Police detective in California makes joking comment that people carrying openly...

[spin]

should be shot.

Facebook Comment Stirs 'Open Carry' Debate
Updated: 7:53 pm PST February 9, 2010

EAST PALO ALTO, Calif. -- A controversy was brewing in East Palo Alto Tuesday night after a police detective made apparently joking comments through his Facebook account saying “open carry” advocates who visibly carry guns in public should be shot.

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Area resident Adnan Shahab is an “open carry” advocate who frequently goes out in public displaying an unloaded gun on his belt. Such activity is legal in California with certain restrictions, such as staying clear of schools.

Shahab said he was offended by Facebook remarks posted by East Palo Alto detective Rod Tuason. Tuason published a comment that said he agreed with a friend that open carry advocates should come to Oakland, Richmond and East Palo Alto and -- in an apparent joke -- said officers should shoot the advocates.

"So it's a little shocking and disappointing to hear that a sworn officer is basically so cavalier with violating a person's second amendment rights and basically putting a bullet in them for doing absolutely nothing wrong," said Shahab.

East Palo Alto police were investigating whether the remarks violate department policies.

Police also point out the remarks were made in a personal, private web page and were only made public by a blogger.

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Adnan Shahab said he believes the fact the comments came from a facebook exchange made the remarks and any perceived threat more credible.

"Quite honestly I feel a little unsafe going to East Palo Alto right now," explained Shahab.
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