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highplainsdem

(48,968 posts)
Mon Jan 6, 2014, 05:10 PM Jan 2014

Report: New York Official Freaks Out Audience While Using Handgun As A Laser Pointer

Source: Talking Points Memo

A top official in New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo's (D) administration reportedly had audience members on edge when he used his handgun as a laser pointer during a presentation last year.

The Times Union reported that Jerome M. Hauer, commissioner of the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, alarmed a foreign delegation when he used the laser sighting device on the barrel of his handgun during an Oct. 24 presentation in Albany, N.Y. on the state's response to Superstorm Sandy.

Three Sweedish emergency managers "were rattled when the gun's laser tracked across one of their heads before Hauer found the map of New York, at which he wanted to point," according to the Times Union, and two people in attendance "moved quickly out of the line of the laser when he brought out the gun."

-snip-

When asked about the presentation by the Times Union, Hauer said only, "You have bad sources."


Read more: http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/new-york-jerome-hauer-handgun-laser-pointer

18 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Report: New York Official Freaks Out Audience While Using Handgun As A Laser Pointer (Original Post) highplainsdem Jan 2014 OP
Good work, Frank Drebin. Ian David Jan 2014 #1
If he did it exboyfil Jan 2014 #2
and subject to an immediate mental health evaluation... Blue_Tires Jan 2014 #18
Jerome Hauer? The 9/11 Jerome Hauer? Octafish Jan 2014 #3
Jerome Hauer, OnyxCollie Jan 2014 #11
ohh! heaven05 Jan 2014 #4
Hauer appears to have NO law enforcement training or background Lurks Often Jan 2014 #5
Evidently it's also illegal for a public official to carry in gov't buildings... Blue_Tires Jan 2014 #16
He should have left it in the bottom drawer. Turbineguy Jan 2014 #6
I am thinking that he is so fired if this is true. yellowcanine Jan 2014 #7
It gets worse. According to this link, the gun is often loaded. yellowcanine Jan 2014 #8
Gun nuts are right. Libruls can be just as nutty with guns as they are. nt onehandle Jan 2014 #9
What an idiot. blackspade Jan 2014 #10
Update: Hauer admits using the gun as a pointer but says "it was empty and not aimed at anyone" yellowcanine Jan 2014 #12
Not buying the "it was empty" lie Lurks Often Jan 2014 #13
And of course somewhat irrelevant. Waving an "empty gun" around is still at least a misdemeanor in yellowcanine Jan 2014 #14
Holy fuck....is that guy senile or just insane? Blue_Tires Jan 2014 #15
Kee-rist Adam-Bomb Jan 2014 #17

Blue_Tires

(55,445 posts)
18. and subject to an immediate mental health evaluation...
Tue Jan 7, 2014, 10:35 PM
Jan 2014

Lest he decide to come back the next day to "even some scores"

 

OnyxCollie

(9,958 posts)
11. Jerome Hauer,
Mon Jan 6, 2014, 07:43 PM
Jan 2014

Last edited Mon Jan 6, 2014, 09:03 PM - Edit history (1)

former Assistant Secretary for Emergency Preparedness at the Department of Health and Human Services, and former lobbyist/board of director member for Emergent Biosolutions, the sole producer of anthrax vaccine.

What a coincidence.

 

Lurks Often

(5,455 posts)
5. Hauer appears to have NO law enforcement training or background
Mon Jan 6, 2014, 05:31 PM
Jan 2014

so why is he carrying a gun as part of his duties?

http://www.governor.ny.gov/press/1182012CommissionerofDHSES

I'll point out if an average citizen did this, they would almost certainly have their firearm confiscated, their carry permit revoked and would probably face criminal charges.

yellowcanine

(35,699 posts)
7. I am thinking that he is so fired if this is true.
Mon Jan 6, 2014, 06:12 PM
Jan 2014

There are so many things wrong with this picture - the mind boggles.

yellowcanine

(35,699 posts)
8. It gets worse. According to this link, the gun is often loaded.
Mon Jan 6, 2014, 06:21 PM
Jan 2014

And apparently he is a little unsteady as a result of a stroke a year ago. The Swedes apparently were not amused.

http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2014/01/daniel-zimmerman/irresponsible-gun-owner-day-jerome-hauer/

yellowcanine

(35,699 posts)
12. Update: Hauer admits using the gun as a pointer but says "it was empty and not aimed at anyone"
Tue Jan 7, 2014, 02:28 PM
Jan 2014
http://nypost.com/2014/01/07/homeland-security-chief-uses-handgun-laser-as-meeting-pointer/

Well allrighty then! What is the fuss? He does admit that it "probably wasn't the smartest thing to do." Ya think?
 

Lurks Often

(5,455 posts)
13. Not buying the "it was empty" lie
Tue Jan 7, 2014, 02:56 PM
Jan 2014

More info here: http://www.ctpost.com/local/article/Ready-aim-point-talk-5116592.php

Hauer should be fired and prosecuted and otherwise treated like an average New York state resident who did the same thing. But we all know that is not going to happen.

yellowcanine

(35,699 posts)
14. And of course somewhat irrelevant. Waving an "empty gun" around is still at least a misdemeanor in
Tue Jan 7, 2014, 03:22 PM
Jan 2014

most cases. Lots of gun offenses are committed with empty guns. But of course the victims cannot tell whether a gun is empty or not unless the perp actually pulls the trigger. And then they might just think it misfired.

Blue_Tires

(55,445 posts)
15. Holy fuck....is that guy senile or just insane?
Tue Jan 7, 2014, 04:27 PM
Jan 2014

He must have a phone book's worth of dirt on Cuomo to have stayed employed all this time...

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