That's right folks, this isn't your typical gathering, this is a
march!
Background:On Sunday, March 3rd 2013, around 12pm, Johann Deffert was walking home from breakfast with a holstered openly carried pistol. Despite having done nothing wrong, Mr. Deffert was detained at gunpoint by the Grand Rapids Police. Mr. Deffert was forced to lie on the ground while he was handcuffed. During this detention, his firearm and identification were taken from him. Two officers then proceeded to berate Mr. Deffert for lawfully openly carrying his handgun. One officer even threatened to further harass Mr. Deffert by reporting him to the Kent County gun board. Eventually, Mr. Deffert was released after the officers were unable to find something to charge him with.
Event DetailsMichigan Open Carry will be holding a demonstration of every day open carriers, the day before the one year anniversary of Mr. Deffert's detainment. Our goal is to demonstrate in force, what the typical open carrier is like, and to show that there is nothing to be concerned about. We will be walking the same route, at the same time, on the same day of the week as Mr. Deffert.
When: Sunday March 2nd @ 11:30amWhere: Start at Fuller Park (250 Fuller Ave NE, Grand Rapids 49503).
Rout: MAP• Leave Fuller Park at
11:30am and head North on Fuller Ave towards Michigan St.
• Turn East on Michigan St.
• Continue down to the corner of Michigan St. and Lakeside Dr where Mr. Deffert was Detained.
• After spending some time at this destination, we will turn around and head back towards the park.
• Those that wish too will continue West down Michigan St. towards Monroe Center (City Hall).
We will be demonstrating as typical, every day open carriers, as Mr. Deffert was when he was detained.
Therefore, we ask that you carry the same gun that you carry every day. The objective is for people to look at us and realize that we are not so different, and understand that there is no cause for alarm when they see us in the grocery store, gas station, or any other place they may encounter us in our everyday lives.
Lastly, New Beginnings, which is located roughly across Michigan St from Fuller Park has cleared us for breakfast around 10:00am. Their address is 1455 Michigan Street NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. The restaurant does not serve alcohol so a CPL is not need to open carry there. Feel free to bring friends and family. See you then.
Facebook event:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1398966813685910/?source=1
