$25,000 judgment in suit against Philly over permitted gun

A gun-toting Lansdale man has received a $25,000 judgment in his lawsuit against the city of Philadelphia. The information technology worker says he was tired of being stopped for carrying a holstered gun on his hip. Because he has a permit, it’s perfectly legal.

Mark Fiorino said he decided to sue the city after a heated run-in with police last year as he walked along Frankford Avenue in Upper Holmesburg, wearing his holstered weapon, he was stopped by a police officer. Fiorino used a recorder to document the confrontation:

Fiorino: Sir, you’re threatening me with lethal force.

Police: I’m not threatening you.

Fiorino: You’re pointing a weapon at me.

Police: I don’t know who you are, you’ve got a gun on you.

Fiorino: Would you like to see my license to carry firearms and my driver’s license?

Police: I need backup I’ve got a guy with a gun on him, he’s giving me a little trouble.”

(Tensions escalated further after the officer instructed Fiorino to get down on his knees.)

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