The Big Guy
Regular Member
After many open carries in the Gibson Library in Henderson, tonight I was told by the security guard that "firearms are not allowed in the Library". Now I have seen this same guy numerous times while in there OC, maybe 20+. He even admitted to me that he has seen me many, many times but never noticed I was OC. (Kind of makes you feel safe and secure huh?) I tried to tell him that he was incorrect and he told me it was Library rules, then asked me if I had a "card". I assumed he was talking about CC permit. I told him that I did not need one to OC. I later figured out he was talking about a blue card. I explained to him that I had worked with the City Attorney's office regarding this, and I could get a copy of a letter from ACA Zentz that would explain things to him. He said that they had their own set of rules. He wasn't going to hear any of it. He then went and got the head gal who scrunched up her face and told me I could not have a gun in the library and that it was Library rules. I tried again to explain State Pre-emption and she sure didn't want to hear that. I mentioned that as a City facility she could not deny my access based on my firearm. She proceeded to tell me that the library is not owned by the city of Henderson that it was owned by the Henderson Library district. We went around on that for a while and as amazing as it seems, she really doesn't know who owns it. I told them that they could tell me to leave and I would have to under trespass laws but not because I had my firearm. At this point security then said he would call the police to sort it out. I told him that would be a good idea. I then left the building and stood outside to await the cops. My wife waited inside and listened to the librarian make the man with a gun call.
The cops came, 2 of them, no lights, no sirens, no hurry. The guard told them why they called. He asked me to step over to his SUV, which I did. He then asked me if he could remove my firearm and secure it for officer safety. I told him I objected to the seizure of my property. He said he was not seizing it just securing it until he could sort things out. I told him I would lock it in my car, he asked where it was and I pointed to it right next to his. He said that would be fine, no problem at all. I put it on my front seat and locked the door. He asked me if I had a blue card and I told him I am not required to carry one that it is just a receipt for registration. He said "ok, no problem, your right". He asked me for ID and I told him I was not carrying it ( I put it in my briefcase in the car before they arrived). He asked my name and I told him. He asked me things like do I live in Henderson and for how long. My wife told me the function my kids were there for was about to start. He asked me if my kids were inside and I told him yes, 5 of them. He asked for my address and I gave it to him. (Yes, I know I'm not required to but I had a reason for it.)
I explained to him my side and told him that I had spent a year working with the C.A.'s office on this issue. He could get in touch with Chief Chambers as she and I have corresponded on the subject as well. I handed him the copy of the letter from ACA Zentz stating that they were changing the city policy. Both cops read it. They called their sergeant after which they called the library people over. I don't know exactly what was said, but they did not look happy about what they were being told. After that the police officers came back over to me. The bottom line is nobody, not them, not the library people or the sergeant on the phone had any idea who owns the library. We had a discussion about trespass and that if it is not a true "public" building that I could be trespassed if I didn't leave when asked. I told him that I was fully aware of trespass laws and quoted it to them.
I told the police that I would not re-enter the library armed until it was established for certain just who owns it. If it is publically owned as I can't believe it isn't, then I would holster up again. This seemed to satisfy them.
As the police were leaving the security guard asked him "he can come back in with his gun then?" I think the police told him what our agreement was and that was the end of the story. Of course this was slightly edited for brevity.
I must say that the police in this situation did a great job. I am going to write Chief Chambers to let her know of the excellent job these two officers did in handling this situation. They did their job without pushing their weight around and being very respectful to all parties. Very professional. They thanked me several times for being cooperative. In my opinion this is a direct reflection on the chain of command.
I will update as I get a copy of the incident report and find out just who the ^&** owns the place. Until then I would advise staying clear with OC as not to inflame things.
TBG
The cops came, 2 of them, no lights, no sirens, no hurry. The guard told them why they called. He asked me to step over to his SUV, which I did. He then asked me if he could remove my firearm and secure it for officer safety. I told him I objected to the seizure of my property. He said he was not seizing it just securing it until he could sort things out. I told him I would lock it in my car, he asked where it was and I pointed to it right next to his. He said that would be fine, no problem at all. I put it on my front seat and locked the door. He asked me if I had a blue card and I told him I am not required to carry one that it is just a receipt for registration. He said "ok, no problem, your right". He asked me for ID and I told him I was not carrying it ( I put it in my briefcase in the car before they arrived). He asked my name and I told him. He asked me things like do I live in Henderson and for how long. My wife told me the function my kids were there for was about to start. He asked me if my kids were inside and I told him yes, 5 of them. He asked for my address and I gave it to him. (Yes, I know I'm not required to but I had a reason for it.)
I explained to him my side and told him that I had spent a year working with the C.A.'s office on this issue. He could get in touch with Chief Chambers as she and I have corresponded on the subject as well. I handed him the copy of the letter from ACA Zentz stating that they were changing the city policy. Both cops read it. They called their sergeant after which they called the library people over. I don't know exactly what was said, but they did not look happy about what they were being told. After that the police officers came back over to me. The bottom line is nobody, not them, not the library people or the sergeant on the phone had any idea who owns the library. We had a discussion about trespass and that if it is not a true "public" building that I could be trespassed if I didn't leave when asked. I told him that I was fully aware of trespass laws and quoted it to them.
I told the police that I would not re-enter the library armed until it was established for certain just who owns it. If it is publically owned as I can't believe it isn't, then I would holster up again. This seemed to satisfy them.
As the police were leaving the security guard asked him "he can come back in with his gun then?" I think the police told him what our agreement was and that was the end of the story. Of course this was slightly edited for brevity.
I must say that the police in this situation did a great job. I am going to write Chief Chambers to let her know of the excellent job these two officers did in handling this situation. They did their job without pushing their weight around and being very respectful to all parties. Very professional. They thanked me several times for being cooperative. In my opinion this is a direct reflection on the chain of command.
I will update as I get a copy of the incident report and find out just who the ^&** owns the place. Until then I would advise staying clear with OC as not to inflame things.
TBG
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