Man 'bears arms' against Seattle gun ban

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SEATTLE - A Kent man carried out a promise to "exercise his right to bear arms" by carrying a holstered Glock pistol into the Southwest Community Center on Saturday at high noon.

Bob Warden, 44, says his actions are in protest of the city of Seattle's recent decision to ban firearms from certain community centers and parks where children are typically present.

Warden, who says he has a current valid Washington state license to carry a concealed weapon, announced his intentions in an e-mail Friday morning to media as well as to the city of Seattle, including the police and city attorney.

And he was as good as word, showing up at the West Seattle community center at 2801 SW Thistle Street, as promised. Also there were a number of reporters, cameraman and photographers from Seattle media outlets.

Parks Department employee Lisa Harrison asked Warden to leave - and leave he did.

Warden said he believes this may give him legal standing to file a lawsuit over the gun ban at Seattle city facilities.

"I'm not here as a Second Amendment activist," Warden said in an interview with the seattlepi.com. "I'm here as a citizen who believes in the rule of law."

He says he is an attorney, licensed to practice in Washington, and that when he took his oath of attorney he promised to support the Constitution.

Last month, Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels banned guns on such city facilities as parks and community centers where children gather. Signs banning guns have since been posted at city parks.

Warden said he took action because he believes the ban is illegal. He noted that the state Attorney General's Office has said so.

"They know full well it's illegal, but they went ahead and did it anyway," Warden said Friday, adding that he is not a member of the National Rifle Association.

He questioned the mayor's motives in announcing the ban.

"How is it for public safety?" Warden said. "Are you promoting public safety if you forbid responsible, trained, intelligent people who know how to shoot a firearm from possessing one?"

A handful of supporters showed up Saturday to support Warden in his crusade.

"The mayor was definitely way out of line when he passed the law," said Alex Kaehler, who lives in SeaTac. "I'm glad somebody is challenging him."

But not everyone agreed with Warden's stance, including some parents who bring their kids to the community center.

"Second Amendment rights talked about a militia, not some freakazoid coming into a community center armed to the teeth where there's a lot of children around," said parent Stephanie Hughes.

Parent Ryan Dorfler also took issue with Warden's insistence on guns being allowed at places where children gather.

"I don't think it's a good idea, but I guess everybody has a right to protest," he said.

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