I know that the word “irresponsible” in this post category should have limits. Strictly speaking, Pentagon shooter John Patrick Bedell’s attack was “irresponsible.” But looking at it practically, Bedell’s grasp on the the concept of responsibility seems about as tenuous as his understanding of economics (Bedell wanted society to use marijuana as currency). Backing off from that definition, we’re not necessarily in the land of gun safes and secure handling. To wit: “According to a Wadena Police Department incident report, Shawn Patrick McKay, 35, was at a Wadena apartment with another man and was drinking all day,” parkrapidsenterprise.com reports. “The other man called police when McKay allegedly made statements about wanting to kill someone or hurt himself. . . Police questioned him why he was drinking and asked whether any firearms were in the home, each of which would be a violation of his release by the court.” Uh-oh.
McKay had been charged Feb. 25 with second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon, terroristic threats, domestic assault, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a small amount of marijuana for an incident involving an AK-47 assault rifle.
McKay told police he didn’t have his glasses on the day he was in court, so he couldn’t read the court documents and wasn’t aware drinking and having guns in the residence were violations of his release.
He was taken into custody. Five rifles and two shotguns were also confiscated. McKay was held on the violation of the conditions of his release.
Let’s just hope that Mr. McKay spends the rest of his life away from firearms, with glasses. Just to be on the safe side, of course.
