Lawyer arrested over open carry of licensed gun at Batman movie files suit against city and police
A lawyer arrested after he openly brought his licensed handgun to the Batman movie The Dark Knight Rises in Connecticut two years ago has filed a lawsuit against those responsible for the criminal case that was initially pursued against him.
Charges of interfering with officers and breach of peace against immigration attorney Sung-Ho Hwang were soon dismissed. However, he says he did nothing wrong and his constitutional rights were violated by his arrest by New Haven police officers who knew he was permitted to open carry, according to the Associated Press.
At the time of Hwang’s arrest, the shooting massacre at the premiere of The Dark Knight Rises in Aurora, Colorado, had occurred only weeks earlier and there was concern about potential copycat incidents elsewhere. Hwang, who was then the incoming president of the New Haven Bar Association, said he felt he might need the gun to protect himself in the crime-ridden city, because the movie was scheduled to end at about 1 a.m.
His superior court complaint alleges false arrest, malicious prosecution and civil rights violations and names the city and six police officers including the chief as defendants, reports Courthouse News. Hwang is represented by Steven Errante of Lynch, Traub, Keefe and Errante.
The AP says it could not reach the mayor and police chief for comment.
Related coverage:
ABAJournal.com: “Arrested Lawyer Had Permit for Handgun at Batman Movie, Says He Cooperated with Police”
New Haven Independent (2012): “Post-Batman, Mayor Calls For Theater Gun Ban”
