Well this is terrifying.
During Monday night's Astros-Orioles game at Minute Maid park, a fan reached for a foul ball, and in doing so revealed a concealed firearm tucked into his waistband. Here's a still photo via Andrew Joseph of the Arizona Republic:
And here's video of the fan reaching for the ball, then reaching for his shirt to cover the weapon:
Hoping this guy at Minute Maid is some kind of undercover cop or something. #astros #gun pic.twitter.com/zczA8Bgyqn
— Steven Miori (@StevenMiori) June 2, 2015
It is legal in Texas to carry a concealed firearm with a permit, but firearms are banned at MLB ballparks. Minute Maid Park's website specifically lists "Weapons - including but not limited to firearms, knives, mace" as forbidden.
Obviously the video raises concerns about MLB's security protocols. MLB ramped up security this year and had all 30 clubs install metal detectors this season, yet here's a fan carrying a gun.
As Joseph notes, the man could have been an off-duty or plain clothes police officer. Hopefully that is the case.
Update: The Astros released the following statement on Tuesday:
Some officers were in plain clothes, including the officer who was shown on our broadcast catching a foul ball (cont'd)
— #VoteAstros (@astros) June 2, 2015
...as they attended this special ceremony for Tyler Martin.
— #VoteAstros (@astros) June 2, 2015
Phew, that's much better.
