Colorado U.S. Senate candidate arrested on gun-rights civil disobedience charges
December 19, 2001 - LP News

[to the left: Colorado U.S. Senate candidate arrested on gun-rights civil disobedience charges] Colorado LP Senatorial candidate Rick Stanley is escorted by Denver police officers into a squad car, after being arrested for carrying a gun at a Bill of Rights Day rally. [December 19] A Libertarian candidate for U.S. Senate in Colorado has been released from police custody, following his well-publicized arrest for carrying a gun at a Bill of Rights Day celebration. On December 16, Denver police released Rick Stanley, after charging him with violating a local ordinance barring individuals from carrying weapons. He had been held overnight in jail. Stanley said he wanted to be arrested for his act of civil disobedience against an "unconstitutional" gun law -- and said supporters are comparing his defiance to that of civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks. "I would be proud if anyone considers my action comparable to her act of disobedience," he said. "But that's not my motivation. My intent is to galvanize American citizens -- who have become complacent, uncaring, and unmotivated -- to do something about the erosion of freedoms guaranteed by the Bill of Rights." The 47-year-old Stanley said he had notified police about his intention to violate the ordinance in advance of the December 15 event. In a speech delivered prior to his arrest, Stanley told the crowd of about 250 people that he wanted citizens to launch a peaceful "Second American Revolution." "Today I am taking a stand against an unconstitutional city ordinance," he said. "There are thousands of unconstitutional laws on the books today. Now is the time to force their repeal... If we don't act now, our last, best chance to preserve liberty in America will be lost. Do not let that happen!" Stanley then stuck a pistol into a holster on his belt, and was promptly handcuffed and arrested by the police officers who were in attendance. As the officers were escorting Stanley to a squad car, some of the crowd members told the officers they were violating the oath they had taken to defend the U.S. Constitution. The Constitution is clear that politicians cannot legislatively violate the right to keep and bear arms, said Stanley. "The Second Amendment does not say that people can apply for permission to keep and bear arms," he said. "You -- not the government -- can decide what kind of gun you need, and when you need it, and how you want to carry it." Civil rights attorney Paul Grant will represent Stanley at his hearing, which will be heard on January 30 in the County Courts Building in Denver. Grant said he is optimistic about the outcome because the state constitution explicitly confirms the right of citizens to keep and bear arms. The Colorado Constitution states, "The right of no person to keep and bear arms in defense of his home, person and property...shall be called in question." "There's absolutely no way a judge should be able to uphold Denver's ordinance in light of the state constitution," said Grant. "Jurors must realize how important this case is." Stanley said he hopes his arrest and upcoming trial will demonstrate to Libertarians how one citizen can force the repeal of unconstitutional laws. "I committed an act of civil disobedience against an unconstitutional law so I can challenge that same law all the way to the Supreme Court, if necessary," he said. "I want to prove a point. One man can make a difference. One man can change everything." Also arrested at the event on a similar charge was Duncan Philp, a member of the Tyranny Response Team. Stanley is the only announced candidate seeking the Colorado LP's nomination for U.S. Senate. State LP delegates will select a candidate at their May 2002 convention. For more information, or to make a contribution to the Stanley for U.S. Senate campaign, visit: www.Stanley2002.org.

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