The Hood River City Council talked with Police Chief Neal Holste for over 90 minutes about last Monday’s response to a social media threat of violence in downtown Hood River.  Many on the Council expressed their concern with a number of people openly carrying firearms that evening.  Holste told the Council that those with the weapons had a Second Amendment right to carry them, and that he did engage them verbally and reminded them of law enforcement’s expectation of a peaceful evening.  Many on the Council expressed a desire to make some kind of public statement against that sort of action, and finding a way to create an internal review of City practices to ensure all citizens feel safe.  Mayor Kate McBride discussed developing a statement as a Council of their principles and what they do and don’t condone.  The Council also discussed having a third-party review done of the City’s practices and the ability of citizens to register complaints and feel secure in doing so.