UT: Mock mass shooting would be considered trespassing

[TexasTowelie]

4:10 p.m. update: A University of Texas spokesman says the planned mock mass shooting demonstration this weekend would be considered criminal trespass if participants do not leave when asked.

“Within the university community, the campus is a place for the vigorous exchange of diverse viewpoints, which is an essential part of the educational experience,” said spokesman J.B. Bird. “The property or buildings owned or controlled by UT Austin are not, however, open to outside groups for assembly, speech, or other activities, including theatrical performances, as are the public streets, sidewalks, and parks. Only the university itself, faculty, staff and student groups may engage in such activities on campus. This applies equally to an outside protest group, an outside theater troupe, or any outside group wishing to use the facilities or grounds of the university.”

Earlier: Gun rights groups say they will conduct a mock mass shooting this weekend at the University of Texas campus as they try to end gun-free zones.
UT: Mock mass shooting would be considered trespassing photo
American-Statesman file photo: Matthew Short of Victoria, public relations director with Come and Take It Texas and DontComply.com, and president of both groups, Murdoch Pizgatti of Plano, pose with weapons outside the Bastrop Police Department last summer.

The Open Carry Walk and Crisis Performance Event will involve actors “shot” by perpetrators armed with cardboard weapons, said Matthew Short, a spokesman for the gun rights groups Come and Take It Texas and DontComply.com.

Read more: http://www.statesman.com/news/news/gun-rights-groups-to-stage-mock-mass-shooting-at-u/npf38/