The New Haven attorney arrested Tuesday for having a gun on him when he went to see "The Dark Knight Rises" at a movie house in the Elm City held a news conference Wednesday to explain what happened.
On Tuesday, Aug. 7, Sung-Ho Hwang entered the Criterion - Bow Tie Cinema and was later arrested during a screening of 'The Dark Knight Rises.'
Hwang, who has a permit to carry a concealed weapon, held a press conference Wednesday at his New Haven law office during which he explained the circumstances that led him to bring a weapon into the movie theater. Hwang also discussed his Second 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 was charged with interfering with an officer because he did not comply with officers' demands in the theater, police said.
This comes less than three weeks after
Here's Sung-Ho Hwang's statement:
'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 1am, 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.'
