imported post
First let me say I am a Railfan. I have been photographing and watching trains for years. I have been carrying a concealed weapon for about three years. In fact it was a confrontation with a homeless person who threatened to relieve me of my camcorder, that lead to my getting a permit. In the course of photographing trains I have been in some remote places. Carrying expensive camera and video equipment alone into remote locations can be dangerous.
One of my favorite subjects is Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton Pa. The site is run by the National Park Service, so weapons are verboten. However Steamtown National Historic Site is right next to The Mall at Steamtown. Both are connected by a symbiotic relationship and walkway/bridge. On the west end of the mall is a multi-level parking garage. I have parked on the top deck and taken photos for at least ten years. It actually is the perfect place to view the park and watch train movements.
On this particular day, May 15, 2006, I was on the roof deck snapping away as I have many times in the past. However this day my Ruger 345 was in an OWB holster on my right hip. I had taken off my jacket as it was getting warmer. My sweatshirt had ridden up and the gun was exposed for all to see. I know that PA is an open carry state, so I figured what the heck. I am ashamed to report that I was so engrossed in the movements of Canadian Pacific train that I was surrounded by four guys from mall security before I was aware of their presence. My Bad.
The nice young man in the sharp uniform informed me that the mall had a policy against taking pictures. I asked how long this policy had been in effect,he said" Forever". "Security and Liability reasons you know." One of the posse then asked why I was carrying a weapon.
I replied "Because the Second Ammendment says I can" To which he said " Do You have a permit for the weapon sir" my retort was " I don't need one, and you have no business asking" He looked befuddled.
Knowing that I was in fact on private property,and expecting the emminent arrival of Scranton P.D investigating the terrorist with a gun call. I went to my vehicle and promptly left. Funny part was as I was leaving one of the posse was photographing my vehicle as I drove away. Different rules I guess.
I find it amazing that I have taken photos from the exact same location many times throughout the years. I have see many tourists snapping away all throughout the mall property and the bridge/walkway that connects to the historic site. Now all of a sudden it is against mall policy. I think that policy only applies to stupid old men who are careless about exposing their sidearm and alarming the sheeple
I have been carrying concealed in this mall for years.I have never seen a sign banning cameras or guns. I have no intentions of asking about either. I wasn't asked to leave so if I go back I will not be trespassing.
I would like to contribute this to the open carry discussion. If my gun had stayed concealed I would not have been bothered. Just another old fart taking pictures. The gun made me a threat and a target.
In the future I think I will stay in stealth mode.
First let me say I am a Railfan. I have been photographing and watching trains for years. I have been carrying a concealed weapon for about three years. In fact it was a confrontation with a homeless person who threatened to relieve me of my camcorder, that lead to my getting a permit. In the course of photographing trains I have been in some remote places. Carrying expensive camera and video equipment alone into remote locations can be dangerous.
One of my favorite subjects is Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton Pa. The site is run by the National Park Service, so weapons are verboten. However Steamtown National Historic Site is right next to The Mall at Steamtown. Both are connected by a symbiotic relationship and walkway/bridge. On the west end of the mall is a multi-level parking garage. I have parked on the top deck and taken photos for at least ten years. It actually is the perfect place to view the park and watch train movements.
On this particular day, May 15, 2006, I was on the roof deck snapping away as I have many times in the past. However this day my Ruger 345 was in an OWB holster on my right hip. I had taken off my jacket as it was getting warmer. My sweatshirt had ridden up and the gun was exposed for all to see. I know that PA is an open carry state, so I figured what the heck. I am ashamed to report that I was so engrossed in the movements of Canadian Pacific train that I was surrounded by four guys from mall security before I was aware of their presence. My Bad.
The nice young man in the sharp uniform informed me that the mall had a policy against taking pictures. I asked how long this policy had been in effect,he said" Forever". "Security and Liability reasons you know." One of the posse then asked why I was carrying a weapon.
I replied "Because the Second Ammendment says I can" To which he said " Do You have a permit for the weapon sir" my retort was " I don't need one, and you have no business asking" He looked befuddled.
Knowing that I was in fact on private property,and expecting the emminent arrival of Scranton P.D investigating the terrorist with a gun call. I went to my vehicle and promptly left. Funny part was as I was leaving one of the posse was photographing my vehicle as I drove away. Different rules I guess.
I find it amazing that I have taken photos from the exact same location many times throughout the years. I have see many tourists snapping away all throughout the mall property and the bridge/walkway that connects to the historic site. Now all of a sudden it is against mall policy. I think that policy only applies to stupid old men who are careless about exposing their sidearm and alarming the sheeple
I have been carrying concealed in this mall for years.I have never seen a sign banning cameras or guns. I have no intentions of asking about either. I wasn't asked to leave so if I go back I will not be trespassing.
I would like to contribute this to the open carry discussion. If my gun had stayed concealed I would not have been bothered. Just another old fart taking pictures. The gun made me a threat and a target.
In the future I think I will stay in stealth mode.