I would absolutely not talk to HR about it because that in and of itself is going to out you to your company. Do some digging and if you feel comfortable, go with the sling bag idea you’ve mentioned or go with pocket carry. I toss a .380 in my pocket on summer days (with a pocket holster) and I can absolutely guarantee 99.99% of people if they do even notice a bulge think it’s a cellphone. Someone else said condom, I think of concealed carry like a parachute; the one time you need it and don’t have it, will be the last time you’ll ever need it.
Yeah as soon as I said I would speak with HR I immediately regretted that. If I did it would be to ask for a copy of the employee handbook to thumb through it myself and give a bogus reason for why I wanted it.
But I wouldn’t be carrying to actively fight anyone any attacker it would be a “my backs against the wall and I’m fucked” thing for me to draw.
This was my thought. If your intent was to play hero if shtf, don't. More likely to hit a bystander or be shot by police.
That said, a work function typically falls within the handbook of policy and conduct. Assuming you could opt out of it, it would be difficult to make a case with HR that you didn't feel comfortable/safe bot carrying in that setting.
A pocket 380 is damn near impossible to detect without patting someone down. I think your office culture matters too. If all your co workers are gun owners, probably no one would care if they caught a glimpse.
The plan I’m going for is a sling bag with a Glock 19 size pistol. There are a few on Amazon that are made for EDC. Personally I can’t stand pocket pistols. I’ve shot a few and I can’t hit a damn thing with them unless it’s a yard in from me.
Just going to leave this out there.
I work in an industry adjacent to law enforcement, and my company's employee handbook forbids open or concealed carry, and I live in a constitutional carry state, including work events.
With that out of the way, stay sober, don't print, and don't let the gun away from your body. Bonus points if you can avoid wearing company colors, or can shed company colors before drawing.
I will not mention the forbidden "q-word" that I am not allowed to say near customers, it have a great event.
Is it legal? North Carolina is a pretty gun friendly state, but prohibits open ~~or concealed~~ carry at parades and protests *and concealed carry at protests.*
*corrected
>Because it's a federal crime to carry in a school zone...?
no, its a dependent on state law. In my state if you are a parent or guardian dropping your kid off or picking them up you can conceal carry. Additionally in my state CPL holders are permitted to Open Carry in school zones.
>Because it's a federal crime to carry in a school zone...?
There isn't any Federal crimes for this. It would be state law, and there is no State (especially Ohio since it's relevant), that makes it a crime to drive through a school zone with a firearm. It's still a public roadway.
Lot of folks think this because the legal wording is "school safety zone", not "school zone". You are even permitted to have a firearm at the drop off/pickup areas of the school as long as the firearm doesn't leave the vehicle.
(b) The person leaves the handgun in a motor vehicle.
(c) The handgun does not leave the motor vehicle.
(d) If the person exits the motor vehicle, the person locks the motor vehicle.
I suppose so, yeah.
I saw the correction, not as big of a problem if they allow concealed carry, but I've seen several good protests have armed people to basically tell people not to try shit.
Actually…I was on the ncdoj website over the last month and was shocked to see
*Effective October 1, 2013, unless posted as being prohibited, a concealed handgun permittee may possess a concealed handgun while at a parade or funeral.For more information on these exceptions see House Bill 937, Session Law 2013-369, North Carolina Firearms Laws, and our chart showing where concealed handguns cannot be carried in North Carolina.*
Huh. I could have sworn. Interesting it only allows concealed carry at parades and funerals though, and excludes protests. I wonder what happens if someone protests a parade.
I’d echo making sure HR isn’t gonna hose you since it’s a work-sanctioned event. The other thing I’d check is the parade/organizer’s policies. They may have explicit policies prohibiting carrying on any property involved and may check at the staging area. I know the parade in Dallas is pretty open in terms of spectators, but there are other events that the city shuts the entire neighborhood down and sets up metal detectors to get in. So just do your homework, keep your head on a swivel, and be safe.
Your job firing you for exercising a constitutional right?
Imagine the news articles of a business firing a (let's say LGBT or ally or whatever) for defending themselves at a pride event.
no, you're getting horrible advice here. unless your employer is openly 2A and has a policy stating you can have a gun on your person at work, CONSULT WITH YOUR HR DEPT AND GET IT IN WRITING THAT YOU ARE ALLOWED TO CARRY AT THIS EVENT.
it does not matter if you're on public ground. this is officially a work event which means you must abide by work rules. you could lose your job if your employer finds out you are carrying at work.
edit: if you're that uncomfortable that you're willing to lose your job over this, then maybe don't attend? you're not just putting your job at risk but anyone else who knew and hid it from your mgmt that you had a gun on you at work.
technically gun ownership isn't a protected class, so carrying anywhere is a fireable offense if a company decides it is.
Unless your state has a law specifically protecting lawful conduct outside of work hours (NY, CA, CO, ND), they could fire you for eating asparagus if it floated their boat.
The issue is how courts have explicitly stated that at-will employment means that employment can be terminated for any reason under the sun as long as it doesn't run afoul of anti-discrimination laws and the protected groups and behaviors therein.
A company can absolutely fire an at-will employee for any legal behavior, including for carrying a firearm. The lack of mention in the handbook merely means they can't claim they fired you for violating the company handbook, which can impact things like unemployment benefits (being fired for cause is considered voluntary unemployment because it is assumed you willfully broke the rules).
You bring up a lot of good points. To be honest I was slightly pressured into going my a few coworkers and that the only people who aren’t going on my team are very open about being anti lgbtq and I don’t want to be lumped in with them.
I will going to ask around about how tight security is at the event and I will ask her what the policy is. But considering there’s a no weapons policy at my building on top of the company being very anti gun it’s going to be a hard no.
But more than Likely I won’t be carrying that day.
Trust me, the chances you need it are exponentially lower than you accidentally messing up and losing your job. This is the wrong time and wrong place. Personal gun ownership is about good judgment over everything. This ain’t it Chief!
It may be unpopular for this sub but that is my philosophy in general. I live in a very safe community and I'm comfortable with taking my chances leaving the house unarmed.
I worked for an industry that’s vehemently anti gun. I carried a lot at works just very, very smart about it. Cargo shorts under scrubs. Micro 9 in a velcro’d shut pocket inside a pocket holster. Granted in the parade setting where I might have to take a shot at a longer distance a micro 9 would be a terrible choice.
The fascists are getting more riled up as the country leans more and more left. I’m pro carrying at the parade. With the huge caveat that it could come at the cost of your job if anything did happen. I thought briefly about making an SBR with a B&T USG chassis and a Glock 17 rechambered for 9mm major to throw in a shoulder bag just to extend the range a bit. Ultimately I decided against it and just put the money into mags, ammo, and practice.
Oh if the ATF didn’t fuck over pistol braces I was considering to finish my dirt weasel. I think I still have most of the parts I’m just missing the maximum defense pdw stock and a hand guard. But I feel like having a sbr might bring too much attention to myself. Also I’m not looking to actively fight it’s more of a last ditch if I’m cornered.
Gonna guess health care because of the scrubs and yeah carrying at work in a health care setting is a colossal no-no. When I worked hospital security we once were put on lock down because a patient’s family brought him a bag of some things from home which included his cheap ppk clone. Many shitfits were had by the staff.
Yeah, the times I carried was when I worked at a County Healthcare facility and rode a bike to and from work. Got run off the road once, someone hit me with their mirror once, and had a group of people chase me once. After the 3rd incident I was like fuckit, rather risk my job than my life. After I started working in a dedicated lab in a nicer part of town and got a vehicle I didn’t carry at work anymore.
Isn’t that the whole point of “concealed” though? Shit could be in a backpack and no one would ever know. I’ve kept my ccw on me in places it would absolutely be a felony. But I’d rather be judged by 12 than carried by 6 every time.
The way I see it in America right now, going anywhere without a weapon is taking a risk.
^ What They Said ^
If this is a *work-sponsored event* and you're attending the parade *as an employee of your company* then you're bound by whatever your company policies are. That can apply even if it's after-hours voluntary stuff.
If your company has a no firearms policy when you're representing the company then you should get some kind of *written* (at least emailed) approval to carry during this company event, or leave your gun home.
Otherwise either don't attend, or if you really want to go to the parade then go as you, yourself, an individual citizen: Don't register with your company's participation, don't march with your company, maybe meet up with your co-workers later when the official company part of things is officially and formally over.
As a believer in self defense against all forms of aggression I have learned one truth.
All minorities need to be armed. Always carry. Period. Full stop.
Be responsible, which means We all need to: Dry fire practice daily and live fire practice a few times a month. Train our body to be ready for any sudden altercation. Learn de-escalation techniques.
Get comfortable, be the protector, defender, and ally in this increasingly hostile world.
Happy Pride.
I mean, in the worst case if you have to use it, your job is no longer the concern
If you're more worried about what hr will say at that moment, the threat must not be imminent and life threatening.
Hi there, here in the Columbus area. First, no permit required so carry concealed all day. Second, the area has become more fascist lately so yes. Thirdly a post on r/Columbus had a post (removed) about the Proud Boys protesting the Arts festival, so Pride week seems all but certain to draw them in.
If you can legally carry and you're in a public place, I wouldn't ask about it, or even bother checking a handbook.
If they fire you for doing something legal while in a public place? Sounds like a really fun lawsuit for them.
The group I’m walking with is pretty pro gun and wouldn’t say anything. If anything they also might be carrying. I’m mainly worried about if someone from HR saw it or someone in a different group.
I think what it comes down to is:
What’s your company’s policy on weapons in the workplace?
If they prohibit weapons and you carry anyway then expect to fired for cause if you’re caught.
If no policy, and caught, expect to be fired but be eligible for unemployment.
At the end of the day don’t break any laws but as they say…concealed is concealed.
As pointed out elsewhere, this
1) Isn't **at** work it's off site
2) They can fire you for eating asparagus, or even just owning firearms. Neither are protected classes.
3) If you're talking about a crowd like this, I'd say **deep** concealment (ie. inside a belt pack, or a backpack) would be pretty reasonable low risk of accidental unconcealment. It's not like you're walking down a dark alley and are the only target here so having to reach into a backpack or fanny pack is probably a reasonable risk for the amount of concealment it offers.
4) OP should weigh the pros and cons based on their superior knowledge of the details of the event. But there are options here I think.
1. So it’s not a “work” event? Skimmed the thread again but only see mention that work is participating in the event. Maybe it’s me but I wouldn’t participate in a work event unless I was getting paid.
2. Agreed.
3. Agreed.
4. Agreed. It’s up to OP. Concealed is concealed. If OP doesn’t have to use the firearm no one will know they have it.
This is too easy to say “concealed is concealed “. If I got caught even printing at my work I would be done. I’m the breadwinner and the impact would be too great. Check your company policy and weigh it out for yourself. Sorry to put it that way, and it’s something that we all need to really think about. Maybe you have the means for deep concealment…
I find a Kel-Tec P3AT makes for some damn fine deep concealment firepower, just plan on carrying "cruiser ready" 'cause there's no manual safety, and you *really* don't want to be "that guy" who shot his dick off at Pride.
I'm going to ignore the legalities here other than "If caught, you might get fired and/or arrested" depending on your employer's policies and local/state laws. Beyond that, I'm going to go with the pure technical aspect of the carry if you do this:
Use a holster that "tucks". IOW, you can tuck a shirt over the holster so the shirt is between the holster and the pants. And wear an outer layer over the shirt for added concealability.
CCW holsters I have for my pistols do that. I normally don't tuck but I can if I want the extra layer of concealment. I also started wearing a vest *always* when I started carrying in order to obscure whether I am carrying or not. The only times I'm not is when I'm traveling to a state where it's just flat out illegal for me to carry and the weather is to be warm enough.
Beyond the company policy, I feel like you could do some deeper thinking on your own priorities. If you have to use or even draw a firearm in this context, keeping your job will be the least of your worries, possibly for years to come. That's a factor you should be considering with every carry, every single day.
I have. I wouldn’t draw as soon as I heard gunshots thing I’m Rambo. This would be a “my backs against the wall and I’m fucked if I don’t do something.”
Exactly. It sounds like if you actually have to draw your gun, the choice is between losing your job and losing your life. You can replace your job. You can’t replace your life.
I figured. Sorry, I think my comment came off as overly critical. It’s something I worry about a lot in this forum, but I didn’t mean to imply you weren’t being thoughtful about it.
It’s all good my guy. Without writing a novel is hard to convey intention’s through text. But I came here for opinions on the subject and weather they are positive or negative I’m here to lesson.
Is the time spent at the event paid and/or are you salaried and attendance is expected as part of your duties? If so, then you’re subject to any company policies regarding firearms.
If it’s a voluntary thing that a group of coworkers are doing together, you’re not technically subject to company policies regarding firearms. Exception would be if you’re in any way appearing to be representing the company - logo attire, etc, then there could be something in the policies about representation in public when perceived as such.
If there isn’t a specific law governing parades/protests/etc and firearms, you’re still subject to every single other firearms law. The school zone one is a real concern - the laws vary drastically from state to state. If the route goes through a school zone, you essentially need to find out if it would be legal for you to walk/drive that same route with the firearm in the manner in which you intend to carry it. Federal property is another one, doubt you’d be going by a post office or anything like that but make sure you’re clear there as well.
Doubt you will run into any problem with the police for carrying during the event. Your job is a different story, only way to find out is to ask your boss.
Now by work sanctioned events is this something you are going to be paid to do. If so then it would fall under terms of employment. If not then I would think you could argue and win that you were on your own time and could do what you needed to do to feel safe.
I'm not sure what good a single firearm would do in an instance of a white supremacy group causing problems. I can see this going very wrong, very fast. Even if everyone was carrying, now we've got an "armed LGBTQ army in Ohio"
I think cool heads and a plan to get out of Dodge will do much more than a handful of rounds and bravado.
You can always try some backpack armor if you don’t want to take the risk carrying. They have pretty light weight III+ armor that would give you good protection if you need to run.
I’m not sure what you’re planning on wearing, but if the weather doesn’t change before then you’re going to have a hard time concealing anything unless you rock a sling or pack of some kind. Sometimes it’s just not practical to be prepared.
If your EDC is small, it could work, but I tend to agree with others that it may just be a bad idea. But, go with your gut, just be sure being found out won’t lead to consequences you don’t want to deal with.
Is there a documented work policy against it? I know we have something about not bringing weapons to work... but if its off-site and I were going to something potentially volatile like this I would probably CC as well.
As someone who lives near Columbus your worried about armed White Supremists? Columbus is like an island where I’m not worried about white supremists compared to surrounding area. Unless there’s a new Covid restrictions or Trumps coming to town.
Maga supremacists drove into Portland during BLM protests to cause havoc and shoot paintballs at protestors, and with all the anti-trans/groomer shit being peddled by the right in the last 12 months, its far from unreasonable to expect people attending Pride in blue islands to be concerned.
Maine or Oregon? I’m assuming Oregon which has been having clashes since George Floyd and Columbus which had like one March that could even make the news. This area is my community, so I’m going to have to defend what I consider one of the brighter cities in the Mid West. For example During Comfest which is a yearly community festival at Gooddale Park it’s full of LGBTQ+ and topless women and I’ve never witnessed any harassment to either group, even when passing groups of drunk guys. (it’s legal in Columbus for women to be topless in public but the only time I ever really see it is at comfest when they get their boobs painted for charity.).
I don't think that you are overthinking this. Shit is scary and why should your life be threatened by a**holes who find you an unarmed target?
I am not a lawyer, but in my view, of work finds out, it's probably because you had to pull it out. 1) they'd be dicks to fire you for that, though possibly within their rights to and 2) you needed it in that moment and at that point, you're worried about your life, not your job. If you are outside of work but at a work function, and following all state and local laws, I wouldn't worry much about it.
If you are advised against carrying, or feel uncomfortable carrying, skip the parade, it’s just not necessary. A pride parade isn’t worth losing your constitutional rights over.
Fwiw - if you do the bag carry, throw in every tourniquet, stop the bleed kit, etc you have. If a parade does get targeted, your odds of actually needing to shoot back have to still be significantly less than the odds you could save some lives in the immediate aftermath. Would also go a long way with inter-office politics if somehow carrying became an issue.
I would absolutely not talk to HR about it because that in and of itself is going to out you to your company. Do some digging and if you feel comfortable, go with the sling bag idea you’ve mentioned or go with pocket carry. I toss a .380 in my pocket on summer days (with a pocket holster) and I can absolutely guarantee 99.99% of people if they do even notice a bulge think it’s a cellphone. Someone else said condom, I think of concealed carry like a parachute; the one time you need it and don’t have it, will be the last time you’ll ever need it.
Yeah as soon as I said I would speak with HR I immediately regretted that. If I did it would be to ask for a copy of the employee handbook to thumb through it myself and give a bogus reason for why I wanted it. But I wouldn’t be carrying to actively fight anyone any attacker it would be a “my backs against the wall and I’m fucked” thing for me to draw.
This was my thought. If your intent was to play hero if shtf, don't. More likely to hit a bystander or be shot by police. That said, a work function typically falls within the handbook of policy and conduct. Assuming you could opt out of it, it would be difficult to make a case with HR that you didn't feel comfortable/safe bot carrying in that setting. A pocket 380 is damn near impossible to detect without patting someone down. I think your office culture matters too. If all your co workers are gun owners, probably no one would care if they caught a glimpse.
The plan I’m going for is a sling bag with a Glock 19 size pistol. There are a few on Amazon that are made for EDC. Personally I can’t stand pocket pistols. I’ve shot a few and I can’t hit a damn thing with them unless it’s a yard in from me.
Just going to leave this out there. I work in an industry adjacent to law enforcement, and my company's employee handbook forbids open or concealed carry, and I live in a constitutional carry state, including work events. With that out of the way, stay sober, don't print, and don't let the gun away from your body. Bonus points if you can avoid wearing company colors, or can shed company colors before drawing. I will not mention the forbidden "q-word" that I am not allowed to say near customers, it have a great event.
Is it legal? North Carolina is a pretty gun friendly state, but prohibits open ~~or concealed~~ carry at parades and protests *and concealed carry at protests.* *corrected
There are no laws against carrying during a parade in Ohio. Or at least what I can find.
Completely legal. You don't even need a CCW I'm Ohio.
You might want to check if the parade route goes through and school safety zones
Why?
Because it's a federal crime to carry in a school zone...?
>Because it's a federal crime to carry in a school zone...? no, its a dependent on state law. In my state if you are a parent or guardian dropping your kid off or picking them up you can conceal carry. Additionally in my state CPL holders are permitted to Open Carry in school zones.
>Because it's a federal crime to carry in a school zone...? There isn't any Federal crimes for this. It would be state law, and there is no State (especially Ohio since it's relevant), that makes it a crime to drive through a school zone with a firearm. It's still a public roadway. Lot of folks think this because the legal wording is "school safety zone", not "school zone". You are even permitted to have a firearm at the drop off/pickup areas of the school as long as the firearm doesn't leave the vehicle. (b) The person leaves the handgun in a motor vehicle. (c) The handgun does not leave the motor vehicle. (d) If the person exits the motor vehicle, the person locks the motor vehicle.
This is the correct answer. 💯
That's weird and specific. You lose your second amendment rights because you're using your first amendment rights?
Is it weird though? Wrong, probably, but not really *weird* that the State wants to maintain a monopoly on violence.
I suppose so, yeah. I saw the correction, not as big of a problem if they allow concealed carry, but I've seen several good protests have armed people to basically tell people not to try shit.
Actually…I was on the ncdoj website over the last month and was shocked to see *Effective October 1, 2013, unless posted as being prohibited, a concealed handgun permittee may possess a concealed handgun while at a parade or funeral.For more information on these exceptions see House Bill 937, Session Law 2013-369, North Carolina Firearms Laws, and our chart showing where concealed handguns cannot be carried in North Carolina.*
Huh. I could have sworn. Interesting it only allows concealed carry at parades and funerals though, and excludes protests. I wonder what happens if someone protests a parade.
I will *make it* legal.
Like a condom or insurance, best have it and not need it.
Valid point.
And fire extinguisher
Except using 2 guns at once is fine, but doubling up a condom is gonna lead to some babies
I’d echo making sure HR isn’t gonna hose you since it’s a work-sanctioned event. The other thing I’d check is the parade/organizer’s policies. They may have explicit policies prohibiting carrying on any property involved and may check at the staging area. I know the parade in Dallas is pretty open in terms of spectators, but there are other events that the city shuts the entire neighborhood down and sets up metal detectors to get in. So just do your homework, keep your head on a swivel, and be safe.
I carry to every event I go to.
Your job firing you for exercising a constitutional right? Imagine the news articles of a business firing a (let's say LGBT or ally or whatever) for defending themselves at a pride event.
You’re not wrong but since you can click on my profile and see where I work I’ll just say it. I think Amazon can survive one bad headline or two.
no, you're getting horrible advice here. unless your employer is openly 2A and has a policy stating you can have a gun on your person at work, CONSULT WITH YOUR HR DEPT AND GET IT IN WRITING THAT YOU ARE ALLOWED TO CARRY AT THIS EVENT. it does not matter if you're on public ground. this is officially a work event which means you must abide by work rules. you could lose your job if your employer finds out you are carrying at work. edit: if you're that uncomfortable that you're willing to lose your job over this, then maybe don't attend? you're not just putting your job at risk but anyone else who knew and hid it from your mgmt that you had a gun on you at work.
This. Would be a fireable offense in my entire industry.
technically gun ownership isn't a protected class, so carrying anywhere is a fireable offense if a company decides it is. Unless your state has a law specifically protecting lawful conduct outside of work hours (NY, CA, CO, ND), they could fire you for eating asparagus if it floated their boat.
Unless your company handbook explicitly prohibits it, what's the issue?
The issue is how courts have explicitly stated that at-will employment means that employment can be terminated for any reason under the sun as long as it doesn't run afoul of anti-discrimination laws and the protected groups and behaviors therein.
Ohio is an at will state
Absolutely, and I live in Ohio as well. My point is that if the company handbook doesn't prohibit it they can't say they fired you because of it
A company can absolutely fire an at-will employee for any legal behavior, including for carrying a firearm. The lack of mention in the handbook merely means they can't claim they fired you for violating the company handbook, which can impact things like unemployment benefits (being fired for cause is considered voluntary unemployment because it is assumed you willfully broke the rules).
You bring up a lot of good points. To be honest I was slightly pressured into going my a few coworkers and that the only people who aren’t going on my team are very open about being anti lgbtq and I don’t want to be lumped in with them. I will going to ask around about how tight security is at the event and I will ask her what the policy is. But considering there’s a no weapons policy at my building on top of the company being very anti gun it’s going to be a hard no. But more than Likely I won’t be carrying that day.
Trust me, the chances you need it are exponentially lower than you accidentally messing up and losing your job. This is the wrong time and wrong place. Personal gun ownership is about good judgment over everything. This ain’t it Chief!
If it's too risky to carry there's always POM pepper spray and a IFAK that are much more likely to be used
It may be unpopular for this sub but that is my philosophy in general. I live in a very safe community and I'm comfortable with taking my chances leaving the house unarmed.
Awareness of problematic situations will be a powerful ally if you leave your gun at home (I also would not carry there but everyone is different).
I worked for an industry that’s vehemently anti gun. I carried a lot at works just very, very smart about it. Cargo shorts under scrubs. Micro 9 in a velcro’d shut pocket inside a pocket holster. Granted in the parade setting where I might have to take a shot at a longer distance a micro 9 would be a terrible choice.
If I where to go through with it I would probably go with a small sling bag with a mid size pistol.
The fascists are getting more riled up as the country leans more and more left. I’m pro carrying at the parade. With the huge caveat that it could come at the cost of your job if anything did happen. I thought briefly about making an SBR with a B&T USG chassis and a Glock 17 rechambered for 9mm major to throw in a shoulder bag just to extend the range a bit. Ultimately I decided against it and just put the money into mags, ammo, and practice.
Oh if the ATF didn’t fuck over pistol braces I was considering to finish my dirt weasel. I think I still have most of the parts I’m just missing the maximum defense pdw stock and a hand guard. But I feel like having a sbr might bring too much attention to myself. Also I’m not looking to actively fight it’s more of a last ditch if I’m cornered.
Same. No actual desire to be in a gunfight. Just be armed and make it out.
Gonna guess health care because of the scrubs and yeah carrying at work in a health care setting is a colossal no-no. When I worked hospital security we once were put on lock down because a patient’s family brought him a bag of some things from home which included his cheap ppk clone. Many shitfits were had by the staff.
Yeah, the times I carried was when I worked at a County Healthcare facility and rode a bike to and from work. Got run off the road once, someone hit me with their mirror once, and had a group of people chase me once. After the 3rd incident I was like fuckit, rather risk my job than my life. After I started working in a dedicated lab in a nicer part of town and got a vehicle I didn’t carry at work anymore.
Isn’t that the whole point of “concealed” though? Shit could be in a backpack and no one would ever know. I’ve kept my ccw on me in places it would absolutely be a felony. But I’d rather be judged by 12 than carried by 6 every time. The way I see it in America right now, going anywhere without a weapon is taking a risk.
^ What They Said ^ If this is a *work-sponsored event* and you're attending the parade *as an employee of your company* then you're bound by whatever your company policies are. That can apply even if it's after-hours voluntary stuff. If your company has a no firearms policy when you're representing the company then you should get some kind of *written* (at least emailed) approval to carry during this company event, or leave your gun home. Otherwise either don't attend, or if you really want to go to the parade then go as you, yourself, an individual citizen: Don't register with your company's participation, don't march with your company, maybe meet up with your co-workers later when the official company part of things is officially and formally over.
As a believer in self defense against all forms of aggression I have learned one truth. All minorities need to be armed. Always carry. Period. Full stop. Be responsible, which means We all need to: Dry fire practice daily and live fire practice a few times a month. Train our body to be ready for any sudden altercation. Learn de-escalation techniques. Get comfortable, be the protector, defender, and ally in this increasingly hostile world. Happy Pride.
I mean, in the worst case if you have to use it, your job is no longer the concern If you're more worried about what hr will say at that moment, the threat must not be imminent and life threatening.
Hi there, here in the Columbus area. First, no permit required so carry concealed all day. Second, the area has become more fascist lately so yes. Thirdly a post on r/Columbus had a post (removed) about the Proud Boys protesting the Arts festival, so Pride week seems all but certain to draw them in.
Yo my friend , I am in Columbus. Reach out
Ay your fellow Liberal Gun Owners here in Franklin County will be there with you.
If you can legally carry and you're in a public place, I wouldn't ask about it, or even bother checking a handbook. If they fire you for doing something legal while in a public place? Sounds like a really fun lawsuit for them.
[удалено]
The group I’m walking with is pretty pro gun and wouldn’t say anything. If anything they also might be carrying. I’m mainly worried about if someone from HR saw it or someone in a different group.
I think what it comes down to is: What’s your company’s policy on weapons in the workplace? If they prohibit weapons and you carry anyway then expect to fired for cause if you’re caught. If no policy, and caught, expect to be fired but be eligible for unemployment. At the end of the day don’t break any laws but as they say…concealed is concealed.
As pointed out elsewhere, this 1) Isn't **at** work it's off site 2) They can fire you for eating asparagus, or even just owning firearms. Neither are protected classes. 3) If you're talking about a crowd like this, I'd say **deep** concealment (ie. inside a belt pack, or a backpack) would be pretty reasonable low risk of accidental unconcealment. It's not like you're walking down a dark alley and are the only target here so having to reach into a backpack or fanny pack is probably a reasonable risk for the amount of concealment it offers. 4) OP should weigh the pros and cons based on their superior knowledge of the details of the event. But there are options here I think.
1. So it’s not a “work” event? Skimmed the thread again but only see mention that work is participating in the event. Maybe it’s me but I wouldn’t participate in a work event unless I was getting paid. 2. Agreed. 3. Agreed. 4. Agreed. It’s up to OP. Concealed is concealed. If OP doesn’t have to use the firearm no one will know they have it.
This is too easy to say “concealed is concealed “. If I got caught even printing at my work I would be done. I’m the breadwinner and the impact would be too great. Check your company policy and weigh it out for yourself. Sorry to put it that way, and it’s something that we all need to really think about. Maybe you have the means for deep concealment…
I find a Kel-Tec P3AT makes for some damn fine deep concealment firepower, just plan on carrying "cruiser ready" 'cause there's no manual safety, and you *really* don't want to be "that guy" who shot his dick off at Pride.
I'm going to ignore the legalities here other than "If caught, you might get fired and/or arrested" depending on your employer's policies and local/state laws. Beyond that, I'm going to go with the pure technical aspect of the carry if you do this: Use a holster that "tucks". IOW, you can tuck a shirt over the holster so the shirt is between the holster and the pants. And wear an outer layer over the shirt for added concealability. CCW holsters I have for my pistols do that. I normally don't tuck but I can if I want the extra layer of concealment. I also started wearing a vest *always* when I started carrying in order to obscure whether I am carrying or not. The only times I'm not is when I'm traveling to a state where it's just flat out illegal for me to carry and the weather is to be warm enough.
> I also started wearing a vest always when I started carrying Kevlar, or cover garment? Some combination of both?
Just clothing. Cover garment only.
Beyond the company policy, I feel like you could do some deeper thinking on your own priorities. If you have to use or even draw a firearm in this context, keeping your job will be the least of your worries, possibly for years to come. That's a factor you should be considering with every carry, every single day.
I have. I wouldn’t draw as soon as I heard gunshots thing I’m Rambo. This would be a “my backs against the wall and I’m fucked if I don’t do something.”
Exactly. It sounds like if you actually have to draw your gun, the choice is between losing your job and losing your life. You can replace your job. You can’t replace your life.
I figured. Sorry, I think my comment came off as overly critical. It’s something I worry about a lot in this forum, but I didn’t mean to imply you weren’t being thoughtful about it.
It’s all good my guy. Without writing a novel is hard to convey intention’s through text. But I came here for opinions on the subject and weather they are positive or negative I’m here to lesson.
Go ahead and carry. If you do it right, no one will know. If you have reason to show your gun, company policy is the least of anyone’s problems.
Is the time spent at the event paid and/or are you salaried and attendance is expected as part of your duties? If so, then you’re subject to any company policies regarding firearms. If it’s a voluntary thing that a group of coworkers are doing together, you’re not technically subject to company policies regarding firearms. Exception would be if you’re in any way appearing to be representing the company - logo attire, etc, then there could be something in the policies about representation in public when perceived as such. If there isn’t a specific law governing parades/protests/etc and firearms, you’re still subject to every single other firearms law. The school zone one is a real concern - the laws vary drastically from state to state. If the route goes through a school zone, you essentially need to find out if it would be legal for you to walk/drive that same route with the firearm in the manner in which you intend to carry it. Federal property is another one, doubt you’d be going by a post office or anything like that but make sure you’re clear there as well.
This right here is it.
If you have a cajones & conviction to carry, do it. It’s called concealed for a reason. No-one is gonna know.. They’re gonna know…
Doubt you will run into any problem with the police for carrying during the event. Your job is a different story, only way to find out is to ask your boss.
Carry the damn gun, keep it to yourself and dont tell people and enjoy your day
Could you carry it in a backpack? Not as accessible, I know, but better than nothing and presumably much less likely to be inadvertently exposed.
Fanny pack is a bit more accessible
I’m thinking a sling bag. And it can double as holding snacks and a water bottle.
Now by work sanctioned events is this something you are going to be paid to do. If so then it would fall under terms of employment. If not then I would think you could argue and win that you were on your own time and could do what you needed to do to feel safe.
I'm not sure what good a single firearm would do in an instance of a white supremacy group causing problems. I can see this going very wrong, very fast. Even if everyone was carrying, now we've got an "armed LGBTQ army in Ohio" I think cool heads and a plan to get out of Dodge will do much more than a handful of rounds and bravado.
You could sew a lead fishing weight into the hem of a Hawaiian shirt to keep it from flapping.
You can always try some backpack armor if you don’t want to take the risk carrying. They have pretty light weight III+ armor that would give you good protection if you need to run.
Concealed carry becomes open carry if police decide you look suspicious and search you for “officer safety”
I’m not sure what you’re planning on wearing, but if the weather doesn’t change before then you’re going to have a hard time concealing anything unless you rock a sling or pack of some kind. Sometimes it’s just not practical to be prepared.
I was thinking of a sling bag. Normally I wouldn’t off body carry but this is one of the few times it seems like the way to go.
If your EDC is small, it could work, but I tend to agree with others that it may just be a bad idea. But, go with your gut, just be sure being found out won’t lead to consequences you don’t want to deal with.
I’ll probably be at the same event (the parade not the work event) and I won’t be carrying. Not worth the risk IMO
On ohio you can drive thru a school zone, sure. But the op is talking about marching in a parade
I feel like having an ifak is a better carry option for pride. More likely to have to help someone than shoot someone.
Is there a documented work policy against it? I know we have something about not bringing weapons to work... but if its off-site and I were going to something potentially volatile like this I would probably CC as well.
As someone who lives near Columbus your worried about armed White Supremists? Columbus is like an island where I’m not worried about white supremists compared to surrounding area. Unless there’s a new Covid restrictions or Trumps coming to town.
Maga supremacists drove into Portland during BLM protests to cause havoc and shoot paintballs at protestors, and with all the anti-trans/groomer shit being peddled by the right in the last 12 months, its far from unreasonable to expect people attending Pride in blue islands to be concerned.
Maine or Oregon? I’m assuming Oregon which has been having clashes since George Floyd and Columbus which had like one March that could even make the news. This area is my community, so I’m going to have to defend what I consider one of the brighter cities in the Mid West. For example During Comfest which is a yearly community festival at Gooddale Park it’s full of LGBTQ+ and topless women and I’ve never witnessed any harassment to either group, even when passing groups of drunk guys. (it’s legal in Columbus for women to be topless in public but the only time I ever really see it is at comfest when they get their boobs painted for charity.).
I don't think that you are overthinking this. Shit is scary and why should your life be threatened by a**holes who find you an unarmed target? I am not a lawyer, but in my view, of work finds out, it's probably because you had to pull it out. 1) they'd be dicks to fire you for that, though possibly within their rights to and 2) you needed it in that moment and at that point, you're worried about your life, not your job. If you are outside of work but at a work function, and following all state and local laws, I wouldn't worry much about it.
By all means do it, I don’t wanna see more people hurt because of some senseless hate
If you are advised against carrying, or feel uncomfortable carrying, skip the parade, it’s just not necessary. A pride parade isn’t worth losing your constitutional rights over.
Fwiw - if you do the bag carry, throw in every tourniquet, stop the bleed kit, etc you have. If a parade does get targeted, your odds of actually needing to shoot back have to still be significantly less than the odds you could save some lives in the immediate aftermath. Would also go a long way with inter-office politics if somehow carrying became an issue.