Gun Rally Triggers Outrage Among Warminster Residents, Officials

WARMINSTER, PA —A gun rally set for Saturday at Warminster Community Park has triggered outrage among some residents and concerns of township officials.

"Honestly, we're not thrilled about it," Supervisor Mark McKee told Patch Tuesday. "There's not much we can do to stop them."

A flier from Gun Owners of America through The Right For Bucks organization touts a gun giveaway at 7 p.m. of an AR-15 and a Tommy Gun. (The flier notes that those eligible must be a Pennsylvania resident, age 18 or older and be present at the event.)

Among the guest speakers are gubernatorial candidate Doug Mastriano.

But the event has some residents alarmed.

"Yes, everyone has the right to free speech etc., but does Saturday's gun rally have to take place in my community park where i take my grandchildren?" said one resident who wished to remain anonymous. "Poor decision."

McKee said the township conducted research about the organization holding similar events elsewhere and found out that no issues have been reported. He also said township attorneys reviewed the event as well for concerns.

He said the organization secured the proper township permits to use the park and also hired additional security besides what the township is providing. The rally will be sectioned off from other areas of the park.

Police Chief James Donnelly said he didn't expect any issues with the rally.

"They pretty much will have everyone in a tent," the chief said. "It's not much of a security concern unless we get protesters. Otherwise, no one is allowed over there."

Donnelly said he was hoping to get a crowd count since the event is ticketed.

The chief said his department will create some security barriers to offset the event from parkgoers and any protesters who may show up.

McKee said that the organization requested to stay after dark but the township's fire marshal rejected that proposal.

"I think raffling off AR-15 at a public park goes a little too far," McKee said. "This is public property. They're good to go."