nah they are cool, no need for that. Cops on the job has arrogance and just dont show it. They demand respect and want to be treated same as you are. If you had just showed him the ID and then gave him the lecture then he wud have gotten the idea that your not some ordinary folks from the corner but well versed and tactical. Patience is the key my man. "sometimesu gotta go with the flow and not create a big issue out of it" later u cud have filed complaint on that officer but now u cant. Anyway good job. But you could have done it better!

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My thoughts:
#2. 'The officer wouldn't have been able to complete the call if you left.'I wonder what thatis that supposed to mean? To me, phrased like that, it didn't sound like it was YOUR problem but the Officer's and Wal Mart's. It would have been interesting to hear a clarification of that statement. If it didn't have any bad consequences for you, I would have then said "sorry to hear that, have a good day." and left.

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If you just leave, I cannot complete the call that I'm on.

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I understand your point of view, but in todays world u cant have that kind of attitude towards cops. Eventhough there is nothing wrong the way you handled the situation but u created a drama, and drew attention. If you return to that location in the future u will be arrested. I have barred people in the past, as long as they cooperate and help me help them we are cool. Even if a cops came up to me and said do u want to barr them? I would say nah they are cool, no need for that. Cops on the job has arrogance and just dont show it. They demand respect and want to be treated same as you are. If you had just showed him the ID and then gave him the lecture then he wud have gotten the idea that your not some ordinary folks from the corner but well versed and tactical. Patience is the key my man. "sometimesu gotta go with the flow and not create a big issue out of it" later u cud have filed complaint on that officer but now u cant. Anyway good job. But you could have done it better!

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