Demand the lift of prop ban on Phoenix Comic Convention

On the first day of Phoenix Comic Con in 2017, Matthew Sterling entered the Convention with four loaded handguns, a combat knife, and throwing stars. His intention was to cause harm to a special guest performer and further endanger police officers. The convention center immediately got him into custody and began to check bags daily and give a full body wand sweep, creating a 2-3 hour wait in 100 degree weather to enter into the venue which the convention was being held.. They also banned any and every single type of prop weapon for that year.

As a cosplayer, I know exactly how many hours, how much sweat and frustration, and how many tears go into any aspects of a costume. Just this past year I spent over 300$ and about 730 hours into a hammer that sat at my hotel the whole convention. I know I am not the only one as my cosplay partner spent over 150$ and over 3 months obtaining her prop weapons as well. By continuing the prop ban on future conventions do they not only diminish the creativity of the creator, they also drive away profit since cosplayer no longer feel the motive to attend and most exhibitors sale swords and tactical equipment. Why should the innocent attendees and exhibitors be punished for the actions of one psychotic person?

There is no simple solution to this situation. However, there are many that should be considered. The current ban is anything that looks like a firearm. lightsabers, swords, Kingdom Heart key swords, hammers above five feet in length are banned with no questions asked. I propose a more efficient solution that will ensure the safety of convention goers as well as allow the ability to posses prop weapons while attending. The venue should continue bag searches and wand sweeps- as well as metal detector reinforcements and zip tie "peace bonding" around the trigger of prop weapons. The weapons should also require a neon orange color nozzle. Prop weapons are the key moments to most costumes and should not be banned severely.