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House Republican Leaders Applaud Decision to Drop Charges Against 2nd Amendment Activists

February 9th, 2018 by WCBC Radio

House Minority Leader Nic Kipke and House Minority Whip Kathy Szeliga today applauded the dropping of charges against two 2nd Amendment activists who were arrested in front of the State House on Monday night. Kevin and Jeff Hulbert, members of The Patriot Picket, an organization that supports 2nd Amendment rights and stage peaceful protests during the legislative session, were arrested during a protest Monday night. The charges against them were dropped today.

 

“This arrest never should have happened,” said House Minority Leader Nic Kipke. “Citizens have a sacred right to free speech which applies everywhere but especially at the Maryland State House. These gentlemen have been coming to Annapolis to lawfully express their views for years. I am relieved the charges against these gentlemen have been dropped and want to thank Governor Larry Hogan, Speaker Mike Busch, and State’s Attorney Wes Adams who I believe all shared my concerns about this unacceptable incident. The Capitol Police do a fantastic and not often easy job; I look forward to working with them to ensure something like this never happens again to anyone lawfully expressing their First Amendment rights.”

 

“Unimpeded political speech is a cornerstone of our democracy and a sacred right held by all Americans,” said House Minority Whip Kathy Szeliga. “While I am glad to see the charges dropped, this arrest never should have happened. I hope this incident serves as a learning opportunity for the Capitol Police and they can, in the future, strike the appropriate balance and protect the public without impeding on free speech. Otherwise, this arrest could have people thinking twice before they come to Annapolis to express their views. That would be a travesty.”

 

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