Quote Originally Posted by TuffStuffMcGruff
some people seem to be arguing that even though he did it, seemed to have the legal right to do it where he was (on his property in texas) and has incurred no legal trouble from the action that he broke the law. he did not fire his weapon "across a public road" but rather across FROM a public road on his own property
Do you think that would hold up had the President's motorcade been passing by and he decided to "protest by discharging a firearm?" He lives next to him you know... This doesn't pass the "smell test." Doesn't really matter what the political orientation of the protesters were does it? Last I checked, citizens were supposed to have the same fundamental rights and protections.

if the protestors have been there for months and are affecting his ability to excercise his rights as a property owning citizen THAT would be an injustice

if firing his gun on his own property when a protest was not going on is ok and firing his gun when a protest IS going on is not - then months of a public protest that impedes his free excercise of his rights is not acceptable
That's all well and good, only it doesn't apply:
1. "starting their second week of demonstrations"
2. How was re really being restricted from using his property? Could he have been shooting from the other side of it? How big is this property? If it is an acre, then maybe.
3. If he was being prevented from preparing for dove season, what sort of targeting shooting was he doing? Firing straight up in the air at nothing...and having a few beers first while watching a crowd. Yeah, this guy shouldn't be given a hunting license either. Idiots like that give the rest of us bad names.
4. Did he attempt to resolve any problems through local law enforcement or even a discussion with the organizers? Something like, "I'm going to be doing some target shooting, don't be alarmed. Just thought you would want to know." That's what most of us out in the sticks do if we have a sensitive neighbor.

i agree that this came close to breaking the law - but it did not break the law - the sherriff said so on national television - he isnt some endless authority figure - he answers to someone
Sheriff's are elected. So he answers to the GOP electorate of his county (Democrat's need not apply.) His political views are unlikely to represent any of those present at the scene other than shotgun Bubba.

As it is up to law enforcement's discretion, it depends more on the location and politics than on the legality or illegality of the act.