Lumpy confronted mall killer

Submitted by R. Neal on Thu, 2008/10/09 - 12:40pm.

Says he was carrying a handgun but "didn't draw down" on the killer. Is it legal to be in possession of a handgun on private property posted "no weapons" regardless of whether you have a permit? Or does that not apply to elected officials? Or is he a sworn deputy or something? Sounds like he has JJ on speed dial.

(Yes, gun nuts, we know the killer didn't heed the signs, either, or the laws against murdering somebody.)

20
vote

gonzone's picture
So

I expect that what Lumpy did do was piss his pants.

Who else feels the civilian need to carry concealed but cowards and those with "little man syndrome"?

"When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro."
Hunter S. Thompson

R. Neal's picture
Who else feels the civilian

Who else feels the civilian need to carry concealed

Well, in their defense I would say people who have had credible threats or work in high risk occupations.

I have no idea what percentage those people are v. others who just want to, which is perfectly legal for good or ill, or which category Lumpy falls in.

Anyway, I am told by someone who should know that if the mall is posted it's illegal to carry a weapon in there.

But I'm pretty sure that wouldn't apply to law enforcement officers, on or off duty. Wonder what other classes of people would be exempt if any?

redmondkr's picture
Is it legal to be in

Is it legal to be in possession of a handgun on private property posted "no weapons" regardless of whether you have a permit?

I suspect that doesn't apply to superheroes.

And it's getting more and more difficult to get into those leotards. XXL phone booths are in short supply what with the rise of cell phone technology.


Visit us at

The Home

Lumpy Lambert

Thank God for Lumpy Lambert. Once again he was there (yes with a gun) and prevented other innocent people from being killed. Shame on anyone who would turn this into a gun control issue. Bottom line, he prevented an armed murderer from running amok in a mall where children are present.

I hurt for the family of the murdered man and I encourage others to pray for the family.

What exactly would you men who are voicing these opinions of Lumpy done in the same situation? Ran? Our crime rate keeps going higher because of cowards that refuse to defend their own family and community.

gonzone's picture
You're funny!

Lumpy is a hero!!
Woohoo!
Where's the picture of him in his cape?

What?

I can think of one man in a church recently who sacrificed his life in order to protect the lives of others. And he didn't need a concealed weapon. Like I said, little man syndrome, not a need to carry, speaking of cowards who piss their pants.

"When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro."
Hunter S. Thompson

R. Neal's picture
Here's the relevant state

Here's the relevant state law courtesy of someone knowledgeable:

TCA 39-17-1315. Written directive and permit to carry handguns. —

(a) (1) Any law enforcement officer, police officer, bonded and sworn deputy sheriff, director, commissioner, county magistrate or retired law enforcement officer who is bonded and who, at the time of receiving the written directive, has successfully completed and, except for a law enforcement officer who has retired in good standing as certified by the chief law enforcement officer of the organization from which the officer retired, continues to successfully complete on an annual basis a firearm training program of at least eight (8) hours duration, director or full-time employee of the Tennessee emergency management agency in the performance of the director's or employee's duty, any duly authorized representative or full-time employee of the board of probation and parole who has been specifically designated by the board to execute warrants issued pursuant to § 40-28-121 or § 40-35-311 or to perform such other duties as specifically designated by the board, or any other officer or person authorized to carry handguns by this, or any other law of this state, may carry handguns at all times pursuant to a written directive by the executive supervisor of the organization to which the person is or was attached or employed, regardless of the person's regular duty hours or assignments; however, a copy of the written directive shall be retained as a portion of the records of the particular law enforcement agency that shall issue the directive. Nothing in this subdivision (a)(1) shall prevent federal officers from carrying firearms as prescribed by federal law.

(2) Any duly elected and sworn constable in any county having a population of not less than eleven thousand one hundred (11,100) nor more than eleven thousand two hundred (11,200), according to the 1970 federal census or any subsequent federal census, and being a county in which constables retain law enforcement powers and duties under the provisions of §§ 8-10-108, 40-6-210, 55-8-152, 57-5-202 and 57-9-101, are authorized to and may carry handguns at all times and may equip their vehicles with blue and red lights and sirens. The sheriff of such county shall issue a written directive or permit authorizing the constables to carry a handgun; provided, that each constable has completed the same eight-hour annual firearm training program as is required by this subsection (a).

(3) The county commission may, by a two-thirds (2/3) vote, require the constable to have in effect a liability policy or a corporate surety bond in an amount of not less than fifty thousand dollars ($50,000).

(b) (1) An individual, corporation or business entity is authorized to prohibit the possession of weapons by employees otherwise authorized by this subsection (b) on premises owned, operated or managed by the individual, corporation or business entity. Notice of the prohibition shall be posted or otherwise noticed to all affected employees.

(2) An individual, corporation, business entity or governmental entity or agent thereof is authorized to prohibit possession of weapons by any person otherwise authorized by this subsection (b), at meetings conducted by, or on premises owned, operated, managed or under control of the individual, corporation, business entity or governmental entity. Notice of the prohibition shall be posted or announced.

MDB's picture
My classmate does it again

As I posted on the KNS comment thread on this story, "Lumpy" and I were part of the same high school graduating class (Powell High, Class of 1984.)

Out of all the bright, talented people in my class (we've produced at least one doctor, at least one attorney, several engineers, several teachers)... I'm stunned that Greg Lambert is the one who made a name for himself in politics.

I can't help but think that's how the people who graduated high school with George Bush must feel.

The Code citation is not so

The Code citation is not so clear. Section a(1) seems to indicate that Lumpy, as a commissioner is permitted to carry even if the property is posted as "No Guns Allowed" - another section of the code specifies the exact posting requirements. A simple "No Guns" doesn't meet the requirements.

That said, if it is posted correctly, a private citizen with a permit cannot legally carry in correctly posted properties.

And then that said, I don't think Knox Center Mall is posted so I'll cover your back side when I'm there...

I feel so much safer

I feel so much safer RedDog...

I really don't believe a word Lumpy says anymore

In my opinion, he no more talked to this cat after he emptied his 9mm Ruger that you did and why he comes up with these halucinations, is beyond me.

Why didn't he call 911 when he saw an armed man in a public space clearly marked no guns allowed, as a watchdog of the citizens of Knox County?

This is not an isolated incident, West Town and East Town malls are havens for criminal activity and the local media won't tell the story until they have to for fear of retribution from their advertisers.

gun laws

Having lived in apts by people I have felt afraid of I see the need for responsible citizens to be able to have guns, especially in their houses if they so choose. Lumpy saved his own life and probably others when he confronted the guy who tried to rob him who had just killed a truck driver. Sometimes citizens being armed works for good. I also think some background checking is good too.

Why does Lumpy turn up every

Why does Lumpy turn up every time there's a crime in Knox County? Does he have radar or something?

I'm surprised he wasn't at the Unitarian Church too (ok, not really, although he did say at one Commission meeting that some of his friends were druids).

MDB's picture
Dear Lumpy

he did say at one Commission meeting that some of his friends were druids

Uuuumm.... Lumpy?

Your drinking buddies who occasionally yell out "oh, God" after missing a shot at Bambi while hunting do not count as druids.

(Disclaimer: I don't know anyone who strictly identifies herself as a druid, though I do know a few Wiccans. Its quite possible Lumpy knows a few Wiccans, Druids, Satanists, Church of All Worlders, and/or hermetic magicians. But I couldn't resist the change to get in a dig at Lumpy.)

R. Neal's picture
Shooter's mother says he had

Shooter's mother says he had a handgun carry permit...

WATE:

Gladys Johnson says her son has a handgun permit, but rarely carried a gun.

[..]

William Johnson was charged with assault in Knox County in 1991. However, the charge was later dismissed.

R. Neal's picture
From discussion at Michael

From discussion at Michael Silence, more relevant law:

TCA 39-17-1359(a) regarding posting of "no weapons" notice:

The notice shall be in English but a notice may also be posted in any language used by patrons, customers or persons who frequent the place where weapon possession is prohibited. In addition to the sign, notice may also include the international circle and slash symbolizing the prohibition of the item within the circle. The sign shall be of a size that is plainly visible to the average person entering the building, premises or property and shall contain language substantially similar to the following:

PURSUANT TO § 39-17-1359, THE OWNER/OPERATOR OF THIS PROPERTY HAS BANNED WEAPONS ON THIS PROPERTY, OR WITHIN THIS BUILDING OR THIS PORTION OF THIS BUILDING. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THIS PROHIBITION IS PUNISHABLE AS A CRIMINAL ACT UNDER STATE LAW AND MAY SUBJECT THE VIOLATOR TO A FINE OF NOT MORE THAN FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($500).

The question now is whether this is posted at the mall in the prescribed form.

without the TCA

without the TCA 39-17-1359(a) notice posted on all doors the mall can't do anything legal to a carry permit holder. They can however ask the permit carry to leave. for more info please visit Link...

The latest story from WATE

The latest story from WATE in Knoxville states Knoxville Police Department does not think he has a permit - he has a criminal record with simple assault.

Link...

Other reports have stated

Other reports have stated that the assault charge was dismissed. Apparently WATE considers that a "record."

When his mother said he had a "permit," she may have just meant that he legally purchased the gun. Some people mistakenly believe all guns are permitted or registered.

MDB's picture
I saw something, I think at

I saw something, I think at KNS, that indicated the suspect cannot be interrogated yet -- I'd presume that means he's either unconscious, or deeply sedated.

Many questions like "did he have a permit" probably won't be firmly answered until he's interrogated.

Its not hard to verify if he

Its not hard to verify if he had a CCW-its on file with the state dept of safety/dmv. More likely his mother thought one has to have a gun permit to own one (none needed in TN).

Comment viewing options

Select your preferred way to display the comments and click "Save settings" to activate your changes.

Post new comment

The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly.
  • Lines and paragraphs break automatically.
  • Web page addresses and e-mail addresses turn into links automatically.

More information about formatting options

Captcha
This question is used to make sure you are a human visitor and to prevent spam submissions.
Copy the characters (respecting upper/lower case) from the image.
Blog-O-Rama

There Can Only Be One
(Newscoma)

Sarah Palin - Train Wrecks Get Top Ratings
(Cup of Joe Powell)

Play Her Off, Keyboard Cat
(Southern Beale)

Feel Good Independence Day
(Silence Isn't Golden)

The Sicko Attacks on Sarah Palin's Baby
(TN Guerilla Women)

KNS: Ash to be Dumped in Loudon?
(RoaneViews)

Now she 's done it, now I have to go nuclear!
(Left Wing Cracker)

Palin's Resignation: Political Masterstroke Or Extreme Mental Instability of a Castrating Bitch?
(TN Guerilla Women)

Innocent Blogging Fun
(Newscoma)

Scott McNutt cuts to the truth...
(RoaneViews)

Harriman Care and Rehab in the News
(RoaneViews)

Fireworks, Cheap thrills with toxic consequences
(RoaneViews)

Democrats Muster on the Mount
(OpenPen)

Breaking: Governor Sarah Palin Will Resign!
(TN Guerilla Women)

Fireworks Show 9:30 PM July 4 at Kingston City Park
(RoaneViews)


Media Blogs

Memo to the Republican Governors Association
(Michael Silence)

Son of Big Box
(Josh Flory)

TVA Tries Sending Inspection Reports Directly to Landfills
(Snark Bites)

The Wa$hington Po$t
(Michael Silence)

Chapter 11 for condo developer
(Josh Flory)

Gone Fishin': Pith is Off Today
(Pith in the Wind)

Thoughts On Kyle's Kinda, Sorta Kickoff for Governor
(Tom Humphrey)

Bredesen Lectures Legislators on License Plates -- Again
(Tom Humphrey)

Robin Has a Website
(Tom Humphrey)

Cobb Successor To Be Elected on Oct. 13
(Tom Humphrey)

Gibbons 'On Target' With $415,000 In Contributions
(Tom Humphrey)

Happy Fourth of July!
(Michael Silence)

A mashup of satellite images of the TVA ash spill
(Michael Silence)

WaPo gets Ouched! again
(Michael Silence)

Stimulating government
(Michael Silence)


Post Politics

Proving Her Critics Right
(AC Kleinheider)

Makes As Much Sense As Anything I’ve Heard Yet
(AC Kleinheider)

Resigned On The 3rd Of July: Sarah Palin Steps Down As Governor
(AC Kleinheider)

Like He Never Existed
(AC Kleinheider)

You’re Light, Son
(AC Kleinheider)

Can Jim Kyle Win The Democratic Nomination For Governor?
(AC Kleinheider)

Shout Out To Tuke
(AC Kleinheider)

Alexander Wishes You A Happy Independence Day
(AC Kleinheider)

Cammack, North Of Two Hundie
(AC Kleinheider)

Ford Dynasty Member Says He’ll Make A Run At Memphis Mayor
(AC Kleinheider)


Local News

Drownings reminder to use pool alarms, gates and buddies
(Knoxville News Sentinel)

TWRA plans extra boat patrols
(Knoxville News Sentinel)

Father's fraud followed son's debt woes
(Knoxville News Sentinel)

Lockett is subject of 3 investigations
(Knoxville News Sentinel)

Loudon residents fight against ash disposal
(Knoxville News Sentinel)

Downtown condo developer files bankruptcy
(Knoxville News Sentinel Business)

Auto fallout still felt locally
(Knoxville News Sentinel Business)

Loudon residents fight against ash disposal
(Knoxville News Sentinel Business)

Hospital management at issue in Claiborne County
(Knoxville News Sentinel Business)

Tazewell hospital proposals to be heard Monday
(Knoxville News Sentinel Business)

Governor Bredesen Issues Writ of Election
(State of Tennessee)

Bredesen Breaks Ground on Recovery Act Project in Nashville
(State of Tennessee)

Extended Unemployment Benefits Available for Eligible Tennesseans
(State of Tennessee)

THP Gears Up For July 4th Weekend Crackdown on Drunk Drivers
(State of Tennessee)

Tennessee Announces 2009-10 School Meal Guidelines
(State of Tennessee)

Family's gas grill explodes catching house on fire
(WATE local)

Blount County K-9 loses battle with cancer
(WATE local)

Stripper says she is upset kidnapping & rape chares were dropped
(WATE local)

Deadly Shooting and police pursuit ends in crash
(WATE local)

Shooting and police pursuit ends in crash
(WATE local)

Local fireworks laws, displays in your area
(WBIR Local)

Update: Victim dies after Friday afternoon shooting
(WBIR Local)

Hero Central: Help feed hungry kids with Backpack Buddy Club 10
(WBIR Local)

Authorities prepare for explosive holiday
(WBIR Local)

East Tennesseans hit the lake for holiday weekend
(WBIR Local)

Beefing up patrols on Tennessee highways
(WVLT Local)

Honduras rejects OAS appeal to restore president
(WVLT Local)

UPDATE: Police investigate shooting, high speed chase and crash
(WVLT Local)

SKorea says NKorea fires 2 missiles off east coast
(WVLT Local)

Alleged victim, estranged wife talk about dropped kidnap and rape charges
(WVLT Local)


Wire Reports

60 votes not so super for Obama, Senate Democrats (AP)
(AP Politics)

INSIDE WASHINGTON: Items missing from Archives (AP)
(AP Politics)

Mrs. Obama bringing glamor to Moscow this weekend (AP)
(AP Politics)

Obama cites his agenda in holiday address (AP)
(AP Politics)

Palin resignation leaves questions on 2012 run (AP)
(AP National News)

Palin resignation leaves questions on 2012 run (AP)
(AP Politics)

SC serial killer conjures memory of 60s murderer (AP)
(AP National News)

Police: Arizona woman led sons on crime spree (AP)
(AP National News)

Jackson was loving and attentive father, many say (AP)
(AP National News)

Jackson kids face hurdles to coping with his death (AP)
(AP National News)

Calif. bullet train hits criticism on SF Peninsula (AP)
(AP National News)

Obama calls for reform in Independence Day address (AFP)
(AP Politics)

Calif. regulators warn of pot's cancer capability (AP)
(AP National News)

Medvedev sees 'new prospects' for US-Russia ties (AFP)
(AP Politics)

Group Sotomayor advised fought job tests (AP)
(AP Politics)

NY growth besieges Revolutionary patriots' graves (AP)
(AP National News)

Palin Stirs Debate About Her Political Future With Resignation (Bloomberg)
(AP Politics)

Palin resignation splits GOP (Politico)
(AP Politics)

AP Source: Detroit mayor firing police chief (AP)
(AP National News)

Pachyderms outdo people in cross-species chow bout (AP)
(AP National News)