Cosplay Photo Shoot with Huge Fake Rifle Prompts Public Warning

A cosplay photo shoot on a California beach has prompted a public warning from the local Sheriff’s Office after worried beachgoers informed authorities that someone was carrying around a large rifle.

According to KRON4, the incident took place at Seacliff State Beach in Monterey Bay on July 3rd. In pictures taken by onlookers, you can see the woman and a photographer walking along the beach, toting a large and very ominous looking rifle.

In response to the incident, the Santa Cruz Sheriff’s Office clarified that carrying any firearm, even a fake one, out on a public beach is a bad idea. “As we’ve seen in the picture they’re walking around having a good time with what they know may be a fake firearm,” said Sgt. Dee Baldwin, “but our responding officers don’t have any idea what they’re walking into.”

You can see the full news report below:

While the Sheriff’s Office didn’t get into the local laws regarding replica firearms, it’s important to note that many jurisdictions, including the entire state of California, do not allow you to “openly display or expose any imitation firearm in a ‘public place'” unless said firearm is “entirely transparent” or covered in “certain bright colors.”

It might seem like common sense, but it’s best if you leave your massive fake rifle at home if you’re planning to take photos on a public beach.