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 Linda Thomas
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Oak Harbor councilman tries to take away a vet's weapon

January 28, 2013 @ 3:08 am (Updated: 3:21 pm - 2/10/13 )

An Oak Harbor City Council Member is accused of overstepping his authority when he asked a man with a concealed weapons permit to surrender his gun saying it was "not needed" at the public meeting.

Lucas Yonkman went to the meeting to listen to a discussion about the city's gun ban in public parks. He ended up testifying, urging people to support the 2nd amendment.

Watch what happened above. The councilman's concern about the veteran's concealed weapon begins about two minutes into the video.

A portion of the Oak Harbor City Council meeting from January 15 was posted online. It's had more than 82,000 views.

By LINDA THOMAS

More from Linda Thomas

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Comments (75)


  • Add A Comment

  • Rick W7PSK wrote...
    He should just resign now
    January 28, 2013 9:29 am
    save face from the backlash.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Cbrew wrote...
    I'm glad the constitution was upheld
    January 28, 2013 9:35 am
    What was even funnier was that a Lawyer was right there... not sure why he didn't speak up until AFTER the councilman made his request... He should have been shot down the moment he tried to argue to carry a motion to have the man's gun removed... he doesn't have that right. People kick these ideas around like they aren't important... like giving up your freedom doesn't matter? Scarey how easily people will lay down their rights in the name of fear.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • HPD 5-0 wrote...
    ...like giving up your freedom doesn't matter? Scarey how easily Dimocrats will lay down other people's rights in the name of liberalism.
    January 28, 2013 12:42 pm
    Fixed it.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • mnpat wrote...
    Maybe if the councilman can't stand behind the Constitution,
    January 28, 2013 9:37 am
    he might want to consider resigning.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • messiah101 wrote...
    mnpat
    January 28, 2013 10:20 am
    Hey why can't a councilman ask the question or bring up the motion?It seems that some of the pro gun crowd are also anti government so why wouldn't an elected official for his own safety not want people at a public meeting not to be carrying weapons?How would you have reacted if this concealed weapon guy stood up and emptied his pistol on the council? And please don't say that it could not happen.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Cbrew wrote...
    Messiah101 - that's the problem with people like you
    January 28, 2013 11:18 am
    You look at this like everyone that has a gun is a whacko or a threat to shoot up some place.... more people get killed in vehicle accidents than in shootings... do you think we should take cars away? people that drink don't neccesarily drink and drive, do you think there should be a law that people that consume alcohol should have their driving priveleges taken away? I mean they cause more deaths than random crazy people that shoot up places... You have such a warped opinion of guns it's amazing.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • messiah101 wrote...
    cbew
    January 28, 2013 2:16 pm
    Anyone who feels the need to carry a weapon on his person or have one near for 24 hour protection fits the title of WEIRDO in most peoples definition.This reference to driving a car and guns that you Rightys keep bringing up has no relationship to reality and is absolutely stupid
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • RonJ wrote...
    Only in your world messiah,
    January 28, 2013 2:54 pm
    only in your world. I think that would be a great new sitcom BTW "Messiahs' World". We'll get Tina Fey to play your part
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • RonJ wrote...
    messiah
    January 28, 2013 2:19 pm
    Why would the councilman have concern for his safety? Was the guy toying with his firearm, tossing it around, handing it to others? The councilman brought it up because he's a DICK. Oak Harbor is on the verge of being sued by the 2nd Amendment foundation for banning guns in city parks. Seattle had a similar ban and they lost in court. Almberg was trying to make a point in his childish way and he's gonna cost the city money. Lot's of us carry guns everywhere. Luke wasn't the only one there with a CPL legally carrying a weapon.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Snout wrote...
    His type doesn't stand behind or with the Constitution.
    January 28, 2013 11:11 am
    They stand on it and trample it with their filthy feet.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • calapete wrote...
    who brings a gun to a city council meeting?
    January 28, 2013 9:43 am
    geez, he must REALLY be scared.

    Try that at a Seattle council meeting, try to get it through the metal detector.

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Cbrew wrote...
    Go figure Calapete
    January 28, 2013 11:14 am
    You are okay with this guy serving his nation and having a weapon to defend this nation but you disagree with his right to defend himself? hypocritical coward.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • luckedout wrote...
    Conceal Carry
    January 28, 2013 2:18 pm
    ... it's not about fear. It's about preparation. I have been building up a 7-day food storage. Not because I'm scared that an earthquake might hit, but because I want to be prepared in case it does. I have a 72 hour kit in my car. Not because I'm afraid that I'll be stranded, but I want to be prepared in case I am. I conceal carry a pistol, not because I'm scared I'll be attacked by a mad man with a gun, but because I want to be prepared in case I am.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • RonJ wrote...
    Luckedout
    January 28, 2013 5:10 pm
    Amen. Better prepared than dependent.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • RonJ wrote...
    pete
    January 28, 2013 2:20 pm
    Oak Harbor is not Seattle.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • shark75 wrote...
    calapete wrote...
    January 28, 2013 9:59 am
    Should the same go for people who carry mace in their purse? Perhaps Seattle city officials are a tad paranoid for asking people to walk through a metal detector before going to a council meeting? Why is it liberals like yourself judge everyone else against what you feel is right? Who the h.ell put you in charge?
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Stevebo wrote...
    Thank you Linda for posting this video.
    January 28, 2013 10:41 am
    For all of the people that seem to decry Ms. Thomas as a "liberal" all the time... I'd call posting this article as a balanced approach to the other side of the story (though I have to admit I'd love to hear Linda's take on the video).

    I just applied for a concealed weapons permit last week and plan to carry at least occasionally when it is granted.

    I consider myself a pretty liberal person actually, but I firmly believe in the 2nd ammendment.

    I would never use a weapon in an irresponsible mannor and I would only ever use one to defend myself or other people in a life-threatening situation.

    The vast majority of all gun owners are responsible and treat guns the same way.

    It's a shame that so many uninformed people seem to look at the issue in such a short-sighted way.

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • ratrustle wrote...
    I'm with ya Stevbo!
    January 28, 2013 5:12 pm
    I think this is one of the dumbest things the dems could do to themselves! Taking on Gun Control instead of fixing the real issues; mental health, gangs, and illegal gun crime. Almost as stupid as running a crazy lady against Harry Reid, running Todd Akin against Claire McCaskill.... But, I do want to watch the self-destruction of so many more of these dumb-A politicians who know so much about what's best for all of us!
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • TheNewsChick wrote...
    Stevebo
    January 28, 2013 5:16 pm
    My take - it's a victory for both the 1st and 2nd Amendments.

    The councilman was able to express his view (though unjustified based on the evidence in the video, and likely not in keeping with council procedures) and the majority of the council realized the vet was legally exercising his 2nd Amendment right.

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Stevebo wrote...
    Linda - thanks for your thoughts!
    January 29, 2013 10:08 am
    And well said.

    I would agree with you. It was a victory for both when all was said and done.

    The councilman certainly would be entitled to his viewpoints and an objection. (though I'm glad that no rights were infringed on in the end).

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • xplanes wrote...
    If the Councilman is uncomfortable
    January 28, 2013 11:23 am
    He can leave. He doesn't have the right to make any area, even his own workplace, a gun free zone. I think I'll make my workplace a 1st amendment free zone. I'm not comfortable with your choice of topics or views on them. That's absurd. Almost as absurd as most of 101's comments. When was the last time a guy with a CC permit emptied his gun on anyone? Link please. The idiot trying to defend himself in a crowd at the pot-life festival doesn't count. You think because he is a scared councilman he can just make up unconstitutional laws just because a majority of other scared councilman agree? We aren't fully assimilated yet. This is still a republic ruled by the constitution, not a majority of idiots who agree with each other, 101 included.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • William Lawn wrote...
    Here you go
    January 28, 2013 11:49 am
    http://seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2019226576_nollarrest22m.html

    Although not in this article, I read somewhere that he had a CC permit.

    Could be wrong though.

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • William Lawn wrote...
    Yeah, I was right
    January 28, 2013 11:57 am
    http://q13fox.com/news/stories/north-seattle-road-rage-shooting/#axzz2JJ1aywd6
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • RonJ wrote...
    Some poeple are
    January 28, 2013 2:21 pm
    scared by their own shadows.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • shark75 wrote...
    All those in favor of the motion that Messiah101 and Calapete should waive their right to free speech
    January 28, 2013 11:40 am
    ...And shut the h.ell up, please say AYE!
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Rick W7PSK wrote...
    Add CH
    January 28, 2013 12:36 pm
    and Im in
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • HPD 5-0 wrote...
    I second this!
    January 28, 2013 12:44 pm
    ...assiah, Calaprick, CHomo...all fascists.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • roomtemp wrote...
    @shark75...
    January 28, 2013 1:55 pm
    "All those in favor of the motion that Messiah101 and Calapete should waive their right to free speech"

    Nah, not me. That would make me as fascist as they are. They have the right to demonstrate their lack of wisdom with speech. And people should see both sides of an argument anyway.

    I guess, in your defense, you did say 'waive' which indicates a voluntary action on their part. So I'm not completely opposed :-D

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • CH wrote...
    Dori take GI Joe to the Federal Building and walk in -
    January 28, 2013 1:02 pm
    get back with us on how many steps you get with the GUN! Tell the agents at the door you have your constitutional rights move out of the way. Tell me if I'm wrong GI said 'he' would protect others around him. So the answer is lets get rid of LE? I could see it now - shoot out in City Council Meetings. The rooms are small have the body bags ready. So Dori let everyone pack heat everywhere. Seahawk games, Mariner games, Sonic games Sounder games. Schools everywhere? YUUUP your right we don't need LE. Now we ALL will be safe.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • messiah101 wrote...
    CH yep your spot on
    January 28, 2013 2:19 pm
    Also try telling TSA that your bringing a gun on the plane to "protect yourself and see where it gets you
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • RonJ wrote...
    messiah
    January 28, 2013 5:13 pm
    I'm thinking there would be a few thousand less dead Americans if there had been a few firearms on 9/11.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • RonJ wrote...
    CH why
    January 28, 2013 5:12 pm
    are you disparaging a veteran who was wounded in combat?
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • messiah101 wrote...
    Ron J
    January 30, 2013 8:23 pm
    Actually he was in a vehicle that was blown up.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • shark75 wrote...
    Hey CH, the council member cannot rule by fiat
    January 28, 2013 1:26 pm
    There were no notices (from the sounds of it) prohibiting people carrying a concealed weapon on the premises. This horse's a.ss cannot just make up his own set of rules especially if they infringe on one's ability to excercise their constitutional rights. Nice try commie...perhaps Venezuala would be a better fit for you.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
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