I have conflicting feelings over this. I know that open carry is a thing in Texas, but who crossed the line, if anyone?

Burn the chief and the officers asses that broke the law.

As a 40-year law enforcement veteran and an elected official, veteran, and current practitioner, I hate to see these types of interchanges because most often such encounters can be resolved peacefully. When one is exercising their rights they do have constitutional safeguards but even when you are right or think you are in the right, it is better to comply with the instructions from law enforcement and sort out the conflicting issues after the situation is stabilized. Right and wrong can be sorted out afterwards by those involved or by state/federal investigators or the courts. When one does not comply with orders from a peace officer that is normally a separate offense (e.g., resisting, obstructing, delaying a peace officer) at least in my state. It is true, the police must reasonably justify their actions and they are subject to public scrutiny, civil liability and in some extreme cases, could even be criminally culpable. The 2nd Amendment issue is a sensitive one and obviously sacred to most Americans; however, federal, state, and local laws pertaining to firearms vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. I don't condone the actions of the police in this case or the demonstrators based on what I know but you also have to realize there have been a lot of peace officers killed in Texas this year and in previous years and police at all levels get a little touchy over handguns and long guns being displayed, especially at demonstrations. I sympathize with the cause but you have to realize cops have officer safety concerns and this situation should have been handled in such a way on both sides so that mutual understanding, respect, and a peaceful outcome was likely to occur instead of a confrontation and the arrest of at least some of the demonstrators. I am a big 2nd Amendment advocate but all gun owners have to be prudent in how they exercise their rights and realize that most negative contacts, even those that appear to be reasonably orchestrated, will be used by anti-gun advocates and in many instances, the media, to portray a negative perception of gun owners. I am grieved that this happened but I am also reluctant to pass judgment on either side because I wasn't there and videos can be deceiving and may not capture all of the action or facts in every incident. I'd like to think I would have handled this situation differently as a law enforcement leader but it is important at this juncture that an independent investigative body such as the State's Texas Rangers or perhaps attorney general investigate the incident to properly assess where the blame belongs and in this case, there may be some scrutiny applied to both factions. Thanks, Jon

I see a civil suit in the making. This left wing police chief needs to lose his job and his accreditation's as well.

Whats are you conflicted aboutt.? The officers crossed the line - big time. While I prefer concealed carry, there are times when open would be appropriate. Whether or not this occasion was appropriate or not is beside the point legally. Two things that are very "big in Texas" are the U.S. Constitution and the Texas Constitution. There is another thing to consider about "crossing the line" that is very clear in Texas Statues: It is a criminal offense for officials (including corrupt police officers) to deprive citizens of rights "under color of law."

Yes.. Don't know what the conflict is.....The Constitution of the US (and the Constitution of Texas) are big things in Texas.....

What the hell is wrong with so many cops nowadays?

Unfortunately, I do not know if this is a Dem or Repub. city. The Police Chief serves at the behest and favor of the Mayor. It is an appointed POLITICAL job. The Chief does NOT need any training in law enforcement, just the appointment by the Mayor.
Now, had you obeyed the officers request, you could easily sue the City, the PD, and the Mayor. Good luck on fighting a obstruction charge if ANY of the officers say they were doing this as a preventive safety act.

Just my $0.02

I wish they would show the people that has the thumbs down so we could commit on their stupidity.

It's time to demand from our elected officials in Congress to pass a Federal open and conceal carry law that allows Americas to exercise their 2nd Amendment in any state, district, or territory; we know POTUS will sign it. What part of ("A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.") don't they understand!

Far as I can tell the police were absolutely in the wrong. It's high time our Second Amendment rights, not privileges, are recognized countrywide. At my advanced age I have also noticed that police departments are hiring kids who are arrogant and belligerent and have department heads who encourage such behavior. I have worked closely with several branches of law enforcement in my fire career and this development concerns and irritates me.