Politics & Government

Man Arrested with Gun in New Haven Theater Calls Charges 'Baseless' [VIDEO]

Arrested New Haven attorney Sung-Ho Hwang and the New Haven Police Department both held press conferences on Wednesday, August 8th.

 

On Tuesday, August 7, New Haven attorney Sung-Ho Hwang entered the Criterion - Bow Tie Cinema with  

On Wednesday, August 9, Hwang, who has a permit to carry a concealed weapon, held a press conference at his Audobon Street business, the Law Offices of Sung-Ho Hwang, LLC, during which he explained the circumstances that led him to bring a weapon into the movie theater. Hwang also discussed his 2nd amendment right to bear arms.

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New Haven Police Chief Dean M. Esserman and New Haven Mayor John DeStefano, Jr. held a separate press conference on Church Street, in which they praised the actions of New Haven Police, Yale Police, and Criterion - Bow Tie Cinemas.

Hwang allegedly did not comply with officers' demands in the theater, hence the interfering charges.

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This comes less than three weeks after . 

View the above video for more information.

Below is a statement from Sung-Ho Hwang:

'I would like to take this opportunity the to explain what had happened. I have had a valid state carry permit for many years. I normally do not carry, but I live in downtown new haven and the movie was getting out at 1am, so I felt that I should protect myself since I was alone.

I have a special conceal holster that goes under my pants and the shirt covers the holster. There is no posting at Criterion at [sic] states that weapons are not permitted. As far as the law is concerned, I have a right to carry there.

I understand that we are in a state of heightened security since the incident at Colorado a couple of months ago. I really feel for the victims and I pray for their family members.

I don’t think that the patrons did any thing wrong. If they did suspect that someone had a weapon I would expect them to call the police. If I were in their situation I would have done the same thing.

I would also like to thank the uniformed police who acted very well under a tough situation. They were very professional and understanding once they discovered that I had a valid state carry permit."

I was cooperative and followed all the directions of the police. I think that the Second amendment is crucially important to protect. When baseless breach of peace and interfering charges are brought against people that have a right to carry, it really threatens our constitution [sic] right to bear arms.'


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