I caught it right away. My father is Mason so I'm familiar with some of the key phrases and practices.
Frankly I'm disgusted by the Officers actions and get more upset each time I return to the video or this thread. I hope Owen nails this guy to wall. I hope that Whole Foods and the manager are held to the fire also. The Officer was acting as their agent at the time he assaulted a customer. Not any different than if a stockboy had walked up behind him and put him in a choke hold.
Then the manager has the 'nads to stand there on the sidewalk making small talk about the OCers dogs. He's a better man than me 'cause I probably would have gone off on her right there.
I'm hoping that when it's over the NOPD and this dirty cop have been so slapped down that it makes major news. I hope that the OCer wins the case against Whole Foods, is awarded the store as compensation, then, out of spite, closes the store and reopens it as a gun store and range.
I have said before....I work as a Security Officer. I am often called to deal with persons carrying firearms on our property. We do'nt have any Gun Buster signs posted but when someone walks in with a holstered pistol and no visible badge, or if it's an off duty security guard stopping by for something, we handle it. Diplomatically. We don't escalate it like Sgt Bowers. I've done it many times. They aren't going to "Get The Drop" on me. I know they are carrying and I control it. Part of my training is deescalation and verbal judo but mostly it's about talking to people like they are...people. "Sir, I'm Steve with Security. I noticed your gun there and while we don't have any signs up I'm afaraid I have to inform you that we do have a No Weapons policy. I'd appreciate if you could secure your gun in your vehicle while you visit with us today. We have security in our parking lots and I'm sure it will be fine in your car while you are here. Thanks." I have NEVER had any problems with this approach and honsetly, if they are walking in with a visible holstered pistol, they aren't there to cause trouble.
If I can handle these situations without assaulting people then a armed and trained 25 year veteran of the NOPD should be able to do it too.
So screw him and I hope he and Whole Foods gets as much grief as possible.
Steve Raacke
Hospital Security Officer
and I belong to an open carry gun group too.