Man packing gun at Santa Fe council meeting says he sought to unnerve people [View all]

On the same night dozens of people went to City Hall to protest the racist rhetoric of a new political advocacy group, a man associated with the group arrived openly carrying a handgun.

Roger Rael, who said he is considering a run for City Council in District 1 in the March election, said his goal in carrying the gun was to unnerve people at the City Council meeting Wednesday night because he wanted to keep city government “on their toes.”

Councilor Signe Lindell, who is seeking re-election in District 1, said Rael had attempted to intimidate councilors and the public.

“No one questions anyone’s right to bear arms, but I heard from people last night who said they were intimidated and didn’t feel comfortable speaking,” Lindell said Thursday. “To try to silence public discourse, that’s not something we accept.

Read more: http://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/local_news/man-packing-gun-at-council-meeting-says-he-sought-to/article_8be6367f-054e-5c34-a909-ef3b8b0b7fc1.html