Open carry advocates have a strong disconnect with reality. They believe that one person or a group of people out in public, strapped with bulletproof vests and assault rifles isn’t frightening. It is frightening, and one Tennessee man has upped the ante for the open carry crazies.
Leonard Embody is an open carry advocate who on Wednesday stirred up massive fear as he demonstrated his open carry rights near a high school, pacing back and forth, reported Talking Points Memo. The anxiety caused by Embody prompted enough fear that many near Hillsboro High School called the police.
“He had a rifle across his back, and a GoPro attached to his chest,” said one account, reported WSMV-TV . “I just thought that was kind of peculiar.”
Another 911 caller said “I just saw some weirdo. I think that’s the same nut that I saw on television.”
Despite learning of the numerous complaints, Embody showed no remorse for his actions and said “a school is a prime place to be able to hand out my leaflets and educate children that guns aren’t dangerous as people think they are. Certainly a man carrying a gun doesn’t mean they’re going to get shot.”
Tell that to the students at Columbine, Sandy Hook, Fayetteville, Kent St., and scores of others in America’s history. Students, faculty, and staff have every right to be afraid when someone approaches a school with a gun.
Somehow, Embody doesn’t recognize the reality of his actions. In fact, he doubles down in saying “I don’t think I look terrifying. Other people may think I look terrifying, but that’s in their own minds and that’s something they should deal with, maybe a psychologist.”
Josh is a writer and researcher with Ring of Fire. Follow him on Twitter @dnJdeli.
