Here is the complete text of the public statement issued by Thomas Connolly addressing his Oct. 31 arrest.

Despite considerable planning for my recent anti-TABOR protest on Halloween, I overlooked some circumstances that resulted in unintended consequences and reactions which I did not foresee, but should have foreseen. I should have acted in a safer and more responsible way.

Having the toy rifle slung over my shoulder was a part of my Halloween costume and anti-TABOR protest. I sincerely felt that the passage of TABOR would have terrible consequences for our state. In exercise of my free speech rights, I chose to represent a reviled terrorist in what I thought was an absurd, theatrical manner. Unfortunately, not everyone saw it in the same light.

I did not set out on Halloween morning with the intention of scaring anyone, and I certainly did not want to alarm the police. Law enforcement is a difficult job, and my actions and lack of foresight made the job even more challenging for the officers. Mistaken identification of toy guns does occur, and I acknowledge that the gun may have inadvertently and briefly facing in the officer’s direction. Understandably, this created what appeared to be a potentially dangerous situation for the officer. I immediately apologized to the officer at the time. I sincerely repeat that apology here, and to all those who have been effected.

I now understand how my costume, coupled with my possession of what appeared to be a rifle, created a dangerous situation for the motoring public and myself. I have been informed that the officer contacted dispatch to close 295. Admittedly, I intentionally attempted to communicate my message to thousands of motorists who were driving by my location. In doing so, there was an increased chance of motorists’ attention being distracted from their driving. This, in turn, enhanced the risk that an accident could have occurred.

Since my arrest, I have become more aware of the potential dangers of toy guns, as real threats, by the police and by the public. Nationwide, the frequency of tragic shootings involving misidentified imitation guns is alarming, approaching 100 deaths annually. I also understand that a person who is planning a crime could choose to use a Halloween costume as cover. Toy guns are sold with the tip of the barrel painted orange to distinguish them from real guns. I acknowledge that real guns can sometimes be painted with orange tips to make them look like toy guns.

Misidentification of toy guns can lead to tragic consequences. I will work to increase public awareness of this important issue, including researching and suggesting preventative measures to reduce the risk that innocent people could be harmed. I hope in this way to bring some positive results from what has been a negative event.

Thomas Connolly, Esquire