Jul 14, 2009 4:07 pm US/Eastern
Man To Stand Trial After Taking Gun To Obama Rally
BEAVER (KDKA) ―
Jury selection began Tuesday for a Beaver County man who says he was standing up for his Second Amendment rights when he brought his gun to a presidential campaign rally last year.
John A. Noble, of Industry, Pa., was charged with disorderly conduct and disrupting a public meeting after carrying his 9mm handgun outside a Barack Obama campaign rally on Aug. 29 at Irvine Park in Beaver County.
Noble was within his legal bounds to carry his weapon, but police said the sight of the firearm created public alarm.
He told police he wanted to test out what would happen if he brought his gun to the event.
In any case, Noble's beliefs were out in force in court Tuesday, as several supporters sported empty waist holsters. As they filed out of the courthouse for lunch, the men and women took their guns from the secured lockboxes in the lobby.
Tom Williams, a Pennsylvania Firearm Owner's Association member, drove three hours from Port Allegheny in McKean County to support Noble – a man he has never even spoken to.
"I support the Second Amendment, I support John's right to open carry," he said. "He didn't break any laws. I think if any laws were broken it was the police who unjustly arrested him."
Williams hopes to make the three-hour trip again on Wednesday for Noble's trial.
Noble, his wife and attorney, Stephen Colafella, all declined comment Tuesday.
Richard Banks, founder of
www.PAopencarry.org, traveled 300 miles from Luzerne County to support the 51 year old.
"It seems pretty simple to me," Banks said, his gun in a holster at his side. "A lot of people congregated knowing that this rally was happening in a nearby adjacent area to make statement either for or against the candidate. They had signs … and Jack's statement was a little simpler, but just as protected."
Banks said he carries a firearm routinely and maintains a concealed carrying license, just as Noble does.
"A lot of us do it all the time," Banks said. "It's never a problem, why would it be different for Jack?"
Carrying a firearm in the open is legal in Pennsylvania. A license is required for residents to conceal their weapon or transport it in a vehicle, however.
A few supporters had their own twist on the Second Amendment too.
Two young women who said they were Noble's daughters and declined comment wore shirts bearing the words: "Firearms … the ultimate female protection."
Jolynn Conti, a family friend, said she is a big supporter of gun rights, especially for women.
"If you're not allowed to carry a gun what kind of protection do you have?" she said. "I'm the only one who's going to protect myself."
The trial for the Noble is slated to begin Wednesday at the Beaver County Courthouse.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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