Open Carry Texas Holds Rally at McAllen Police Department; Updates to the Horton Arrest

Open Carry Texas Members and Supporters Rally at the McAllen Police Department

Open Carry Texas member and supporters rallied at the McAllen Police Department Saturday where member Zach Horton was arrested earlier in the week for what appears to be doing nothing more than following the law.

The rally, dubbed “Come and Take It McAllen,” brought a crowd of 75-100 people at it’s peak, many of whom were legally openly carrying rifles in accordance with state law. The event was peaceful and drew Open Carry Texas members from across the state as well as local members and supporters in the Rio Grande Valley. There was also a noted lack of police presence at the peaceful event. Mr. Horton was in attendance himself as well.

Attendees later noted that they were carrying their firearms in accordance with the law and were doing so in the same parking lot in which Zach Horton had been arrested, and he never even took his rifle out from where it was secured behind the seat of his regular cab pickup.

Between 75-100 people gathered at  it’s peak to protest the arrest of Zach Horton at the McAllen Police Department.

 Open Carry Texas members indicate it is likely all charges will be dropped in the case in which they believe showcases McAllen PD overstepping their authority.

Members organized the rally after the Arrest of Member Zach Horton on Thursday August 8th. Mr. Horton had entered the police department to inform the officers that he planned to legally carry his long arm in front of the building to take some pictures.

Mr. Horton was travelling in the area and has been openly carrying in front of many police stations in an effort to raise awareness that the practice is legal in the state, and to advocate for further legislation that relaxes restrictions on openly carrying firearms. Openly carrying a handgun is currently illegal under Texas law, and Open Carry Texas members and others are advocating to reduce and eliminate some of these restrictions.

Second Amendment Supporters at the Come And Take It McAllen Rally on Saturday August 10, 2013.

Mr. Horton was told by McAllen Police Department officers that he would not be allowed to display his weapon outside the building and was asked to leave. After leaving, Mr. Horton returned, in his words to file a formal complaint. Upon arriving back at the police station, he was confronted by McAllen officers who ordered away from his truck and was quickly placed under arrest. His truck and his person were searched as well. He had a legal knife on his person and a semi-automatic rifle secured behind the seats of a regular cab pickup truck.

 More at nogreatercause here