https://weartv.com/amp/news/local/escambia-county-commissioner-candidate-charged-with-openly-carrying-gunESCAMBIA COUNTY, Fla. -- A Pensacola man running for an Escambia County Commissioner seat is charged with openly carrying a prohibited weapon.
Stanley McDaniels, 39, was arrested Sunday and booked into Escambia County Jail.
Escambia County's official website shows McDaniels is running as a Republican for the Escambia County Commissioner, District 4 seat along with Robert Bender and Myra Van Hoose.
According to the arrest report, the incident happened on July 4.
The report states police were called around 2:30 p.m. to the area of Baylen and Main streets for a suspicious man with a gun in his waistband tucked into the front of his pants. He was reportedly waving at vehicles that passed, but not threatening anyone.
According to the report, upon arrival, officers made contact with McDaniels, who provided a concealed carry permit. The officer explained that open carry is not allowed in Florida.
The report states McDaniels was wearing an inside waistband holster "which held a black firearm that was displayed for the public to see." He told police he had been standing at the intersection since 9 a.m.
According to the report, McDaniels was holding a pamphlet with the American Flag on it, which he identified as the US constitution.
"McDaniels had a camera set up on a tripod and stated he wanted to take this to the Supreme Court," officers noted in the police report.
