<< A state lawmaker known for championing the rights of gun-owners pointed a loaded firearm at the chest of a reporter during a recent interview at the Capitol.

<< Republican Sen. Lori Klein was showing off her raspberry-pink handgun when she aimed it at a journalist who was interviewing her in the lounge just outside the Senate chambers.

The pink gun, which Klein (R) remarked was "so cute" before pulling it out, was loaded and the safety was off.

Arizona gun rights advocates are quite angry with Klein. Her "unconscionable" actions, they say, set back their battle for unfettered gun ownership rights.

Apparently, it's not illegal in Arizona to point a loaded gun at someone.

Source:
http://www.arizonaguardian.com/azg/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3483:state-sen-points-loaded-gun-at-reporter-in-the-senate&catid=958

I learned about this article at http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2011/07/11/265846/arizona-state-rep-gun-journalist


Klein issued a statement, which makes her look like a total idiot:

<< I was asked to show the reporter my weapon so that they could take pictures of it. I ensured that the chamber was clear before displaying the weapon. That is basic gun safety and something that I do instinctively, just like virtually every gun owner.

<< The photographer, who was behind me at the time, asked me to show him the laser sight and I did so, turning it on and shining it on the wall in front of me (away from the photographer). During this demonstration, the reporter came and sat down in the sofa in front of me, placing himself in the line of the laser sight.

<< He noticed the light, then I noticed the light, then I turned it off. >>

Klein's full statement:
http://www.azcentral.com/news/election/azelections/articles/2011/07/11/20110711arizona-legislator-klein-denies-pointing-gun-at-reporter-statement.html