Sean Combs received a M1 Garande for his 18th birthday.

Eager to show it off, he slung it over his shoulder and began walking to his friends’ houses to show them his rifle.

While walking through his neighborhood, a police officer stopped him and asked to see his ID. Sean refused.

The police called in more police.

Combs decided to relent and reached for his ID.

He was then arrested and charged with brandishing a firearm, disorderly conduct and obstructing an officer.

However, he had done nothing wrong. It’s legal to open carry in Michigan.

A public meeting was held in the town recently and supporters of Sean Combs came strapped:

A few Michiganders made use of their right to carry by attending a Birmingham City Commission meeting with pistols strapped to their belts, shotguns in their hands, and rifles slung over their shoulders. One of the protestors, Phillip Hofmeister, told Click on Detroit, “We understand that it’s not something that’s a part of the public norm or something you see in everyday life, but there is not a law against it.”

While nobody came out and said, the implication of the organized protest was quite clear, “If you arrested Sean Combs, why don’t you arrest us, too?”

PhotoBlog has some photos of the protest.

I love everything about this.

It’s expected to be an open and shut case when Sean goes to court, considering he broke no laws. I agree with Combs’ attorney. This is just a case where the police didn’t like what Combs was doing. I’ve been there. Trust me, police usually win the initial power struggle.

I’m guessing they don’t win in court, though.