Dozens Protest After NH Clerk Fired For Pulling Gun On Armed Robber
NASHUA, NH (CBS) – Dozens of supporters of a Nashua, New Hampshire store clerk who was fired after pulling a gun on an armed robber showed up to protest on Saturday outside of the gas station where he had worked.
Shannon Cothran has a New Hampshire permit to carry his gun, but he was fired earlier this month for violating company policy against it.
At the time, Cothran said he was aware that could happen.
"I knew exactly what I was doing I made a conscious choice to protect my life and put myself in a situation where I would have to find new employment," he explained.
Cothran said he'll now look for a new job. But he has no regrets about how he lost his last one.
"I really don't feel that I did anything this noteworthy. I just wanted to get home to my family, that's it," he said. "I would rather find a new job than either be in a hospital bed or in a coffin."
Nouria Energy Corporation, the owners of the gas station defended its decision to fire Cothran.
"We do respect the constitutional right to bear arms. However, we believe the best way to keep our employees and customers safe is to prohibit weapons in the workplace," they said in a statement. "Our training and policies are aligned with what is customary in the retail/conveniences store industries and is consistent with advice offered by security and police organizations."
WBZ-TV estimated about 50 people participated in Saturday's protest.
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