FIRED FOR CARRYING AT WORK: What You Risk When You Carry A Gun In Places You Shouldn't

Online people are quick to profess "concealed means concealed" and "I don't care what the rules say, unless there's a metal detector I'm carrying my gun!"
Anytime you bring up the possible consequences of being discovered, they're quick to say "well I'd rather be unemployed than dead!" or "I'll just get a new job!".
I really didn't want to make this video, but I felt that I had to, because nobody talks about these types of negative outcomes.
There's no first hand account to hold up as an example of the things that can go wrong.
Since people are so quick to dismiss theoretical situations, I feel obligated to share my story.
Once you watch this you'll understand why those flippant responses are so rage-inducing for me.
My hope is that people learn from my experience, and have a better appreciation for everything they're putting on the line if they choose to ignore the rules.
I'm not about to tell anyone what to do. I merely present this as a cautionary tale, so that people can make the most educated decision possible.
Everyone is so eager to prepare for the worst case situation that they completely ignore the much more probably, and almost equally severe consequences of situations in between.
Sorry for the lack of background. I was filming this with natural light, and once this ball got rolling there wasn't any stopping it. As you'd imagine, I didn't really care to relive these events more than once, so this is the first and only cut.
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[@TheSuitedShootist]

For those of you that have asked: While my new company is considerably more 2A friendly, my job regularly takes me places where carrying a firearm is still problematic or flat out illegal. Here's what I normally carry during the work day: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d4GvlYCgZ7Ggn5Y

[@mattwilcox3645]

yes the idea is you don't want to live a vulnerable life whole & sum total, big picture

[@freedomspeech9523]

My workplace is on a federal lease property. Therefore I cannot carry, so that's that... I take my chances of being a sitting duck target (is not like active shooter events don't happen there) in order to have a paycheck. I also know people that park their cars somewhere else and walk, or bike, inside, but I am too lazy for that.

[@linkbond08]

So I left a very long and detailed explanation, of what I might do if my workplace started acting like yours. And KZbin decided to completely delete it before it was posted. I'm not writing it down again, but just know that I would remain invisible to upper management until I could make my escape to another job. that's in a nutshell. Basically follow their rules leaving your firearm at your vehicle, and make your Escape as soon as possible.

[@spldrong]

I am really curious about the search. Could you have legally refused? Did a Cop do it or just some security guard? I feel like i would rather be fired for refusing search, but was this an option?

[@TheSuitedShootist]

@@spldrong if the outcome's the same, does it really matter?

[@tonycrabtree3416]

Dude, you didn’t have any friends. “i’ll just find xxx person and he’ll get us out” was straight up a passive aggressive tattletale. THAT person is who you underestimated. Never talk guns, politics, or religion at work with anyone.

[@Nicki_Habicki]

Beat me to it, that's some slick snitch shit right there.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

I may not have addressed it in sufficient detail, but when I started the climate was far more 2a friendly, and evolved over several years.

[@tonycrabtree3416]

@@TheSuitedShootist Nah, you did. I'm just saying, trust people as far as you can throw them.

[@brianfhorton]

Do you think the person that made the comment intended for Alex to get fired? I bet that person thought they were just making a funny throw away remark and felt horrible about what happened because of it.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

@@brianfhorton 100% can confirm. He feels terrible about it. What'll really blow some people's minds is that we're still friends.

[@WarNoob755]

HR exists to protect the company. Not the people.

[@jarrettporst4799]

Often at the cost of good employee's... .. .

[@charliem9188]

It's actually against the rules to snitch on people in some unions.

[@OntarioBearHunter]

exactly.. I tell people this. many times both people get let go, especially if there are numerous complaints from 1 individual.

[@WarNoob755]

@@charliem9188 I wasn't talking about unions. I was talking about HR.

[@WarNoob755]

@@jarrettporst4799 true.

[@MemphisBeech]

I almost got fired for a box cutter. I opened a box at a Christmas party, and HR sent an email to my boss's boss. They compared me to 911 hijackers. This shit does NOT get talked about enough. If you get labeled "The Gun Guy," everything you do is highlighted. Thanks for sharing, brother.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

That's why I felt obligated to share. Nobody talks about it, so nobody believes it's a possibility.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

@P. Tiesti just that easy? Uproot your entire family, start over professionally, force your spouse to walk away from their career, and tell your kids they'll never see their friends again.... seems reasonable If someone is young, single, and/or unencumbered might be more realistic, but that's a really dismissive take.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

@P. Tiesti much appreciated sir! Glad I have you on the channel.

[@Je3perscre3pers]

criminal side of me: "damn where you work at? lol they sound like soft targets".

[@TheSuitedShootist]

@@Je3perscre3pers nothing wrong with thinking like a felon as long as you don't act like it. [e-mail]

[@oaomcg]

Sadly, the "Workplace Violence Policy" at most places equates to "No employee shall be afforded the ability to protect themselves from workplace violence."

[@TheSuitedShootist]

Very true

[@XanderShiller]

What are the actual stats on workplace violence? What constitutes as violence? Or even the threat of violence and against whom and why?

[@B7NZ]

There shouldn't be any Workplace Violence, but danger of active shooter, costumer, & ppl should feel safe to & from home or car. Bosses want to feel in control or they can't handle it for many reasons, & if someone has a gun they feel like they don't have power over u, so u should never think guns are ok to even talk about, but also political.

[@thomasatkinson6551]

Best defence for workplace violence is to make a good example of the initiator of the violence. It's always worked for me. But it has always been with my fist, at work and I have always taken it off work grounds.

[@davemi00]

Today you need an attorney on retainer to defend yourself.

[@sinnirr]

All I can say is: Concealed Carry means exactly that. I don't talk about it in the office. I never tell anyone I am carrying. I don't give anyone reason to suspect I am carrying. I make sure I don't print at all everywhere I go. Essentially I adopted a 'Trust No One' attitude with my Concealed Carry status. It's unfortunate that this happened to you. People can suck.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

I may not have articulated it well in this video, but I'm certainly not someone for whom concealed carry is a major aspect of my personality, especially in social situations with a lot of unknown variables. That said, I'd been to the range with co-workers at that point, so it was a shared interest. I'd be willing to venture that the person that actually complained to HR didn't know me personally. Why? Because everyone that did was shocked at the results. The overwhelming feedback I got was "if anyone's going to be armed in that office I'd want it to be you" I'm guessing the concern was less about me and more the individual's hoplophobia.

[@DANTHETUBEMAN]

The 48 laws of power are essential reading.

[@DANTHETUBEMAN]

@ideliveredit you are a bond level villen

[@deplorabledave1048]

Yep. My idiot brother couldn't help showing off his Walther PPKS in his cool James Bond shoulder holster. I learned a lot from my big brother. How to NOT be like him.

[@pkay1111]

So you didn't tell anyone in your workplace but if there was a need to search on everyone, you are done for still.

[@fatherof4kids]

When corporations buy smaller companies and take them over shit always goes south.

[@chrischapman1613]

Amen

[@dennispartain1559]

That’s 100% truth! I am currently living through that scenario!🤦‍♂️

[@fishinfool3795]

@@dennispartain1559 As am I, unfortunately.

[@JuneBuggJr]

Yup, they fire the good workers who been there for years and hire younger with less skills always asking how to do their work

[@coyoteblue9733]

I've already made a decision that I will not submit to a search of MY belongings whether there's a gun in them or not.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

That's certainly an option. In many places that can still result in termination.

[@coyoteblue9733]

@@TheSuitedShootist I want to communicate what I'm trying to communicate correctly. my workspace, my desk, my locker, the computer I work on, they all belong to my employer. MY clothing, MY car and certainty MY PERSON do not and I'm willing to lose (really quit) my job over that principle. I might even let them search my car and after they found no Contraband in it then I'd quit.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

@@coyoteblue9733 totally understood. I'm not trying to suggest that boundary is anything other than your own. I just don't want people to be under the impression that refusing the search will result in a different outcome, so that everybody can plan accordingly based on their situation.

[@coyoteblue9733]

@@TheSuitedShootist I'm an 18 dollar an hour security guard. My income wouldn't be hard to replace. I'd like to THINK my principles would remain if I was pulling down 250K plus benefits a year but since I'm not I'll never be sure. Having said all that, I would refuse the search with the full knowledge that it would cost me my job and I don't want anybody that's reading this exchange to think differently

[@Wildwestwrangler]

@@coyoteblue9733 better to quit in that situation than be fired. Unless you have no savings and need unemployment

[@jerrygereckegod8224]

The point and moral of this story: KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT! DO NOT TELL ANYBODY, NOT ANYONE, WHAT YOU DO AND HAVE IN YOUR PRIVATE AND PERSONAL LIFE.

[@spldrong]

I mostly agree... ill talk about whatever... but then just simply lie, "I would never carry at work" I still really wanna know where he works... he got illegally searched. Lawsuit??

[@VigilanceTech]

yup, a gun are like money and VD. It's all okay as long as no one knows you HAVE it!

[@spldrong]

@@jlinka79 I disagree. Generally speaking, i dont think they should be allowed to limit your right that way, and you have no moral obligation to follow unjust laws

[@spldrong]

@@jlinka79 without more information this video just proves that he has a big mouth and was illegally searched.

[@spldrong]

@@jlinka79 after doing a little bit of research (a while ago) that does not seem to be true, you cannot sign your rights away. Even if a cop was called and showed up, they still have no right to search you (given these circumstances). You can simply refuse, deny entry... then they can ask u to leave, and you have to do that... then u can sue them(i understand that hardly works out) but at least then, the story is that they tried to violate you, not that you got caught with a gun

[@ps2574]

Wow. At my last job I recall a non gunner saying the same comment to me, and I immediately said "don't look at me, company policy is no guns, you're on your own." Wonder how close that would have been to an issue. Thanks for sharing.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

Yup! At least this way people can't say "that never happens"

[@JohnW-yv6yp]

Smart reply

[@bigh6530]

Treating adults like children never ends well.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

No argument there

[@MmeHyraelle]

Treating children like childrens does not either. I hated being infantilised at 8, i hate being infantilised now.

[@6236003]

I bet they felt real good about themselves. Of course we all know that sort of policy is doing nothing to protect their workers, but it's all about the warm fuzzies and the illusion of control.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

Exactly.

[@roguedefensefirearmsllc6194]

Hopefully karma never comes back to that office, in the form of a armed disgruntled employee. That snitch would be regretting that they got him fired. But, I guess they wouldn't have to live with that regret long, just the rest of their life.

[@keystonecomet9949]

@@roguedefensefirearmsllc6194 They won't regret it. They'll likely see both individuals in the same light. They'll believe mroe firmly that they shouldn't even employ gun owners because, look what happens!

[@paladugusampath2063]

@@roguedefensefirearmsllc6194 No need to go that far. Which Senior Employee(Manager,TL etc etc) do you think would dare to talk loudly at a person when they know they're carrying?

[@BigTomInTheBasement]

@@calholli I hope people start suing for having their rights infringed upon at work. The 2A rights are treated as non- rights and we've let it go too long. Is it a right to keep and bear or not? If it's a right, that right needs to be given the same weight others are given.

[@jdu8542]

I worked at a place where a guy got fired under very similar circumstances, had him do the perp walk and everything. Then the senior management enumerated their "zero tolerance policy" regarding firearms in the workplace... I said "so if someone wants to bring a gun to this office in order to protect themselves in a rare, worst case situation, we can lose our jobs, but if someone wants to bring a gun to kill us, the potential to loose their job is supposed to stop them?" They had no response to that other than to shrug and say "well, thats the rules"....

[@thetallone7605]

I really hate that attitude. It makes absolutely zero sense.

[@Ragnar_Helsson]

Lol yeah, it's like what are they thinking, that a shooter will show up, see the sign that says "Gun Free Zone" and just go "OH, DARN, I CAN'T BRING MY GUN IN THERE TO SHOOT UP THE PLACE, GUESS I HAVE TO GO HOME." Fucking ridiculous.

[@EricDaMAJ]

An employer that treats you that poorly for a gun is eventually gonna find another reason to treat that poorly. In the long run it was a good thing you got out. It amazes me that people bag on the military for how it treats people yet some civilian jobs are so much worse.

[@curtisc2581]

The military used to treat people as adults, not so much anymore, they get stress cards in boot camp for when they get "too stressed".

[@EricDaMAJ]

@@curtisc2581 Stress cards were a thing for a hot minute. But then got shitcanned when the idiot politicians who suggested them turned their backs.

[@knaudi86]

As with most corporate issues, HR plays a huge role in the problem. Shocker.

[@WhiskeyTactical]

maybe HR stands for huge role

[@lordphullautosear]

HR is where the SJWs and other toxic NPCs tend to cluster. Most companies run best when those turds keep a low profile and stick to their record keeping and clerking. When they aggressively try to mold the company image and "culture," nothing good ever comes of it.

[@joenut019]

You give an important perspective but its still important to point out that its is completely morally wrong to deny people the right to self defense and then take 0 responsibility for when they are harmed or killed the way that corporations and governments do throughout America.

[@mhl2674]

To Alex - We aren't born enlightened, and mistakes will happen in life. As bad as it was, it could have ended up much worse, so be thankful for what you have and where you are. And thank you for putting yourself up as Exhibit A.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

That's very kind of you to say. Thank you for the support.

[@Wildwestwrangler]

@@TheSuitedShootist at least they didn't call the cops behind your back and act like you were a threat!!!

[@TheSuitedShootist]

@@Wildwestwrangler very true

[@laddicusprime1037]

Now you know what its like trying to talk about guns with almost anyone in the UK..

[@DRandolphOutdoors1]

Thank you for sharing this story. My employer lists “no firearms on premises” in the rules for employees. There was a credible threat from a now former employee and that policy has been changed. No one knows who has one, but people have felt a bit safer since.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

Glad it helped.

[@thetallone7605]

I wish more workplaces were like this. I am unaware of any companies aside from the usual gun store, security company, LE, etc that allow employees to be armed. It is a constant pain in my rear.

[@dark2light263]

Brother, we 2A gun people appreciate you sharing your story. Take aways: 1, don't work for anti gun companies, 2, don't submit to being searched which the company didn't have the right to do, 3, at that time say to company, what are you doing and if you disagree then say I'm resigning as of right now and leave with your stuff immediately, 4, don't be so hard on yourself because you aren't the only person this stuff happens to, 5, your wife stuck with you because she loves you and understands what you did and there wasn't a need to forgive you, 6, everything happens for a reason and if you and your wife can get through something like that then you can get through pretty much anything in life together, 7, find a job where guns are allowed, not easy to find but they are out there, or be self employed, 8, don't change your views on firearms, the anti gun people need to change their bullshit rhetoric because the people buying guns during the pandemic were people that were against guns, hypocrisy if its their life in danger. In other words, I can have a gun but you don't need a gun or have to prove to me why you need a gun, 9, life is all a risk but you are still alive and lesson learned, so do what makes you and your family comfortable, 10, trust no one except your wife in this case because she kept her wedding vows to stay with you through good and bad times and for richer or poorer in other words, if this bullshit situation didn't happen you would have never known how devoted and loving your wife is to you and thats priceless. Better than any job or gun.

[@laddicusprime1037]

Based

[@CookedAF2]

Wow thats probably the realist shit in this comment list. A wemon like that is everymans dream thats loyalty.

[@mjriemen]

@@willconrad3069 I can’t believe how little faith he has in his wife. If you truly believe that loosing a job will cause your spouse to leave, than I would suggest really thinking about if that relationship is the right one.

[@thetallone7605]

@Dark2light The only issue I have with what you said is that bit about finding a pro 2a company. Do you have any idea how hollow that sounds? Do you have any idea how tired people are of hearing "just go find a better place to work"? I know you said it was hard, but do you realize just how freakin' hard? I am unaware of any company outside of some private security companies or gun stores that allow for personal carry on the job. And in my opinion, neither private security nor working at a gun store is sufficient to support a family. In fact, it's so hard to find these magical pro 2a workplaces that I have essentially given up on ever finding one, and I strongly suspect that I'm not the only one. It doesn't help matters that you usually can't get the company weapons policy before you apply (at least in my very limited experience), so you never know what you're getting in to.

[@dark2light263]

@@thetallone7605 dont blame the messenger. Nothing in life is easy. I understand how things are in the gun world. Thats why Ideally, don't work for others, work for yourself. A company isn't going to invest in you like you are going to invest in yourself. It's a dog eat dog world and that applies to anything in life not just the gun world. Make no mistake, it's a cruel world.

[@WesternCivHasFallen]

I have a couple buddies that go with me places sometimes and know I carry. In non permissive and illegal environments, such as university (where I don't carry), they have at times asked me "hEY bRo YoU GoT yOuR gUN???" *purposely* loud enough so others in the room can hear. They think it's cool that I carry, but don't understand the problem they pose (even when I'm not carrying). The last few times this happened, even in permissive environments, I quietly asked them to cut it out and not ask again. It's very important, when you have friends around you that misunderstand your situation, that you quickly shut down their desire to do this, even if it may seem harsh.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

“Only a fool learns from his own mistakes. The wise man learns from the mistakes of others.” ― Otto von Bismarck

[@TheSuitedShootist]

@Bosingr the thing that seems to get overlooked here is that it was the shift in office culture that created my problems. At the start it wasn't an issue. How can someone predict that sort of shift? Just assume it'll happen?

[@bikinggreg]

"Good judgement comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgement. And sometimes, that bad judgment can be pretty horrific." ~Val Geissler

[@coyoteblue9733]

I have always heard it said that experience allows you to learn from your mistakes and wisdom allows you to learn from the mistakes of others

[@Utubefohevah]

@Bosingr True, but it is good to pay attention o the words of the losing side. One shift and it could have been the winning side. I think of this too in politics, Oklahoma is something like 40% Democrats and California is 40% Republicans.

[@dude...are-you-sure]

Here's our chance to be wise. And thanks for sharing that experience. I can feel that it was a traumatic life event and for something that many bought into without much foresight in what the costs of this opportunity can be.

[@PhantomX889]

Hey man. I commented and watched this video years ago when it came out, and it was the main reason I stopped carrying my gun at work. I was actually searched today at work after a similar interaction that you mentioned in your video happened to me and im glad to say I was not fired and they even apologized for bothering me at work. It’s the best job I’ve had and im glad I didn’t throw it away just for a lifestyle. Especially when the building already has good security. Hope you read this. You saved my job basically

[@TheSuitedShootist]

Wow... that really means a lot, man. Thank you. I'm glad I could help.

[@adam7347]

It took some guts to make this, but it just as easily could’ve been a story about getting fired for making an off color joke, or asking a coworker out. Losing a job under any circumstance has serious ramifications. If you hadn’t met your quota for a couple months and were fired, would this video still have the same tone? Would not meeting your quota be “the worst mistake of your life”? Alternatively, if you had lost the cosmic lottery and actually needed your firearm but not had it due to policy this would be a video about how the worst mistake of your life was not carrying against policy, much like the Luby’s Cafe story. The old cliche “it’s not the odds, but the stakes” does have some merit. It honestly sounds like you’ve been brow beaten into believing that carrying your firearm was somehow immoral, irrational, or selfish. Your opinion is valid, and I doubt I could change your mind, but your story sounds less like “gun nut who couldn’t be without his beloved smoke wagon”, and more like “Gina Carano gets fired for tweeting a controversial opinion”. As in, the immoral action was your employers, not yours. I only write all of this because it’s obvious that you are very deeply ashamed, and I hate seeing a good man beat himself up.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

I sincerely appreciate the concern. I will say that the emotion in this video isn't my day to day reality. Overall I've come to terms with what happened, and honestly the only guilt I feel is because it was (in my mind) a stupid, unnecessary risk that I took too casually because I thought I was smarter than the other guy. I was arrogant, and that made me careless. To your point about "odds not the stakes", while at its core the statement has merit, as with many quips within our space it's been abused to the point of being a reductive talking point (in general, not directed at you specifically). The reality is that it's BOTH. We balance odds and stakes regularly. The Risk Matrix does a good job of visually representing this idea: www.armsreliability.com/content/Document/Blog/Risk-Matrix-1024x550-1024x550.png Because of the number of interpersonal interactions in that office, the likelihood of getting discovered was considerably higher than the chances of experiencing workplace violence that would necessitate a firearm. Even if getting made was only "Possible" (right in the middle of the scale of probability), the significant impact of the loss of income and professional reset makes the overall risk "Medium High". While the consequences of experiencing workplace violence and lacking a firearm are without a doubt higher (severe instead of significant) the reduced likelihood still makes the risk fall into that same "Medium High" category. So if they're both in in the same "weight class" so to speak, which does it make more sense to mitigate?

[@chublez]

@@TheSuitedShootist The only one you can control. Leave the gun home. While shopping employer's on your terms. Funny to me people have the "balls" if they get busted but not the balls to just leave on principle. If more folks did that less companies could afford to be so anti employee rights of any kind.

[@macmcdougall2695]

@@TheSuitedShootist Thanks for the courage and the strength to relate the details. I hope it makes self scrutinizing easier for the viewers. Good luck!

[@TheSuitedShootist]

@@macmcdougall2695 thank you sir!

[@CalzaTheFox]

Remember that this does not have anything to do with immorality, irrationality, or selfishness. It has to do with responsibility, and Alex hit the nail on the head. In an ideal world employers will allow us to carry small arms to defend ourselves in the instance of an active shooting incident, but in this case the management of his employer changed and their policy was no firearms. It was his responsibility not to take a firearm to work, and therefore he was irresponsible and was punished for it. He's ashamed because he knows he had to willfully bring that gun into work - same way that you can't accidentally make a baby - and that the fault lies on himself and himself alone, even if gun culture is partially what motivated him to do it. But even if what Alex did was not the right thing to do in that situation, I would still say he is a good role model because he accepts his mistake and he's trying to teach others not to make the same mistake themselves. We as individuals should hold ourselves accountable for our actions and be a good role model for others to follow.

[@jackclancy5747]

Nice to be retired. After the Army I always carried at work. My father was shot in a robbery at work when I was 7 years old. After he semi recovered he never went anywhere without a j frame. It left an impression.

[@ogdenmills9666]

Dude thank you so much. This reinforces the decisions I’ve made on the subject and helps me not doubt them.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

Yup. When "the community" beats you over the head with "the right way" that's not contextually appropriate for you it can create a lot of doubt.

[@Kevin-kb8gj]

Dude, that is not even close to being the worst type of betrayal one spouse can inflict on the other.

[@andyuseman7980]

100% agree

[@LiJuun]

Right? I can't imagine ditching my husband over a simple loss of income. Betrayal is purposeful and that's not what this guy did.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

It was though. I intentionally jeopardized our financial welfare. I knew it was a risk, I just grossly underestimated the severity.

[@Kevin-kb8gj]

@@TheSuitedShootist when a spouse commits adultery, it's worse. When a spouse abandons another spouse, it's worse. When a spouse keeps the kid/kids from the other spouse it's worse. When a spouse commits abuse, it's worse. When a spouse molests the kids, it's worse. I promise I'm not trying to be a dick here, but I worked a homicide where a father murdered the mother of his children, in front of those children, by slitting her throat. Need I go on or do you still think your job loss is the worst betrayal that one spouse could commit?

[@TheSuitedShootist]

​ @Kevin_85907 That's 100% valid. Some of those understandably never crossed my mind as consideration. I don't think you're being a dick at all just offering perspective, which I greatly appreciate. I suppose I could have expressed it a little better, but as mentioned it wasn't really anything I cared to revisit more than once.

[@yellowmanusa]

I personally wouldn't have acquiesced to their request to search me and my property. I would've walked out with my stuff and left.

[@latetotheparty7551]

Sounds like they search both his persona and his workspace simultaneously.

[@eric_brooks]

Yup, Live to fight another day

[@anonypersona3189]

They knew they were searching for a gun... and if he started making moves, going towards his stuff, and ignoring commands it could be easily construed as something worse.

[@jsvalina3503]

..........either way, I should have contacted a lawyer.

[@JK13A]

I admire you greatly for putting this out there. Definitely something that people don't talk about enough. People talk a lot about how they break their corporate policies because of "my 2A rights". That's great and all but you've shown what really happens when you risk your job and possibly your professional reputation. Everyone assumes they'll just go get another job but maybe its not easy. It's very important for people to listen to this.

[@ryanglover9424]

The thing about this story that bothers me the most is the fact that they just went through your personal property

[@poseyk01]

Common requirement in most employment situations. Many people accept that and other serious restrictions of rights to work there ( or keep working there when policies change). Be aware of the rules when you accept a job. If/when you break them, termination may be your BEST possible outcome. Could be felony charges or even possibly a nervous guard/cop shoots or kills you. Your insurance won’t pay out here either so your family is doubly screwed.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

Certainly didn't sit right with me either.

[@poseyk01]

Others mentioned that the company requires permission to sort. Better to quit or be fired for refusing search than let them smear you as a dangerous gun nut

[@TheSuitedShootist]

@@poseyk01 funny thing? I wasn't smeared. My coworkers were supportive, and shocked at how things transpired. But because the HR team came from the corporate office, there was no allowance for any discretion

[@poseyk01]

@@TheSuitedShootist that’s one small good thing. You would have a case if they smeared you but they have the lawyers to outlast and outspend you. They don’t care who’s right just who can win via lawfare and endless motions and filings to tie it up for years.

[@Juneof1944]

thank you. this changed my perspective. 'the very thing i did meaning to protect my family ended up almost ruining it.' that one line did it for me.

[@pdwatts055]

When my organization made it apparent that they were newly anti-gun. I decided that I couldn't afford what unfortunately happened to you and worked immediately on becoming self employed. It took several months to accomplish but I never carried against company policy. I did pre-stage a Gerber guardian under a drawer in my desk via a magnet. I'm glad you came out okay and thanks for your guidance.

[@tntac1]

Liability insurance policy is a big part of this problem. There is a big push by insurance companies to scare employers into disarming their employees.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

It's basic math. Everyone's got a dollar value associated with them, as distasteful as some may find that idea.

[@Sprice93USAF]

This is a great perspective, thank you! Even for people that still decide to carry, I think these are great points for everyone to chew on and plan accordingly.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

Exactly. Everyone's got their own limits. Just want to make sure there's as much info available as possible.

[@Nocturnimancer]

That he blames mostly himself, and not the company blows me away. His wife is a saint.

[@davidkeetz]

Amen to that - I remember the first day of my job when I learned about their no-carry policy was the last day I ever carried there - not saying I'm any better because I've taken all kinds of other stupid risks that I've had to learn from, but I think the point is that a vital component of becoming a mature adult - especially one with a family - is not becoming too myopic toward the variety of risks that pose themselves to you and being able to properly categorize them in their potential of occurrence to potential damage and available mitigations - sure you could die in an office building at the hands of a shooter, but you're more likely to die from a variety of other types of threats in that building and you probably have better odds of hiding from a single crazy person with a gun in a corporate office than you do of hiding from the co-worker who thinks they have a reason to believe that you have a dangerous ideology of some kind.

[@fuzfire]

​@@davidkeetz So you are ok with some company taking by fiat your Constitution 2A Right? You will make a good goose stepper when the time comes. You don't deserve to be protected by The Constitution if ypu are so willingly and easily give it up!

[@davidkeetz]

@@fuzfire yah, because they have a constitutional right to no quarter and there could be an originalist argument that by me being the "militia" and without permission quartering myself and my guns on private property could be an infringement of their constitutional right. Of course, for my job, I was able to work from home eventually so it became a non-issue and going forward, I would make every attempt possible to work for a location that didn't have this rule. The same way you might go to a different restaurant if the first one you go to has a "no guns allowed" sign. The same way if you owned a restaurant and you were a christian and a gay couple wanted you to cater their wedding - it would be your constitutional right to refuse service on grounds of religious belief. Don't get all gung-ho to yell about your own constitutional rights before examining if there is any hypocrisy in your outcry. That's how we got to where we are in all of this.

[@b.g.4277]

@@fuzfire you must be a joy to work with. Breaking your terms of employment, that you agree to when you take the job, is not something protected by the constitution. It is the same way they can fire you for saying stupid things, your right to free speech is does not protect you there either...

[@powerhouse8310]

@@davidkeetz I understand your sentiment but the whole militia quartering thing you brought up is a absurd and not really an actual legal argument

[@small-armstrainer8666]

My heart goes out to you. I discuss this topic at least twice a month with clients / students when they ask my opinion on corporate policies this this. Odds of something going wrong and needing the gun are pretty slim. Odds of getting disciplined (to include getting fired) for breaking policy are much higher. Unfortunately, it is a decision that every person needs to make on their own. There have been places where I've had to lock my sidearm in a safe in my car before I enter a facility. But that is why I keep an anchored safe in my car. Policies can wreak havoc on folks for the wrong reasons. Glad you made it to the other side of this.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

I appreciate the support. Feel free to use this as a teachable moment for your students. That's why I put it out there.

[@hypnotico7051]

I respect you for not only sharing the story, but also taking responsibility for what happened. I’m glad your family stayed together and hope that good things happen for you.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

Thank you for the kind words

[@JonDon-x7v]

Amen. Praying for you.

[@theseasidepunk]

THIS is how a man handles business. Things did not go well or fairly, but he takes accountability and responsibility. Thank you for taking the time to share. I wish you the best of luck.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

Thank you, that's very kind.

[@CronyxRavage]

If someone else wrongs you, it's kind of Stockholm-y to say "it was my fault" and then hold that self-victimization as "manly." No, he got fucked, and it wasn't his fault.

[@colonialstraits1069]

Fairness is subjective. There’s nothing unfair about firearms restrictions on private property. We are confronted with rules, daily. Rules are rarely “fair” but they exist for everyone, whether you like them, or not.

[@colonialstraits1069]

@@CronyxRavage it was his fault. Owning up to things is part of being a man. I bet you preach “personal responsibility” at every opportunity.

[@badfoot7528]

I injured my foot in 2019 and have just gotten back to work THIS year, my wife held it down while I was on work comp. It was absolutely hell to watch her hold down the house for our family. It was the absolute worst thing I’ve ever experienced. Not being able to help provide was demoralizing. I was just thinking of “what’s the worst that could happen” mentality, carrying at my current sales job to protect myself and I needed to see this video. It is terrible working for a company who doesn’t allow someone to protect themselves but would be even worse to lose my job and everything I’ve built, to lose it all and put my wife in that situation again. Thank you for this video. I hope things have gotten better for you.

[@danielaramburo7648]

I won’t go into details, but I been robbed at gun point 2 times and I had to use my gun to save someone being attacked. I will never be without my gun. I am lucky to be alive. I can replace a job, but I can’t replace my life. If we were face to face, I would give you details but not publicly.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

Everybody has to make that call for themselves. I won't presume to dictate someone else's risk tolerance, I just want people to truly understand what's at risk on all fronts. Too many people dismiss this as either unlikely or easy to bounce back from.

[@ciphergalm1174]

@@TheSuitedShootist depends on where you work and how valuable the job is to you I agree that in your case the risk to a good career is just not worth it for the protection from an unlikely event. in your case i would have just locked it in my car. ive carried in places not allowed before too and still would if the personal risk is low. i don't have to carry at work anymore anyways because for me work is a gun factory lol you get a funny look from the boss if you dont have a gun in your hand.

[@NlNJABASHER]

I just found this channel. Wow. As active duty military who carries everywhere legally possible, I have close friends who ask if I would carry on base. Absolutely not. It's my livelihood. I'd get court martialed (worst case) and lose my job. My family would have no income, no health insurance, and I'd potentially catch the equivalent of a felony and be unable to own firearms again. Major props to you for being honest and holding yourself accountable.

[@Scorch1028]

I never tell anyone that: 1) I have a gun, or 2) That I support the 2nd Amendment. My co-workers think that I’m an ordinary, plain, non-vigilant person. I will let them keep thinking that. I don’t expect the sheep to understand the sheepdog - much less the wolf.

[@cuprum166]

Brilliant!

[@MJ-ck9xk]

@@ryanoneal8480 lmfao it’s always calling everyone else sheep and then calling themselves a WOLF LMFAO

[@Razor-gx2dq]

@@MJ-ck9xk OP was referring to himself as the sheepdog.

[@christopherroberts4856]

This very thing happened to me. I commend your courage in sharing this story. At the time I was devastated as I had to go home and tell my wife that I was fired for carrying at my job. I was a former cop. People think they are prepared for what could happen but they don’t know. My solution was to find an employer where this was not an issue.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

Exactly. Glad to hear you bounced back.

[@christopherroberts4856]

@@TheSuitedShootist bounced back with a more fulfilling job, yes. Like you allude to though, irreparable damage done to the marriage. Justifiably, she’s yet to fully forgive. That’s a factor I never considered and I’m hoping others will after listening to your experience.

[@Av8torman42]

My reply when I’m in a non-permissive environment and someone says that is “don’t look at me, I’m not allowed to have a gun so I’ll be hiding behind you.”

[@ThomasWilliams-zo7ke]

I've never made 20k a year, I've been living as a "good poor" for 30+ years, I carry every single day, no matter what

[@DJ42487]

What's your living situation and what do you do for a living?

[@mrdato116]

@@cooperwallace609 just let him reply if he wants...

[@rezlogan4787]

I absolutely do NOT bother with carrying at work. The HR bureaucrats are a probabilistically greater threat to my life and property than any random shooter. I’ve thought through your exact scenario playing out in my own life. I’m sorry you learned the hard way and I hope things turn around for you soon.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

Thank you Rez. This was a few years ago, so it's well behind me now

[@VigilanceTech]

there's got to be a wrongful termination lawsuit in there somewhere

[@BigTomInTheBasement]

There should be. We have rights for a reason. One right can't be treated like a non right while others are given weight.

[@ferretsmiles]

No there isn’t. You don’t understand how rights work. I have free speech and can say my boss is an asshole who gives blowies for a dollar but I’ll still be fired. Rights apply when dealing with the government not private entities.

[@BigTomInTheBasement]

@@ferretsmiles rights apply when we're dealing with each other as well. A person can claim a rights issue with another in court. The judge or jury decide if the rights of one or another have been violated. Constitutionally enumerated rights are the ones that usually deal with the government violating them bc the Gov is specifically directed not to violate them in the document that creates the Gov.

[@theyhateme8763]

@@countpicula illegal search of his bag?

[@m0nkEz]

Depends heavily on the state. Texas has some of the loosest worker protections in the country, so it's particularly unlikely there. Pretty much the *only* chance is if they aren't allowed to search his private property, and keep in mind that the bill of rights only says what the government can't do to you, not your employer.

[@robertdunlap5994]

Unusual video and a very frank take for the gun community. This one hits close to home. Nobody really wants to talk about when something like this happens to one of “us”. It’s all about prepared when 15 ISS fighters kick down the door at the mall. Training and gear is sexy. Making hard decisions that may influence your life and that of your family for the wrong reason is very sobering. Glad to hear you are back on your way back.Thanks for sharing.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

Thank you for the kind words. I'm glad that people are taking this as a learning opportunity.

[@1950Archangel]

And those 15 ISS fighters -- and the Chinese ones and the cartel ones and and and.... have ALL already arrived! The meat-puppet Resident has invited -- and PAID to bring in (using OUR money!) literal a couple hundred thousands (and more!) "military-aged" men from a variety of countries who have reason to hate Americans! What does one do when those fighters start shooting up the mall and you have your FAMILY with you! PLEASE stop feeling self-critical for doing the CORRECT thing, even if you paid for it painfully. How MUCH more would you wife be destroyed if you had been SHOT because you QUIT carrying! You "fault" was NOT in CARRYING! It was in letting ANYone you worked with know about it! A CONCEALED carry is concealed! NO ONE -- including your friendly coworkers -- should know. Your advice is now EMOTIONAL -- not reasoned! Hey! Your HOUSE didn't burn down! Your kids didn't die! GET over it! You made a mistake, you PAID for it. It's over, it's done! Straighten up, STRENGTHEN up, and move on!

[@NunyaBus99]

I never took mine into the office. It stayed locked in my vehicle, in a hidden, locked safe. Not one person I worked with knew I even owned guns, let alone a conceal carry. I pretended to hate weapons, and even the people that I considered good friends, had no idea. Your inability to keep your mouth shut caused your grief, plain and simple. So, your appropriate precautions should have included, as #1, would have been not telling anyone. Sorry that happened to you, definitely a learning experience for sure.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

It didn't start as a gun-hostile environment. I addressed that in a subsequent video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/lWScdJKldqmEq5o

[@ArchetypeofMan]

Not an easy video to make for sure. Props to you for doing it. I think this is an invaluable story. We never hear about this stuff. Depending on the job, depending on the facility.... maybe. But I'm going to a gun shop full time next week, so there's that. 🤣 I respect you a great deal for having the testicular fortitude to post this, and for recovering from this. Shout out to supportive spouses. Don't beat yourself up too much. I'm sure you would have done it for her.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

Very kind of you to say.

[@TexasNightRider]

Thank you sir. You've saved a lot of people from going through the same thing.

[@BrianKern2121]

My company has a zero tolerance for employees carrying firearms in the office. Unfortunately, I am the security guy that has to escort them to their vehicles.when they get caught. I get security reports from all offices, there has been more people caught and fired for bringing in personal guns into the office space than any *deadly force* situation where an employee having their own firearm would have helped them. Granted my situation is not normal, where we have an active armed security team that does train for "active shooter response" but we have had 0 active shooters and probably 6 people losing their jobs and income for violating the company's weapons policy. I don't agree with the policy, but it is what it is. People need to realize that they are more likely getting made with their firearm than ever needing it. Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

Damn. I can't say that I'm surprised. Can I quote you on this?

[@BrianKern2121]

Feel free, like I said I work at a unique place were active shooter training is taken seriously by the security department. I should also add that fire, tornado, and medical incidents are drilled at offices and have dedicated teams of people to do things. Unfortunately, all of this at most places is just a 2 hour PowerPoint that forgotten 2 minutes later.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

@@shanek6582 unless you're rolling with plates and a carbine, you don't actually believe that. Risk analysis is a thing.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

@@shanek6582 better to have it and not need it though... right? It's no more absurd that the notion that me saying anything that cloying me construed as anti-gun. I never said "don't carry" I simply said "weigh the risks"

[@TheSuitedShootist]

@@shanek6582 are you just unable to make an argument without relying on ad hominem attacks?

[@gregggibson3109]

I spent 42 years in industry with 3 different corporations, all of them had a zero tolerance policy with regar to firearms on the premises. The last company was actually run by gun enthusiasts and hunters, BUT, the zero policy was still in force. I didn’t agree with it in light of what was occurring in the world at large but determined that my job and my family’s sole income was not worth my challenging it as defensively impractical, so, I never carried at work or kept a firearm in my vehicle. Fortunately, it worked out. Now, I’m retired and a firearm goes with me everywhere I go.

[@cbremer83]

Distrust. Verify. Remain suspicious. In other words, trust no one. Even a friend can screw you. Intentionally or not.

[@williamwright5964]

Thanks for telling us about your ordeal. Certainly, it is a reminder to all that in the end, we stand alone in our actions. I actually stopped carrying for a long time when I realized how much is stacked against the peaceful but armed citizen. Besides having to conceal very carefully, besides having a split-second to make a correct decision in an emergency, and besides having to be discreet about something as innocent as telling someone you went to the range when asked what you did during the weekend, your troubles are just beginning in the unthinkable event you actually have to protect yourself or your family. The legal issues that can follow a self-defense situation are enough to destroy you, your family and your finances. Again, I thank you for baring your thoughts and for speaking out. Perhaps someday, the pendulum of reason will return to a range of fairness.

[@jtubef8620]

They illegally searched your personal belongings without consent... Doesn't matter what was found, that's grounds for a lawsuit.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

If it were a government entity, maybe. The nature of the employment agreement changes that dynamic considerably.

[@jtubef8620]

@@TheSuitedShootist Indeed, it does not. They have absolutely ZERO legal authority to execute a search of your property. The worst they can do is leverage your employment, to gain your consent. They MAY NOT search your property without consent. If they believe you to be in possession of something that constitutes a crime, then they need to call the police, who DO then, have the legal authority to search your belongings.

[@whatsay11]

@@jtubef8620 As a general rule, if an employer informs their employees that they are subject to personal searches, and they comply as a condition of employment, the employer can search your personal property.

[@oldcop18]

I began a second career w/the USDOJ after my ‘97 retirement from LE. Carrying a gun was a fireable offense but it was a damn good job so I left the gun at home for almost eight years. DOJ had its own armed security made up of mostly retired cops, many of who I got to know on a first name basis. They all said they’d look the other way if I wanted to carry into the building, and after hearing your story I’m glad I made the decision not to carry. I’m fully retired now and do as I please. Thanks for your honesty and I sincerely hope things have turned around for you.

[@Jim-wr9iz]

Alex, please dox the employer. I want to make sure never to patronize their business. Just use replacement cipher or the name rhymes with so and so. Even though they were within their rights to let you go per policy blah blah blah. The struggle is real...

[@ThumperLV]

My takeaways: 1. Keep your mouth shut. 2. Assume the worst not only can happen but will. 3. Living in a "civilized" society has additional dangers than simple physical harm. 4. You're incredibly courageous to share this.

[@trimwix9944]

This dude just got shook that's all. We have all had to start over.

[@RJStockton]

Not everybody knows that, ese. A lot of people get taught that life isn't a straight path the hard way.

[@trimwix9944]

@@RJStockton fears a bitch. Once you face your fear nothing can spook you.

[@sierraharvester]

Don’t forget, laws change too. In California, they passed the red flag laws. I have never been allowed to carry at work, but many of my coworkers know I am one of the “gun guys.” I never worried because I never brought a gun to work. Now, a coworker can just say they are concerned about me and SWAT will show up at my house. If everything isn’t perfectly in order, it will be a felony charge and instant firing.

[@CookedAF2]

Bro bro yes this happened to me different circumstances. Same story tho

[@jrapp1468]

Get out of CA, I did and it was definitely worth it.

[@philliplarson2908]

That is why people across the country are fleeing states like California. Stay at your own peril, this story can be you also.

[@CookedAF2]

Ya its harder than it sounds.

[@anthonyvalenzuela4699]

This perspective doesn't get talked about enough. Thank you for putting yourself out there. Hope it saves folks a lot of pain and heartache.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

That's the goal. I can't take back what happened, I can just try and derive something positive from it.

[@postingwhateveriwant]

I used to carry on my college campus, back before it was illegal in my state for people with CCWs. I, too, tended to carry off body in a bag during this time. I knew I'd be expelled from the University if anyone found out. I chose to carry anyways because I had already been subjected to interpersonal crime on my way home from campus once, and because I was willing to have to finish up my studies somewhere else on the small chance that I ever got found out. Now, when I got out of college and got an office job at a place where there was a no weapons policy, I decided that I would comply with the policy. It was different for me in a professional, rather than academic, setting because my livelihood relied upon me remaining employed. Hearing this story helped reassure me that I've been making a reasonable compromise. I know it wasn't an easy video for you to make, but I appreciate that you did. I'm glad that you're doing better and are on your way to getting back to where you once were. Best wishes to you and your wife.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

I appreciate the support and kind words.

[@AdministrativeResults]

Can’t believe the searched you like that, absolutely crazy.

[@anthonynicholson5523]

When you are at work on company time and especially company property...you are not in a free world situation...it's part of the agreement when you get hired anywhere that you can be searched as well as your vehicle.

[@CCOOKE88]

Luv ur chanel bb

[@alrbredwall]

Sorry this happened. The biggest mistake here was off body carry. I am also here in texas and I work in a place where some buildings are legal to carry and others aren't. I dint always know where I will be so I use a smart carry holster and a small gun at work. I never carry off body for the reason you described. The safest place for a gun to be in a nonpermissive environment is on your body carried in a deeply concealed manner.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

We can Monday morning quarterback the situation all day, and different folks will say different things were "the biggest mistake", but that completely misses the point of the video. The choices I made were my own, and there's no point in dwelling over what should have been done differently. I just want people to truly appreciate what's at stake, what can happen and how, so that they're less flippant & dismissive when discussing this scenario.

[@alrbredwall]

@@TheSuitedShootist so true. Thank you for the video. Also, I greatly enjoy your content as I also work and carry in a business attire environment so I like going to your channel for ideas.

[@Nierlock]

Thank you for sharing your story. Its is an important message to put out there for new lawful concealed carries and the gun community as a whole. I am also in sales and use to work in tech in San Francisco. (I don’t think I need to explain just how anti gun of a place I was working in) I never talked about anything having to do with guns, knives, or anything related. Most of my coworkers where soft soy boys so I stood out as being “tougher”but that was about it. I was in my early 20’s at the time, not married, and I figured if I got caught I could start over, even a new career if needed. Now I am in my mid 20’s and the company I work for is 100% work from home. So now I can have my gun on my desk as I work! I am just grateful I was never spotted. Thanks again for sharing!

[@TheSuitedShootist]

Thank you for the support.

[@artistartist2689]

It’s so sad that a man or woman of integrity, who does carry for the sole purpose of protecting themselves and loved ones.. Then these big companies take these very personal freedoms away. They are making us conform, their ultimate goal.. taking away our right to carry period! Thank you for sharing how the “ Haves and no problems ruining a life. The Haves definitely have the upper hand on the Have NOTS” we are bound to their chains! Until enough people realize this and We the People need to have each other’s back! My daughter had a man grab her hand to try and take her in a crowded area. If I didn’t throw my body on top of his arm to break his grip she would have been taken! People hear these truths but to many they are just stories! That is why I began to carry!

[@ungratefulpeasant8085]

You got made because you worked with people that knew your secret. With that said, I disagree with your stance but I appreciate you making the video. Some people do not fully understand the risk and should not carry if they can't handle the consequences of getting made.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

This is certainly an individual thing, and there's no singular right answer. I greatly appreciate the fact that you're able to disagree in a civil, articulate manner.

[@dandavenport7488]

@@TheSuitedShootist Yeah, not much of that going around currently. Go to a forum like Reddit, where I am assuming the average age to be 16-25 mostly males with very limited life experience. No logic or civility. Just certainty of their rightness of opinion. You make a needed argument to be considered by those who are hot to cowboy up without counting the cost if something goes sideways. That and are you ready to kill. If you hesitate and won't kill to save your own life forget packing. You're already dead if confronted by an armed assailant as he disarms you and shoots you with your own gun before stealing it to shoot someone else.

[@AmbGun]

Sucks to go through that, but take pride. You're obviously a high IQ, high value person that they didn't deserve to have. I once interviewed for a high paying web dev job at a prominent tech company. Was offered the job, but rejected the offer after learning of their "no tolerance" weapons policy. Two weeks later they suffered a workplace shooting. Refusing to comply is part of the high value minds going on strike. My wife and I adopted a minimalist lifestyle to secure our options.

[@3of11]

Some takeaways: if you carry concealed. You should have a large savings account. And not just to cover this unfortunate situation (if you choose to take the risk) which thankfully it did for him. Primarily because if you use that thing in a DGU you’ll most likely be paying a lawyer, even if it was a clean shoot (rap ride and all that) plus even if you have that DGU outside of the office they can still can you because of it (at will). This also puts working at home in a new light. Always always always be interviewing, testing the waters, and looking into careers and opportunities. You can be fired for a whole helluva lot less than a gun at work.

[@Kcrunchymunch]

Clearly you learned a hard lesson and bravely sharing with everyone so we don't make the same mistake. I live in California and worked a government job, a coworker brought into the locker room a AK to go to the range after work. He did show it off and word made it to management. He was escorted off worksite and told not to return until further notice. Luckily, the supervisor and foreman were gun enthusiasts. He got a verbal warning and came back right away. You live in Texas the most friendliest gun state, that should not have happened to you. You should have been given the same treatment as coworker in California.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

Ideally, however each business gets to write their own rules. I try not to dwell to much on what should have happened, just learn from it and adjust accordingly.

[@Kcrunchymunch]

@@TheSuitedShootist our agency had in place a written no firearms allowed in the workplace policy. He could have been fired. I am grateful that the management took into account his intentions. He didn't think it safe to secure his gun in his car while at work 8 hrs and trusted it better in the locker room made sense. He was a veteran that served our country, that was also considered. He was a exemplary employee also considered. We have a lot of veterans working that would vouch for him and our Union never had to defend him and agreed with management that a verbal warning was appropriate. Although our state is gun control crazy, we look out for one another and are reasonable in regards to fairness.

[@RedBullGreenBear]

“What you’re about to hear is a completely true story. There’s been no dramatic embellishments...” (Pours a scotch) “...No exaggerations...”

[@TheSuitedShootist]

*Bourbon

[@Mythicregard]

@@TheSuitedShootist What is it?

[@TheSuitedShootist]

@@Mythicregard it's actually my infinity bottle, so it's got 1-3 oz of Evan Williams BiB, 4 Roses Single Barrel, Noah's Mill, Evan Williams Single Barrel, Buffalo Trace.... and a bunch of other stuff

[@Mythicregard]

@@TheSuitedShootist Dig it! How do you think EW BIB compares to 1783?

[@Billman66]

Strongly agreed. Folks are prone to treat far too lightly consequences where they have no direct experience. I'm going to try my best to keep my life, my freedom and my job by not treating any of these potential outcomes in a blithe or facetious manner. Thank you for sharing this very personal incident with us. Hopefully, it encourages some serious consideration.

[@CalzaTheFox]

It is really easy to be angry over something like this, but it takes humility to understand what you did wrong, and to take responsibility for it. It's easy to be macho, but harder to be ethical, so kudos to you for that.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

Very kind of you to say.

[@Utubefohevah]

Respect for being honest, taking it like a man, giving a sober assessment (even with the whiskey it is a sober assessment), and giving a dose of realism to the keyboard 2A warrior chest-bumping that you see a lot online and at anything gun-related.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

People need to be aware of ALL the risks involved, not just the ones that are fun to fantasize about.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

@@ahdgugafeknfrkn2318 what message is it you think I'm sending exactly?

[@dmcgreg]

Unless this company had a clearly stated policy that there was no expectation of privacy and/or personal property could be subject to searches, you probably have a pretty good case to sue. Your office is fair game...your personal property typically isn’t.

[@anonypersona3189]

I'm not so sure about that. The office had a "no gun" policy and an employee reported him... I doubt HR would just say, "sorry, we can't search his bag, even though you think there's a gun in there" LOL.

[@KevXRDuke]

I thought you accidentally shot somebody!. I was married, owned a nice and had a small child. We had 2 nice cars and a sportbike. I was a GM for a popular chain restaurant. I decided to buy a restaurant. I qualified for an SBA loan. I used the equity in the house as collateral. Any way the previous owner cooked his books. He owned a catering company. Long story short it didn't work out. My wife was pregnant. She secretly got an abortion, divorced me. We let the house go. I got a job and had to pay a week's salary in child support. Things happen. Don't be so hard on yourself. It sounds like you have a wonderful wife. This is far from the worst story I have ever heard. You made a simple mistake. A horrible story would be like you went out with your co-workers to happy hour and drank to much and on your way home got in accident and killed somebody. That is a major problem. Relax. You didn't break the law you broke a company policy.

[@itsjustjoe3790]

I’m going to watch this after work. I carry against the wishes of my employer. I have a revolver in my pocket right now. I work in a shady part of a shady city surrounded by drug addicts. I am interested to hear what happened

[@TheSuitedShootist]

Everyone's risk threshold is different. Based on my experiences I'd encourage you to explore alternative force options like pepper spray, that tend to not be viewed as "weapons" by most. Combined with good verbal agility that can cover a lot of bases. Craig Douglas has phenomenal content on that subject.

[@danielaramburo7648]

You gotta do what you gotta do to protect. Stay safe.

[@brianfhorton]

@@danielaramburo7648 and some times what you gotta do isn’t carry a gun. Everyone’s personal and financial situation is different as is their threat profile and risk assessment.

[@danielaramburo7648]

@CommunistHunter it’s a risk you take, if you break company policy, but you are an adult, analyze the risk, reward and consequences…. Then decide. I won’t pass judgment if you do not carry, I trust you analyzed your situation and made a wise decision.

[@wm.riley3]

@CommunistHunter Before I say this, know that I believe every person everywhere deserves the right to protect and defend themselves. I'm definitely for carrying. Now, something for you to consider. If you're hijacked, it's not yours and it's insured. The best way to win a fight is to be somewhere else. If you are going to carry, know that if something happens, you're ass will not be covered. Their property might be, but if you are injured or worse, you won't be. You will most certainly lose your job but you'll also be held liable for introducing the illicit force multiplier. If injured you will have to pay for your own recovery. If killed, your family will not be paid for the loss. Their insurance will certainly not cover you breaking policy. Again, I would generally say that I would rather have what control over the outcome I can and say I'd probably opt to carry. I just wanted to throw my 2 cents in and make sure you've considered the options/potential outcomes. Be safe.

[@mr.sprague2942]

I have to agree with many of the comments below…. Hindsight is always 20/20. Never ever talk about your concealed carry regardless of the atmosphere. You are indeed a blessed man to have such an awesome wife. Many of us wish we’d chosen better. That again is hindsight. As for some of us, we don’t wear a suit and our jobs aren’t corporate unless we own the company. Situations and guidelines are different for everyone.

[@ksgarmory]

Thanks for sharing. It's far too easy to dismiss the consequences if we ourselves are not the ones taking the risk.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

Precisely.

[@coldwarrior78]

Thank you for sharing. I can't image how that felt. I carried in suits in another business and had to not attend several major business conferences due to the searches at the venue. People started to notice. I had to decide which way to go. Luckily, I had another business to fall back on. Hated losing the income but we survived ok. Thanks for the honesty.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

Yup, we all have to figure out what the right choice is for ourselves.

[@nathanmieure4071]

I’m new to the channel, but this is a great video of humility and caution that we can all learn from. Thank you for sharing. 💜👊

[@TheSuitedShootist]

Glad it was helpful!

[@19UnoUno]

Concealed carry is exactly that, CONCEALED. Concealed physically, concealed verbally, concealed expressively, concealed "wardrobe-wise", etc. It behooves people that choose to surreptitiously ccw in an anti-defense tool workplace to be undercover (don't ask how I know). Thank you for sharing your experience. Glad you're able to move on and glad you are married to a solid woman, a true best friend.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

I just want to highlight how things can change, so people are aware of all the factors.

[@deplorabledave1048]

Fortunately, I am REQUIRED to open carry a gun(Glock 19) for my work in South Florida. G License private security. I can open carry all the way TO work even if I make a stop for gas, food etc. Same coming home. I just need to have my badge displayed and have some article of clothing ID my company name. I wear a drop leg, level 3 Safariland holster. No one ever blinks an eye at it, even though Florida is NOT an open carry state. My area is primarily VERY Libtard and DemonRat and anti gun too. But, never a problem. Besides, I was never breaking any laws. And I always had a proper security badge showing. I asked my bank about it. They said please DO come in open carrying. They have no armed guards. I thought their answer was hilarious, but practical. I conceal carry a Glock 42 which NEVER prints. It disappears on a 6'4" 250 man. I teach concealed in the state of Florida, so I do know the laws. I carry everywhere except places that are automatic crimes like court houses, schools etc. sitting AT the bar instead of a table. Polling places. etc. I conceal carry everywhere where they POST "no guns"...as long as the crime for NOT leaving is simple trespass. If Walmart catches you, they just ask u to leave. So, you leave and that's it. No CRIME is committed unless u refuse to leave. They can NOT call the cops until they ask you to leave...and then if you refuse to leave, u can be fined for trespassing. Even though I never print, it is nice to know they changed the laws in FL. In the past, You could be arrested just for PRINTING or accidently exposing a gun. Over-zealous cops were getting out of hand here, in a year-round warm state where people dress lightly. Now, there NO penalties for printing. NO penalties for accidental exposure. Even the cops in DemonRat areas are cool about this. I still hate CCW my Glock 19. That's a duty gun IMO. So, I carry my G42 as a BUG and when I conceal carry for my self. I LOVE my G42 more than you can know. SO easy to conceal. So SLIM. So LIGHT!

[@deplorabledave1048]

@@DavidLLambertmobile The Ruger LCP MAX looks interesting. See how it fits your hand. Compare it to a G42 with a plus 2 or plus 3 magazine. The Ruger may win the comparison or not. I cant wait to hold and/or rent one to shoot.

[@coyoteblue9733]

This is something that Alex kind of touched on in the video Supposedly all HR can tell a prospective employer is your hire date , separation date , whether you were fired or resigned and are you eligible for rehire but I am also sure that the HR people in a given town in a given industry know each other at least professionally. So I assume that if I were terminated for a carrying a firearm against company policy when my next employer checked my out they’d find out about it. Also, my work life has mostly been in one town but I've had too many jobs where my supervisor knew my supervisor from the old job and they were buddies. I've also actually never worked at a job in this town where somebody from a previous employer didn't show up or was already there when I got hired. So if you got strip searched by HR and walked out of the building that's going to follow you

[@TheSuitedShootist]

Precisely! Thankfully I didn't have to uproot my life to get a new job. Someone living in a smaller city may not have that luxury.

[@wilfdarr]

@@TheSuitedShootist Is your new job 2A friendly?

[@TheSuitedShootist]

@@wilfdarr The company is. However the job regularly takes me places where carrying guns is illegal. So my daily 9-5 carry these days is a sap an a can of POM OC

[@wilfdarr]

@@TheSuitedShootist Fair enough. Glad you found a company where you can openly hold your values.

[@johnmarston2616]

I got made once in a place I really shouldn’t have been doing what I was doing. Thankfully the dude that caught me was pretty chill about it even though he really didn’t have to be and I’ve definitely learned my lesson about the types of risk I’m willing to open myself up to. There were many times leading up to that situation where I had the heads up to see myself out and just didn’t. Never again.

[@Kyw883]

Dude, so much respect for making this video. I’ll never think the same when I hear someone say, “better to have it and not need it” or some stupid shit like that. I’m guilty of that same mentality until just now hearing your testimony. For what it’s worth, your situation has carried some serious gravity for a lot of people, myself included, who haven’t considered the “other side” of what carrying against company policy can weigh. As another point, i can’t imagine how guilty that HR department rep would feel if there was an active shooter situation at that company after your termination. I hope you haven’t been discouraged from carrying otherwise.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

Eh, I'm more intentional about my decisions.

[@bdkj3e]

Good video, gained a sub. I like your analogy about likening carrying to gambling, I've had similar thoughts myself the few times I've carried at work and would only do it when I felt like the threat level was high enough to justify the potential consequences.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

Glad you got something useful out of it. Thank you for subscribing!

[@Docwagon1776]

Roll the dice and take your chances. I was carrying against the rules (but not against the law) and got hit by a car in the crosswalk right at the entrance. Luckily I wasn't hurt badly enough that I *had* to get in the ambulance and went back to my truck to secure my 1911 before seeking medical assistance. I had started carrying due to threats from a fired employee and figured "if they find out I had it, I needed it to save my life" but hadn't calculated in the Murphy factor. You're one chest pain/car accident at lunch with co-workers/whatever from being made if you need immediate medical care. I continued to carry, but with a new appreciation for the risks. Now I'm in a job where I'm in trouble if I *don't* carry a gun to work, so no longer an issue for me.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

Yup. What bit me in the ass was that I couldn't/didn't envision a situation where my stuff would be subject to search.

[@MacroAggressor]

Sorry that this happened to you. You should never have to apologize for keeping yourself safe. A gun free zone is a defenseless space. As you say, it's low likelihood that you'd ever need your tool, but if that day ever came, you (and everyone around you) would be glad you had it. Powerful story, hope things have turned around for you.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

Things have certainly improved. I will say that one of my issues with this conversation in general is the implication that the firearm is the ONLY solution for this problem. It's certainly the most effective response to a deadly force threat, however the "gun community" tends to dismiss any discussion of alternative force methods because it's somehow perceived as a statement the the firearm is unnecessary.

[@harleyjordan7959]

A man's first priority is providing for his family. Protecting it is a tie, but if you can't provide, you can't protect. Our greatest enemy is our own ego. Second is "it can't happen to me" - ism. I'm a fervent 2A supporter, but I'm also a former Army by the rules kind of guy. Where I work has the legal signage posted on the doors preventing carry. I'm in the medical field, so it's just how it is, and with good reason (in theory). Good content, good psa, excellent video.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

Glad you found it useful.

[@lurtiskoe]

appreciate the vid my man. haven't seen your content before but this gave me the feels. what you went through is horrible and honestly this shouldnt be a thing in america anymore seeing as how insane society has gotten. I personally won't work somewhere where personal protection is frowned upon, but I don't make a shit ton of money either. Best of luck man you'll get back to where you were if not surpass it. One luv

[@Prayin4headeyes]

This video has given me a lot to consider. I've only just gotten a concealed carry permit and have been considering carrying in a non permissive work place that's lax in its enforcement of most policies. Thank you for showing what can happen when things go wrong, I know this must have been a hard video to make.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

That's exactly why I decided to make this public.

[@1SGPARKER]

Your video makes many valid points. I carry every day in a constitutional carry state, but doing so has the very real risk of unintended consequences and legal liability. Each of us has our own reasons and justification for carrying, but many other citizens and officials have differing opinions, sometimes just waiting in the background to rise up and “correct” what they believe to be the threat you pose. Likely, that was the motivation of the person who alerted the HR department.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

Perhaps. It's also possible they didn't know how things played out. 🤷‍♂️ I'll never know

[@sdroache851]

Thank you for mustering up the courage to share this. It's a story people need to hear. From my observations moderating one of the largest self defense channels on KZbin, few people have given the topic the amount of careful consideration it deserves.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

Exactly. I'm just offering perspective.

[@markjenkins6424]

Damn, bud. Thanks for sharing your story. This is a serious conversation that needs to be had. Real consequences warrant serious conversation beyond cliché and semantics. There are so many bridges to cross and forks in the road when getting employers to respect our right to defend ourselves. Say an incident DOES happen on a company's watch and people die as a result of their feel good check in the box security dropping the ball... Shouldn't they be at least partially liable for wrongful deaths due to an underwhelming response? I am glad you're starting to recover from this. Glad I found your channel. Subscribed.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

Glad to have you Thank you for the support. I don't really have a good answer for that unfortunately.

[@markjenkins6424]

@@TheSuitedShootist Thanks for the response! Having some reliable standard of security better than a mere 30 minute active shooter class feels like a decent step early on in the process. Many of us carrying have had much more threat training than your average minimum wage security rover, and their capabilities cannot even compare to some of us. It would be difficult to convince me that somebody else is more capable and credible than myself for defending myself. This may also be linked to liabilities and insurance for the company? I guess it could be any number of things. Have a good one. Looking forward to your next video!

[@LL-fi4rr]

Wow! Just watched this older video of yours. Thanks for sharing this. I’ve worked commission based sales myself, and I know exactly how it goes, having to build a database of leads. I actually have been “made” twice, at work! Now I won’t comment on the relationship side of things because that’s not my place, but I don’t think you have anything to be embarrassed about as far as being caught carrying. Had a coworker bump into me, she felt something, and decided to poke at my 5 o’clock waistband position, which was the slide of my firearm. Luckily she was this old school far-right political lady who knew exactly what it was, and didn’t say a word! Second time it happened I was carrying a box up a flight of stairs in front of a coworker, and the action of lifting my knees started allowing my shirt to bunch up around my firearm, and the coworker immediately knew what I had on me. There was nothing I could do about it since my hands were full. Again, I was fortunate in this situation. Nearly everyone with that company carried, including the gentleman behind me, and the business owner himself. So I’ve been extremely lucky. And like you said, I thought I was being slick. This happened with fancy gun belts, with 3-figure holsters…I genuinely went out of my way to hide it, but it wasn’t enough. I now refuse to carry a firearm behind my body. It either goes in the appendix position where I can casually glance at the cover garment in an Enigma system, or it goes in a pocket, or on the ankle. Those are my personal standards. I also size down to a .380 when I’m not dressed casually. Not proud of those two moments, and I was very lucky, but my guy…you got caught in an extremely shitty situation…having to strip down and have your belongings searched!? That’s a horrific situation. The difference between my screwups and your situation is night and day.

[@marleyjr00]

I'm lucky. My boss knows I carry and he's completely ok with it. I'm basically shop security. But then again I work in a small family owned restaurant and I'm basically family.

[@kariookami]

I admire the strength to share so publicly what was a very painful episode in your life. You have my respect.

[@cmfernandez9283]

This is a tough story to listen to, because I know the pain of losing a job and starting from zero. I understand not ever wanting to carry at work again if something like this happens to you. I thank you for sharing your story. You should not feel ashamed that you chose to carry at work and chose to put your life before your job. You lost your job because a company decided to infringe on your rights and a coworker helped them do it. I don't think your decision was selfish in the least. Workplace shootings are extremely rare in the grand scheme of things, but they are common enough that we can see them on the news every couple of days. The 9 people at the railyard in San Jose, the 3 staff members at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High school, the 15 FedEx workers in Indianapolis, the 5 people at the Molson-Coors plant in Milwaukee, and countless others were murdered in the place where they should have felt safe by people who were known to them. Unfortunately, you got labeled like the perpetrators of those crimes when all you wanted to do was protect yourself from this type of tragedy. Your story has taught me that people who choose to carry in a workplace that may fire them for carrying had better plan and save for the possibility of that outcome, otherwise, don't carry. Thank you for sharing.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

I hope it offers useful perspective for others