New Haven attorney Sung-Ho Hwang entered the Criterion - Bow Tie Cinema Tuesday night with
Today, Hwang, who has a permit to carry a concealed weapon and is the president-elect of the New Haven Bar Association, 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 theater. Hwang also discussed his 2nd Amendment right to bear arms.
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.
The incident 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 1 a.m., 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."
