Scary Beggar on 5th Degraw

There has been a menacing thuggish beggar at 5th and Degraw near Chase lately. He stands outside the bank and ask people for money. I've seen several people startled by this. Is it legal to stand outside the bank and solicit?

What do you consider menacing and 'thuggish?'

I believe you're referring to Presidential Candidate Herman Cain. Just ignore him and he will go away.

It's not legal to solicit anywhere at anytime. You should complain to the bank and they should call the police and have him moved along.

bohuma said:

It's not legal to solicit anywhere at anytime. You should complain to the bank and they should call the police and have him moved along.

Yes. It is legal... under many circumstances in many many areas. The above statement is just flat out wrong. It is protected by the 1st Amendment and, many argue, the 14th Amendment.

aggressive panhandling is illegal; politely soliciting money is fine.

MW11215 said:

aggressive panhandling is illegal; politely soliciting money is fine.

Thanks Judge Judy.

Hey Rice person (DR) that was a clever retort~

pot calls the kettle black

Theres always a guy at the chase on flatbush near grand army too. Hes not threatening at all though - more so a guilt trip/nuisance.

I've always wondered about tramps hanging around ATMs. Are people really giving these guys $20 bills? If so, y'all are richer than me...

Hanging out in front of a bodega or what have you makes more sense to me...people will generally have dollar bills/change after a transaction.

I suspect hanging out in front of banks stems more from the hope people will give $20 bills, rather than the reality.

...kinda like playing the lottery everyday as opposed to accepting a job for minimum wage.