Michael Monheit was arrested Saturday while trying to bring in an illegal handgun for use at Wilton Manor’s Stonewall Pride Parade, local authorities announced. Now facing charges including carrying a concealed weapon and trespass while armed.
At a security checkpoint set up for the parade, metal detectors were in place to protect attendees. According to an arrest report, Monheit triggered one while passing through but continued moving forward, disobeying repeated requests by security staff not to continue walking forward and continuing his path toward law enforcement officers on site. Event security quickly alerted law enforcement.
Monheit again refused to comply with verbal orders from police upon arriving and being confronted by them, prompting officers to detain him for search; upon searching he revealed both an illegal Glock 43 9mm handgun clipped to his waistband as well as two loaded 9mm magazines in his pockets.
Monheit was taken into custody without incident on Monday evening and appeared before a judge the following morning for court appearance, where his bond was set at $2,000. A judge also required that any firearms owned by Monheit be surrendered immediately at that time.
Wilton Manors Police Department reiterated the significance of tight security at major public events like Stonewall Pride Parade in an age when concern is high over public safety. Swift actions by both security personnel and law enforcement prevented what could have become far more hazardous situations.
Monheit’s intent in carrying the gun remains uncertain; however, his disregard of security protocols and possession of an unloaded firearm at an otherwise crowded public gathering have raised serious alarm among authorities who have yet to indicate whether further charges might be filed or whether federal entities will further probe this incident. Contact us for Personal Bodyguard Services Today!