Letter to the Editor - Patrick was legally defending his property

Editor:

In recent news, you have all been reading and talking about Tom Patrick being arrested and charged with multiple felonies related to the derailment on his property east of Havre. I am amazed that in our society today, if anyone hears the word gun, we get excited and that is exactly what happened. Tom Patrick and any men or women who are a U.S. citizens have a constitutional right to own a firearm, carry a firearm, and defend themselves and property with a firearm. Tom Patrick, like many of us Montana landowners will defend his property.  We worked hard for what we own and take pride in our ownership. By holding a firearm and defending our property is our right, not a felony!

When the arresting officers heard the word gun, they got excited.  However, they are in the wrong for making an arrest and the Hill County prosecutors would be wrong if they decide to press charges.  In all reality, the arresting officers should have respected Tom Patrick’s wish’s and removed Double R from trespassing on his property. The railroad is allowed a 50 foot right away on either side of the tracks, so stay on your right of way. 

Growing up on the Hi-line, I have seen our Hill County sheriff’s office in action before and I say enough is enough. It’s time we remove our county sheriff, it’s time we remove our county commissioners, and it’s time we take badges away from overly excited law enforcement officers.

Folks, as your next elected United States Congressmen, I will protect you from anti-gun bullying, protect your rights to own and carrying a firearm without fear of persecution, protect you from rouge law enforcement, and protect your property that you have worked hard for. Together, we can tell our out-of-control government to “leave Tom alone.”

Sincerely,

Kyle Austin, Billings

Candidate for United States Congress