Armed Protesters at Obama Speech

About a dozen people carrying guns, including one with a military-style [AR-15] rifle, milled among protesters outside the convention center where President Barack Obama was giving a speech Monday -- the latest incident in which protesters have openly displayed firearms near the president.

Gun-rights advocates say they're exercising their constitutional right to bear arms and protest, while those who argue for more gun control say it could be a disaster waiting to happen.

Phoenix police said the gun-toters . . . didn't need permits. No crimes were committed, and no one was arrested.

The man with the [AR-15] . . . told The Arizona Republic that he was carrying the assault weapon because he could. "In Arizona, I still have some freedoms," he said.

In spite of the fact that I completely support the Second Amendment and firmly believe that Americans should exercise their rights (or otherwise lose them), the fact that people are bringing guns (loaded or otherwise) to a presidential event is slightly disconcerting. Considering the pre-existing tensions and disputes over the current administration, throwing guns into the mix would not, in my opinion, calm the situation.
On the other hand, props to those gun-toters for fearlessly exercising their rights. I also highly suggest reading the article in its entirety.