NEW HAVEN, CT (WFSB) -
A well-known immigration attorney in New Haven was arrested Tuesday night after he brought a loaded gun to a late-night showing of The Dark Knight Rises.
Police were called to the Bow Tie Cinemas on Temple Street shortly after 10 p.m. after several patrons reported seeing a man, identified as 46-year-old Sung Hwang, of New Haven, walk into Theater 1, which was holding a showing of The Dark Knight Rises, with a gun in his waistband.
According to police, Hwang does have a permit to carry the weapon, but said it's still against the law to carry it in a way that is alarming to the public.
"I have a special concealed holster that tucks under the pants and the shirt covers it," Hwang said at a press conference on Wednesday afternoon.
Police said when they arrived at the theater, all of the lights inside were turned on, and everyone inside was ordered to put their hands up into the air.
Police ordered Hwang to put his hands up, however, he ignored officers' commands and remained in his seat using his cell phone. Officers were able to forcefully take him into custody a short time later.
Police said there were 12 other people inside, and they were all searched and escorted from the theater as well.
During a search of Hwang, police said the loaded handgun was found in his waistband, and he was arrested and charged with breach of peace and interfering with police.
Less than a month ago, the United States saw one of its worst mass shootings in history. During a midnight showing of The Dark Knight Rises, a man, identified as James Holmes, allegedly entered the Colorado movie theater and opened fire, killing 12 and seriously injuring more than 50 people.
Many people said they can't believe someone brought a loaded gun into a movie theater, especially the same movie that was playing during the mass shooting.
Hwang said he normally doesn't carry a gun on his person, but did on Tuesday night.
"Normally I don't carry," he said. "But I live in downtown New Haven and the movie was getting out at 1 a.m. I felt like I should protect myself since I was alone."
Hwang lives near the theater.
"If somebody has a problem with that law then they ought to go to Hartford and change it, not make baseless arrests," Attorney Hugh Keefe said.
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