ROCK HILL, S.C. -- "Coffee With Your Congressman" got a South Carolina representative in hot water on Friday.
While meeting with voters at the Rock Hill Diner, Rep. Ralph Norman pulled out a loaded handgun. According to the republican's Facebook post, he encountered some anti-gun activists, and he wanted to make a point about gun control.
Part of his statement read: "Given the scenario that if someone had walked into that diner and began to fire a weapon, I told them I would be able to defend myself as well as them."
Norman noted he wasn't going to be "a Gabby Giffords," referring to the former Arizona congresswoman who was shot outside a grocery store during a constituent gathering in 2011.
In a statement, Giffords' husband, Mark Kelly, called Norman an extremist who relies on intimidation tactics and perpetuates fear.
Norman said he'll display his gun at future constituent meetings.
"Mental health, and more importantly, a lack of morality is the driving force behind this epidemic. Guns are not the problem," Norman said on Facebook.
Norman also posted on Twitter.
Lori Carter, a school teacher from Charlotte, said she thought the move was contradictory because there was nothing to prevent her from grabbing the gun, and Norman didn't know if someone there had a mental health issue.
South Carolina Democratic Party Chairman Trav Robertson called on South Carolina Law Enforcement Division to investigate Norman and revoke his gun permit.
"As any truly responsible gun owner knows and as the statute says, if you have a concealed carry permit, you cannot brandish your weapon without an imminent threat. It's dangerous and it's illegal," said Robertson, who referred to a statute in the South Carolina code of laws on offenses involving weapons.
SECTION 16-23-410. Pointing firearm at another person.
It is unlawful for a person to present or point at another person a loaded or unloaded firearm.
A person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be fined in the discretion of the court or imprisoned not more than five years. This section must not be construed to abridge the right of self-defense or to apply to theatricals or like performances.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 16-141; 1952 Code Section 16-141; 1942 Code Section 1119; 1932 Code Section 1119; Cr. C. '22 Section 17; Cr. C. '12 Section 162; 1910 (26) 694; 1993 Act No. 184, Section 46.