A former police chief and law enforcement veteran was recently refused service for a specialist appointment, at an ear nose and throat doctor’s office for carrying his weapon into the office and refusing to store it in the car during his appointment.
In the state of Texas licensed police officers and veterans are allowed to open carry in the state as long as they display the proper credentials. In a statement, Police Chief Philip Dupuis reiterated that he was following standard protocol. “My badge is displayed. I have my lanyard on with ‘police’ on my ID card hanging around my neck. I had handcuffs. The lobby was full of people, and they asked me to leave because of who I am.”
While private business and property owners in the state of Texas have the right to create “weapons free” zones on their property or business, Chief Dupuis says that he has never had a problem before after showing them the proper identification. The officer carries his weapon with him for protection and did not feel he needed to give it up as he is a trained officer and has never had an accidental discharge.
After the story became public, the ENT specialist took to Facebook to post a statement about the incident apologizing to the officer and declaring that they would ensure it would never happen again. The statement went on to say that the business was in full support of law enforcement and appreciative of their duties.
While the specialist’s office has taken measures to rectify the situation, it gives pause to gun owners who may be left to wonder if a Chief of Police runs the risk of losing his gun rights what stands to happen to the average citizen?
To watch the full news story on this incident please check out the news clip below.
