by Nathan Boddy
The Hamilton City Council, which met on Monday, November 4th, due to the planned closure of city offices for Election Day, met within the conference room of the city’s new fire station at 247 Foxfield. Although the agenda was full, the majority of those in attendance were there on account of the widely seen and discussed presence of several people at the annual ‘Witches Brigade’ ride in Hamilton, on October 26th.
The Witches Brigade began about 10 years ago as an informal gathering of costumed women to celebrate the Halloween season before riding and ‘swarming’ on bicycles throughout the streets of Hamilton as witches, occasionally throwing candy to onlookers. The event was an immediate success and has since been copied in communities both within Montana and nationwide. The Witches Brigade is usually held on the Saturday prior to Halloween and has grown from several dozen to hundreds of area Halloween enthusiasts seeking a moment of camaraderie and dance before spilling into the town’s business establishments.
On October 26th, however, some of those in attendance were put on high alert by the presence of a man dressed in camouflage, carrying zip-tie handcuffs and openly displaying an AR-15-style rifle. The man’s uniform, which identified him by the last name, Schiewe, also bore a patch citing Psalm 144:1, which begins, “Blessed be the Lord, my rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle.”
The Hamilton Police Department and Ravalli County Sheriff’s Department dispatched officers to the park to speak with Schiewe. In a video obtained by the Bitterroot Star, Schiewe can be heard explaining to the officers that he was there for, “anybody that was willing to hear the gospel.” When asked why he needed the firearm, Schiewe replied, “My protection. Also just my 2nd Amendment right.”
Multiple attendees report having spoken with Schiewe and likewise being told that he was there, either to “tell people about Jesus,” or that, “Jesus died for your sins.” It is unclear if Schiewe was there in response to the gathering of women in witch costumes, but many in attendance reported having felt threatened. Though more than one person requested of the Bitterroot Star that they be allowed to remain anonymous, the majority of the comments expressed the sentiment that those attending the event felt intimidated and threatened and that was unwarranted and not right for Hamilton and Ravalli County.
The Bitterroot Star has reached out to Schiewe for comment, but has had no response.
Those who attended the Hamilton City Council wanted more than to simply express their concern about Schiewe’s display of weaponry at the costume party. Carlotta Grandstaff reported that she had inquired about the Hamilton council’s willingness to ban firearms in city parks, but learned that the passage of LR-130 in 2020 effectively prohibits municipalities from restricting the carrying of firearms in all but publicly owned and occupied buildings. Grandstaff said she then invited HD 86 Representative, David Bedey, to speak about the past legislation and whether a course or change would be possible.
Bedey, who did attend the council meeting, said that he was happy to do so after Grandstaff had, “brought this unfortunate incident,” to his attention and that he felt it was his duty to provide the requested legislative insight. He then gave the council a brief explanation of the legislative referendum, arguments that had been offered both for and against it, and the results of the vote. He reminded those in attendance that the referendum was passed by the voters of the state by wide margins, including in both Ravalli County and within Hamilton.
“It’s probably not remarkable to know that proponents of this saw this as a means to protect people’s 2nd Amendment rights in open areas, not in buildings,” said Bedey about LR 130. “But the other argument that I found persuasive was the necessity to have consistent firearms regulations across the state. The arguments against it were an argument that it diminished local control, that this should be handled at the local level, which I think is a good argument. But 2nd Amendment rights, being what they are, I think the majority of Montanans were persuaded to look at this a different way.”
Bedey gave the city council his honest assessment that any attempt to seek a change in state legislation would be unlikely to succeed.
“The statute could be amended, but I am not a politician who’s going to tell you what you want to hear,” he said. “Given the strong positive response from most people’s constituents, I think it’s highly unlikely there will be much of a chance of changing this particular statute in this particular legislature.” Bedey went on to list a number of priorities he sees for upcoming state legislation, including a correctional system that is over capacity, school funding and reauthorization of Medicaid expansion.
Bedey closed by acknowledging that, “people have a right to bear arms,” and that even so, he added, “I think it’s uncouth to show up and display arms at a public gathering.”
Later in the evening, Hamilton Police Chief Steve Snavely informed the council that he was unable to make a comment about the incident as it was still under active investigation.
mark says
And I would bet there was 3 or 4 people standing in close proximity , with concealed pistols ready to deal with the threat.
Mike Miller says
What threat?
Gomez says
Mike. If a stranger walked into your church dressed in a trench coat and he was armed with a similar weapon, would you feel threatened, or at the very least, would you wonder what he was trying to do?
Mike Miller says
Ah, you and your “whataboutisms” again. What’s that word used to describe when someone disapproves of someone else doing something, but then they turn around do the the same thing? I think it starts with an “h”?
Gomez says
So you’d rather not answer the question. I understand.
Mike Miller says
And another typical “whataboutism” from gomez.
Mark says
Combat gear, rifle, But zip ties? Sounds like a citizens arrest party waiting to ambush the women and their broomsticks.
Mike Miller says
If you think combat gear and rifles are a threat, you must really be scared of the military and cops. So scared you project him to be doing things he clearly didn’t do.
The irony is you speak against someone with a gun, who’s completely within their constitutional rights and law, then suggest other people with guns were “ready to deal with the threat”. If you feel someone exercising their constitutional rights and acting in a lawful way is a threat, perhaps a country like China or N Korea is more suited for you. No pesky constitutional rights or pro-gun laws there.
Bill LaCroix says
No sane society would allow this. It’s not anyone’s “right” to threaten and intimidate little kids dressed up for Halloween. It’s not anyone’s “right” to own a machine gun and walk around a public park with it. (Yeah, machine gun. Go nit pick your consciences if that’s what gets you off but this is reality, not Fox ‘News’). Funny, but in my 72 years on this planet I’ve never once felt I had to carry a loaded gun for “my family and my protection, as is my right”. Guess it’s a matter of how paranoid and doubtful of your own self-esteem that’s really the issue here, eh?
Mike Miller says
Nowhere in that article did I read anything about Schiewe having a machine gun or threatening children (or anyone). It seems he stood there peacefully and spoke with people in a calm, knowledgeable manner, including various LE agencies that spoke with him. How dare Schiewe scare people by acting within the means of our Constitution and laws! That’s just intolerable!
It’s indeed a travesty this country be designed Constitutionally and Lawfully for people to have Constitutional Rights (and machine guns, by the way, which I don’t think Schiewe had) and act peacefully in a constitutionally law-abiding manner! A travesty, I say! From my readings, I glean China and N Korea are designed in a much different manner than ours. I suggest you move there quite expeditiously. All your societal fears regarding the freedoms of this country will immediately be relieved for you!
Bill says
If the Lord is my protector then I don’t need a gun. Don’t mix Jesus and guns.
WMA says
Mike,
I guess you are making the argument that an assault rifle must have full-auto capacity to be considered a weapon of war?
Mike Miller says
I’m not making an argument for anything regarding your silly “assault rifle/weapons of war” comment. You brought it up, and I intelligently and accurately clarified. You want to use the term “weapons of war” use it… but be smart about it and recognize the actuality of all the things are actually are that. You don’t like them, don’t use them; it’s that simple. But let’s be educated and tolerant about this, as democrats/liberals claim they are, and really consider the history of “weapons of war”, and not cherry picking out of ignorance/fear/bias. As I pointed out (that you seem to not recognize) “weapons of war” have been many things, but here you are, all seemingly fearfully focused on just one. This isn’t educated/tolerant of you at all, WMA.
You seem to not understand/care that “Schiewe exercised his Constitutional Rights, broke no laws, and hurt no one”, and seem focused on “all scared and wanting to take away Rights and impose (more) tyrannical laws that violate our Rights, all because of ignorance and fear.”
If you have the capacity to rationally and intelligently discuss the history of “weapons of war”, okay. If you continue to cherry pick and attempt to restrict our Constitutional Rights by advocating for tyranny, I have no desire to reply further. I’m happy to meet you in a public place over coffee/water/similar and discuss this rationally, if you like. I emphasize rationally and intelligently… and politely.
Lastly, I see you still can’t grasp the action of “reply” to previous comments. It really is an easy thing to do, and helps keep continuing comments in line to the original one. Give it a try, just below this comment.
Sidney says
he is William Merril Schiewe or Bill. He is from Bakersfield CA it appears but like many of the right wingers which left those locations now appears to call MT home. Corvallis that is. I have his female family members names too…
WMA says
An assault rifle is a light weapon usually chambered for smaller caliber ammunition and fed by magazines designed to changed quickly to enable the user to maintain a withering rate of fire. It was designed by Eugene Stoner of Armalite Corp. in the early 1960s as a replacement for larger caliber weapons that dominated during World War Two, the Korean Conflict and the early years of Vietnam. It was, is and always will be the weapon of war it was designed to be.
Mike Miller says
I’m guessing your comment is directed to my earlier question, but you don’t know how to respond to the “reply” directly under another comment?
I don’t know the minute details on Schiewe’s rifle, but highly unlikely it’s an Armalite automatic, so the “withering rate of fire” won’t apply, and voids your “weapon of war” statement. As for your “fed by magazines designed to changed quickly” description, that option has existed for over a century on various guns, including many pistols and hunting rifles, so that’s nothing new.
Stoner’s Armalite started in the 50s. Revolvers and muskets are also scary “weapons of war”. Don’t forget swords and knives! Bolt action guns are also “weapons of war”! Do those scare you, too?
Further, even though Al Gore claimed “…I created the internet…”, the internet had it’s beginnings because of our military long before Gore stumbled along with his false claim. Oh no, the internet is a “weapon war”! Modern tires as we know them developed greatly from synthetic rubber during WW2, and of course were used on our military vehicles. Oh no; another “weapon of war”, and even today are used for many crime and murders! So scary!
Schiewe exercised his Constitutional Rights, broke no laws, and hurt no one. But look at people all scared and wanting to take away Rights and impose (more) tyrannical laws that violate our Rights, all because of ignorance and fear.
Tracy Wood says
Dont forget hammers, rope and may kitchen utensils as well as womens or mens pantyhose. Way to set things straight Mike. The guy didnt need to be there but was within his rights.
Mike Miller says
Good call; blunt objects kill many people and have been “weapons of war” for millennia that WMA is so scared of. We better outlaw those, too!
Gomez says
Mike/Tracy. There is a reason why we arm our military with similar weapons such as what this guy was carrying, instead of kitchen utensils 0r hammers. Why do you think that might be?
Marie says
A coward who is obviously outright crazy. And he gets to carry a gun because of “rights”?? What happens when he shows up at a playground full of children, or at a church picnic, or a public park where cowardly legislators gather? Oh, right, prayers and thoughts. That will stop him from mass murder.
Ryan says
Psalm 144:1! Ship his ass to Ukraine, they could use some help!
Mitchell Malone says
Exactly. The term does not have a definite meaning. You can get assaulted with a pea shooter.
Lyddy Elissen says
Who does this man think he’s kidding? Who wants to hear the gospel of Jesus from a man dressed and armed for combat? What a ridiculous excuse for showing up to an event to intimidate women and children. I hope law enforcement is keeping an eye on this man. After mass shooting events, officials are quick to blame mental health. Well, here’s a man crying out for help.
Cletus T. Judd says
He spent all that money on gear and a gun, this was his chance to show it off to people and let them know just how much money he has. Trying to intimidate a group of women with a large fire arm is very very manly.
Shirly says
Don’t give the guy too much attention! That’s what he wants.
Hobo Hilton says
Thank you for publishing a “timely” article. I observe the actions of many Ravalli County residents that could seem threatening to other’s. Walking across the parking lot at the Hamilton Post Office is threatening at times. But, the Wild West culture of “There is no law against it” is verbalized often. The majority of residents are here so they are not controlled by an HOA. Many desiring “a law against _________ ” (Fill in the blank). would not live in a gated community with an HOA or Government over reach. I often prompt our County Commissioner’s to bring Ravalli into the 21st century. When similar situations arise, perhaps the Commissioner’s should ask “We the People” what their wishes are. Bringing issues to the State Representatives and Legislature only opens the door for more Government over reach.
Ed White says
I regret to inform you that Forward was defeated during the last election in favor of going back to a time that, for some, was not that great.
Al Rossi says
I am so upset with the Sheriff’s office for not taking this religion idiot in for a 51/50? He obvious is mentally ill.
They let him go because he a christian ready to shoot and kill these women.
Bedey is a total ignorant man who does not care about women in this town.
This stupid man could have started shooting, but the ignorance of the police department let him go. Second amendment rights protects Misogynist in this town of Hamilton. Shame on the Hamilton Police.
Kathy Dexter says
He showed up with an AR-15 to preach the gospel of Jesus? That doesn’t sound very Jesus-like. He says he was carrying the AR-15 for his protection. Did he need protection from a group of unarmed women out having fun? Jesus was the one that said, “But I say unto you, that ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite the on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.” He did not say show up and intimidate people in my name. It sounds like he was trying to intimidate a group of women. Intimidation is against the law. There were a lot of women at that ride. Go ahead. Make 600 women really mad.
R Leonard says
I agree that people have the right to bear arms but who in the name of ……… needs to show up in public with an assault rifle! Public open space or building. That is a threat!
Mike Miller says
What is an assault rifle?
Jay melzer says
Mike. What is a troll. You completely miss the point. The guy was a threatening presence. Period. Full stop. Now go get a life..
Rebel says
I carry a firearm on my person 99% of the time for my family and my protection, as is my right. This guys an idiot!! There’s no threat and to brandish in this manner is just stupid. If you carry, carry but no need to draw unnecessary attention to yourself.
Rick says
I agree and do the same. However, we both recognize this gentleman is not the brightest bulb in the chandelier, do we want the government passing laws that limit our constitutional rights? I do not. Sorry if people felt intimidated but it is his right. Maybe pick a private visit that supports the “Witches Ride” and they can ensure people like him are not on the property. Depending on the business, it can be a money maker for them as well. I support the responsible carrying of firearms but not the advertising of the fact someone is carrying.
Charles says
It’s not brandishing unless it was hidden and he was half showing it and hiding it again wow the comments on this so many people are ignorant about firearm terms and firearms in general and you even carry wow