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A recent body cam video captures an interaction between a man and deputies from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office in Maryland. The incident involved the man being stopped and detained while deputies investigated his possession of a long gun in his vehicle.
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The video begins with deputies explaining their concerns about the firearm in the vehicle to Stef’an “Wulf” Simmons, who shared the body camera footage online. While acknowledging the Simmons’ Second Amendment rights, they cited their need to verify if the firearm was loaded, properly registered, and in compliance with Maryland’s firearm regulations. Deputies temporarily detained Simmons, under the grounds that state law prohibits loaded firearms in vehicles, regardless of the type. Simmons cooperated, and after further checks, deputies determined the firearm was legal to possess under the present conditions.
According to Maryland law, open carry of long guns is generally not prohibited. Deputies in the video confirmed they were consulting with the state attorney to ensure compliance with all applicable statutes before allowing the man to leave. Fortunately, all parties remained polite and respectful, and the situation did not escalate.
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A similar discussion of Maryland’s open carry laws arose in a related 2014 video featuring former Delegate Michael Smigiel. In that case, the Maryland Attorney General’s position at the time supported the legality of open carry for long guns, citing federal court decisions. The video showcased differing interpretations of firearm regulations, as local law enforcement emphasized public safety concerns over legal nuances. In both cases, open carry itself was not criminalized, but the context and manner of carrying firearms prompted law enforcement interventions.
The recent Washington County incident underscores the complexities surrounding firearm laws and enforcement in Maryland. While the law does not explicitly prohibit open carry of long guns, concerns over public safety and lack of familiarity with the law on behalf of law enforcement continue to drive interactions between armed citizens and law enforcement.
Article by multiple RFHC contributors.
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