Six Shooter Junction - According to the Lib Trib, 19th District Court Judge Ralph Strother allows prosecutors to carry hawg legs in the courtroom - for self defense, rattlesnakes and such.
Judge Matt Johnson of the 54th District Court says there is an "unwritten rule" that states only peace officers are allowed to pack iron in court.
How say y'all, oh, noble and enlightened readers of this mighty organ of public opinion?
Chief Prosecutor Michael Jarret experienced an accidental discharge when he took a fellow prosecutor's word that the Glock .40 he was checking out in the office was not loaded. When he racked the slide, he chambered a round, then pulled the trigger. It blew a hole in the window and made an impact on a brick wall across the air shaft.
His boss man, District Attorney Abel Reyna, says he's still angry about that. Whatever he does about it will be private, though, because it's a personnel matter.
I put it to you. If prosecutors are allowed to carry pistols in court, should they be unloaded? Or should the prosecutors always assume that a firearm - any firearm - is loaded?
Phone in your thoughts to Shawn Warner at KWTX "Talk of the Town" Radio. He'll be glad to hear from you, no doubt. Tell Mr. Warner the Stinking Badges sent you.
It is a CLASS A MISDEMEANOR to discharge a firearm within the city limits of Waco, Texas. The courthouse is well within the city limits. A Class A misdemeanor is punishable by a fine of up to $4000, a year in jail or both.
ReplyDeleteClearly, this is not just a "personnel matter". It is a golden opportunity for Abel Reyna to demonstrate his true colors to the voters of McLennan County.
Tut tut, old man. Why don't you let us know what you really think? - The Legendary
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