Austin man arrested in alleged politically motivated gun incident – ABC 6 News

(ABC 6 News) – An Austin man is charged with second-degree assault and terroristic threats after a political discussion allegedly got out of control.

James Michael Heiny, 71, is suspected of pointing a gun at the head of a minor on September 13.

According to Heiny's indictment, Austin police responded to 10th Street and 12th Avenue NE around 6:10 p.m. after a caller reported a gunshot.

According to witness statements at the crime scene, Heiny had been discussing political issues with a male youth, then became angry and pointed what looked like a small black gun at the youth's head and said: “I can do this with or without Trump.”

“Our report suggests that there was a political discussion prior to the incident, but it does not reveal anything more, such as the content,” Austin Police Chief David McKichan said on Tuesday.

Heiny then allegedly hid the weapon under the seat of a scooter in his driveway.

Another adult witness said the teen's father confronted Heiny, who said, “Why shouldn't I point a gun at you? If I have to, I will,” court documents say.

Austin police searched the scooter and found a loaded Bear River .177 air rifle with an activated CO2 cartridge.

Heiny claimed he pointed a cell phone at the teenager, but later said he believed he opened the scooter and showed them the gun.

Heiny appeared in Mower County Court on Sept. 23 to answer the charges. His next hearing is scheduled for Oct. 18.