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LOGAN — Business as usual may not seem all that normal outside the Cache Valley military recruiting offices lately, mainly because of Joshua Van Natter's presence.
"I'm not here to hurt anybody," Van Natter explained. "Im just here to defend if anything does happen."
The Smithfield man says he plans to stand outside the offices each weekday, armed with his assault-style rifle. He says the July 16 shooting in Chattanooga, Tennessee, that claimed the lives of five servicemen is what drove him to take action.
"They don't have a way to protect themselves," Van Natter said. "Nobody's doing anything about it, so I'm going to do something because I have the means to do it."
According to federal regulations, only military police and law enforcement can carry arms on federal installations. While some members of Congress have started work on changing that law, Van Natter says he's not willing to wait.
"These men and women are our armed forces and they can't do anything about it," Van Natter said. "They're sitting ducks."
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Like buildings throughout the country, the flag outside the Roy Police Department flies at half-staff. Officer Matthew Gwynn wanted to do more.While Logan Police Chief Gary Jensen says Van Natter isn't breaking any law, he points out that his presence caused some concern, especially when he first showed up on Tuesday. He says the Cache County 911 center became inundated with calls.
"That came at a time when we also had a full cardiac arrest of a child," Jensen explained. "So you can just appreciate that it does put stress on our system."
Jensen says his department is already coordinating with the recruiting offices to provide them with extra security. Recruiters there told KSL they were not authorized to comment to the media about Van Natter's presence.
Still, while juggling a regular job, Van Natter says he plans to keep showing up until the law changes, and recruiters are able to arm themselves.
"I'm going to protect the people that are supposed to be protecting us, that give their lives everyday," Van Natter said.
