St. John's university Gun Suspect Under Evaluation

22-year-old Omesh Hiraman, the St. John's University freshman apprehended yesterday for allegedly carrying a rifle on campus while wearing a Halloween-type mask is under arrest and currently undergoing a psychiatric evaluation.

According to various reports, Hiraman will be arraigned on charges of bringing an unlicensed gun onto campus, fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon with intent to use on another person and numerous violations of New York City's Administrative Code.

The lawyer representing Omesh said his client has a long history of mental illness and suffers from schizophrenia.

His parents expressed their support saying "We believe that this is a misunderstanding. Our son has always been a good boy, and has never been in any sort of trouble".

Omesh purchased the alleged rifle from an upstate NY sporting goods store for $170 by simply showing an ID card. The NYPD confirms that it was loaded and operational when the gun was carried onto the campus.

The arrest is surely to re-ignite the gun control debate. It turns out that the rifle at the St John’s event is a replica of an antique rifle. The government doesn't even classify it as a gun, although the weapon is capable of inflicting serious injury.

More info and a video report, here.