The Palm Beach Police Department wants to advise our residents that we recently encountered a group of people on the Royal Park Bridge. There were approximately 8-10 individuals openly carrying firearms while appearing to fish from the side of the bridge.
Open carry is defined as the act or practice of carrying a firearm openly in public. Open carry when on foot in a public area is generally illegal, but is permitted in certain circumstances, as defined by Florida statute 790.25(3), open carry is permitted while hunting, fishing, camping, gun shows, or while target shooting at a gun range, and while going to and from such activities.
Palm Beach Police Officers understand the rights of legally armed citizens and their Second Amendment rights. Most of these citizens are well-meaning people who simply want to exercise their rights under the law.
When they arrive in significant numbers, they transition from Second Amendment advocacy into a First Amendment right to assembly and free speech. This inevitably will result in police interaction.
It is important that our community has a good understanding of the law, as these groups are not going to go away. The groups are willing to go to court, initiate litigation, and do what they believe is necessary to ensure that their right to bear arms is not infringed upon.
The Palm Beach Police Department will respond to such demonstrations in a poised and professional manner. However, if their behavior becomes criminal in nature, our officers have received specialized training and are prepared to immediately take action as necessary.
If you have any questions please call Michael Ogrodnick at (561) 227-6360 or via email: mogrodnick@palmbeachpolice.com.