Man charged for pulling gun at wilmington political rally

Man Charged for Pulling Gun at Wilmington Political Rally

October 11, 2020

WILMINGTON, DE – Following an investigation by the Division of Civil Rights and Public Trust, a New Castle County grand jury charged a Dover man with multiple felonies for removing and pointing a handgun toward others while he participated in a counter-protest on September 24, 2020.  Michael Hastings, 60, is charged with Reckless Endangering First Degree and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony and faces a minimum mandatory prison sentence. The Division of Civil Rights & Public Trust will lead his prosecution.

“The right to free expression should be free of danger,” said Attorney General Jennings. “This is not responsible gun ownership.  A firearm is a deadly weapon, period, and there is never a good reason to point it toward anyone except in self-defense. Mr. Hastings’ actions endangered others and we will prosecute him fully.”

The incident happened at a BLM protest in Wilmington in September.

Shore News Network

Shore News Network

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