Jason Gillman Jr.

Codifying the Legality of Open Carry in Michigan

Michigan Open Carry has been involved in getting HB 5091 and 5092 pushed through.

Basically, these two pieces of legislation further define what constitutes brandishing, a definition that more clearly shows that open carry is not brandishing.

We also pushed forward some substitutions to make things even better:
http://rrfaae.com/dump/MOC/H03891’13%20(H-1).pdf (for 5091)
http://rrfaae.com/dump/MOC/H03299’13%20Star%20(H-1).pdf (for 5092)

These substitutions sailed through committee. Vote to report will most likely be next week.

Appreciation goes to Rep. Joel Johnson and Rep. Brandon Dillon for moving these through.

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Open Carry March on 2 March (a Sunday) in Grand Rapids

Last year, Johann Deffert faced a felony stop, illegal detainment, and disarmament by the Grand Rapids PD merely because he was openly carrying a holstered pistol while walking down a sidewalk, an act which is legal in the state of Michigan. As a result, Deffert has filed suit against the City, the Police Chief at the time (Kevin Belk), and the three officers who responded.

As a result, I talked with Tom Lambert, Michigan Open Carry Assistant Legislative Director and Board Member, and we came up with a plan for a march around the 1 year anniversary of Deffert’s illegal detainment, including breakfast at the establishment that Deffert left prior to being picked up.

We’ll be linking up around 1000 for breakfast at New Beginnings Restaurant (1455 Michigan Street NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503). At around 1130, we’ll be leaving Fuller Park (250 Fuller Ave NE, Grand Rapids 49503) after connecting with those who didn’t attend breakfast for the corner of Lakeside Dr. and Michigan St., the rough location of where Deffert was detained.

After hanging around for a bit, some of us will be heading towards city hall, while others may return to the park and leave.

While not really “news” per se, I thought that there are those on here who might be interested in participating.

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The Legality of Open Carry – A Difficulty for Some Folks, Including Law Enforcement

Apparently it’s difficult for some people, including those in law enforcement, to accept the fact that the open carry of firearms is legal in Michigan. This leads to civil rights suits against police departments, editorial boards looking like they’ve spent the past 3/4 of their life living under a rock, and a citizenry of sheep. Read on…

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