Two men were carrying AR-15's Outside Obama's Phoenix Event-3 with Guns

(Late update: CNN now reports that there were two men carrying assault rifles, reportedly AR-15s, outside President Obama's event in Phoenix.)

A man was seen carrying an assault rifle and a pistol outside the VFW Convention in Phoenix where President Obama spoke today, a local newspaper reports. (Click through for a photo.)

Local police said it's legal under Arizona law, but two officers kept close by him.

"If we need to intervene, we will intervene at that time," said Detective J. Oliver.

The man, who gave his name only as "Chris", was asked why he was armed. "Because I can do it," he said. "In Arizona, I still have some freedoms."

Here's video from ArizonaCentral.com (go to about 1:30). It looks like the man giving the interview was also carrying a pistol.

http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/2009/08/man-carrying-an-assault-rifle-and-pistol-outside-obama-event.php?ref=fpa

Video: http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/news/2009/08/video_at_least_one_man_shows_up_with_assault_rifle.php

No arrests during Obama visit, but three seen with guns

Three men were carrying guns outside the Phoenix Convention Center Monday morning during President Barack Obama’s visit, but there were no arrests, according to Phoenix Police. One man was carrying an assault rifle and pistol and two others had handguns, according to police.

Obama spoke at the Veterans of Foreign Wars convention at the center Monday. Protesters in downtown Phoenix focused on the health care reform debate. It is not illegal to openly carry weapons in Arizona, but police kept close tabs on the men, said spokesman Andy Hill.

Security was heightened but not intense in downtown Phoenix during the president’s visit. Hill said there were no arrests related to the protests.

http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/stories/2009/08/17/daily20.html

http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/08/17/2032801.aspx

In a situation similar to last week in Portsmouth, N.H., cameras caught a protester with a pistol holstered to his leg outside of today's event with the president.

Police on the scene were standing right next to the gentleman and were keeping a close eye on him. He's well behind a security barrier outside the convention center in a crowd of protesters.

A second man, who appeared to be interviewing some of the protesters, also had a pistol strapped to his leg. He was also being watched by police.

To reiterate, there appears to be NO CAUSE FOR SERIOUS CONCERN from local authorities on scene.

not to have to smile and pretend to be tolerant as the fucking gun nuts wear their strap-ons and cause needless deaths. I'm so tired of the toxic, deadly and not to mention inane gun culture in this country.

he has lost or thinks he will lose. I think stupidity is running rampant in this country

and because they are allowed to do so. It is meant to enhance the fear level of folks to a level that only the those opposed will attend the meetings. control through fear.