TTAG reader Karlan in Austin, TX writes:
Some friends and I went to the free MACC [Mexican American Cultural Center] show last night. I wasn’t sure of my right to carry; it was city property, but they were serving liquor. So I decided to “play it safe” and leave my gun home. After the show ended I separated from my friends to grab a bus home (approx 11:40 pm). While walking on the lakefront path between MACC and Congress Street I see two individuals sitting to the side. Two other people had just walked past them. They were waiting for me, alone . . .
One crosses into the path like he is holding a phone conversation, I immediately know something fishy is up and walk on the hill on the path. He lunges for me grabbing my jacket and simultaneously pulls out a knife which he has cocked back. Somewhat nicely asking: “Just give me your wallet bro.”
I was able to free his hand and I booked it. While never good in sports I was confident in my ability to out run any non-Kenyan; I remember thinking this consciously. I called 911.
No less than ten perhaps as many as 15 officer responded, including the Police Chief of Austin, Art Acevedo. He was nice enough despite what many say.
After the paperwork was done, I needed to get my thoughts down. I typed the following on a mobile device rather quickly, but just wanted to raise some questions/comments:
– Austin public transportation sucks, it is poorly designed, and does not run late enough. Forcing me to walk 20 mins to catch a bus because connecting bus wouldn’t make it in time.
– 6th St/downtown violence is nothing new and must be addressed.
– I should have been carrying.
– Know you rights on city property.
– I was able to get away, should I engage if I could (I felt stupid turning my back and running)
– Note attackers features, this is hard to do in these situations if you’re focused on a knife; I was lacking in my description.
– What do you do if you’re not driving, not drinking, want to socialize, but can’t carry in bars? Give up your freedom?
– People with 0% BAC should be able to carry in bars IMHO
They didn’t find them BTW :/ I will never give up my right to walk on a sketchy bike trail after dark in any country. Next time I go out I will be carrying, even if it means I won’t be drinking. Drinking can be bad for your health.