Worries grow after man open carries rifle in Kyle

Concerns are growing among residents in the Spring Branch subdivision in Kyle after a man was recently seen openly carrying an AK-47 rifle while walking his dogs.

The man in question said the display is meant to not only exercise his 2nd amendment rights, but also to deter those whom he said have recently threatened his family and neighbors.

Kyle Police Chief Jeff Barnett said the department has received several phone calls regarding the man openly displaying his rifle. Barnett said the man’s actions fall within state and federal laws based on what they’ve observed. Barnett said the man, later identified as Pete Machado, has not been combatant or aggressive towards police officers.