ACLU Backs Gun Advocate in Suit Against Philly Police

The ACLU is on the side of the gun-rights supporter suing Philadelphia Police for having officers ignorant of federal gun laws.

A man charged with disorderly conduct after posting audio of three police stops involving his openly carried weapon has sued Philadelphia police.

Mark Fiorino calls his arrest “vindictive prosecution” after he embarrassed police by posting audio of the profanity-laced police stops.

The American Civil Liberties Union is backing the gun-rights supporter's lawsuit.

The federal suit filed Tuesday says city police failed to train officers that citizens can openly carry weapons with the proper permit.

Fiorino says the officers who stopped and detained him three times said it was illegal to carry a weapon openly in Philadelphia.

The suburban IT worker was cleared last year of disorderly conduct and reckless endangerment. He seeks unspecified damages.

Philadelphia police aren't commenting on the suit. But the department has previously pledged to retrain officers.

 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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