Polethreat!

In recent years we have seen many stories of people walking into a mall carrying an assault rifle.  These stories include one out of Beaumont, Texas, Riverdale, Utah, Montgomery, Maryland, and Portland, Maine.  Incidents like this have resulted in arrests, panic, and much controversy.  Typically questions are raised as to whether or not people should be able to openly carry guns of any kind.  There is also discussion as to whether or not the display of such weapons should be seen as a threat.  Advocates for open carry laws say that the sight of such a weapon in itself should not be seen as a threat, and that the typical person who owns a weapon of this kind will not use it in a urban setting.  People who are uncomfortable with the open carry of assault weapons point out that, in a normal urban setting, it is typically unnecessary to carry an assault rifle with you, and that people typically have a fright response when they see a person with an assault rifle.  At this point the debate usually devolves into what constitutes a weapon people should be frightened of, and that any object could potentially be frightening to any person at any time.

Marathon Bombing Suspect's Friend Threatened FBI Agent With Long Pole: Report

For example, if you are an FBI agent and you are questioning a suspect who has suspected terrorist ties, you could see that suspect brandishing a long pole as a potential threat, a threat that warrants the use of lethal force.  Sure, you are an FBI agent that has extensive training in how to deal with threats, and there are multiple FBI agents in the room with you, but this guy has a pole!  Isn't it reasonable to see a man with a pole as a potential lethal threat?  Okay, you say no now, but when you see a man with a large pole walking around a JC Penny how would you react?  Okay, you wouldn't think it significant, but someone might, like an FBI agent for example who is better adept at defending themselves but is human and can also feel threats.  Where am I going with this?  Hey look, a kittie!