NY state director of homeland security allegedly used handgun as laser pointer

During a presentation to a foreign delegation on Oct. 24, the New York state Commissioner of the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, Jerome M. Hauer, allegedly used a laser pointer attached to a handgun to help illuminate the bullet points of his report.

Public officials told the Albany Times Union that Hauer made the three Swedish emergency managers in the delegation uncomfortable when he let the laser track across their heads on its way to pointing to a map of New York.

Hauer, who suffered a stroke a few years ago, is not a law enforcement official but he does take a loaded 9-millimeter Glock with him into state buildings.

Peter Cutler, Hauer's communications officer, did not deny that the incident occurred but did say he was unaware that it happened. "I've heard rumors," Cutler said. "I don't have any information on that…Your guess is as good as mine."

When he was asked directly about the alleged incident, Hauer responded: "You have bad sources.” He then declined to take followup questions.

According to an alleged eyewitness of the incident, two people moved out of the line of fire after Hauer brought out the gun.

Prior to serving in his current position under Governor Andrew Cuomo, Hauer was director of the New York City Office of Emergency Management during Mayor Rudy Giuliani's tenure.

[Albany Times Union]