Man Armed With AR-15 Rifle In Abington, Trying To Stir Gun Debate

ABINGTON, PA -- Police said that a man is carrying an AR-15 around Abington and attempting to bait officers into a debate about the 2nd Amendment.

Multiple Abington residents reported seeing the man on Monday in North Hills, Ardsley, Glenside, and the Abington Shopping Center, authorities said.

The man had the rifled slung behind his back, police said.

"All of our officers are well aware of this passive-aggressive tactic, as they have been videotaped during at least one encounter with him," Chief Patrick Molloy said in a statement Monday. "While no laws have been broken, this individual’s actions have caused unnecessary alarm to the public, thus diverting valuable police resources from our core mission."

The weapon is similar to that used in the recent shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida which left 17 dead.

Molloy urged residents not to engage the man. He added that police would continue to balance the man's 2nd Amendment rights with the safety of the public.

Getty Image, George Frey