A long time ago I became aware that Criss Angel had a permit to carry a concealed handgun. He was living at the Luxor when I found out. And, despite the fact that I was disturbed that he could be armed at any given moment, I don’t make the laws of Nevada and Angel apparently followed them. At the time, information on who was allowed to carry a concealed firearm was not public record and I was asked to keep it confidential for Angel’s safety. I was dubious though still obliged.
But an article in the Sun brought to my attention Sunday, that such information is now public record. And, Angel no longer lives at the Luxor surrounded by fans. So, I checked with Metro who confirmed that Angel is indeed still licensed to carry a concealed handgun. So, now I mention this information not to endanger him but to warn the rest of us. After all, this is the magician known locally for his explosive temper as on the memorable night he threatened to take out Norm Clarke of the Review-Journal’s eye. I wonder if he was armed at that moment?
So, Las Vegas if you don’t want a gun toting magician known for his bad temper slurping vodka in your nightclub, be sure to tell Criss Angel to leave the gun at home (and, that should go for any members of his family who might choose to be carrying a weapon as well).
Meanwhile, I am thinking of doing a column on which headliners in Vegas choose to carry guns and their reasons for doing so. It will be interesting to see if Angel agrees to be interviewed on the topic. Angel may have his gun for work only. Magicians need strange tools. Penn and Teller, for example, use guns in their show and so they would have a pragmatic reason to have such a permit.
But I am sort of amazed if any Vegas headliners would be armed for personal safety. Casinos already have very good security and very few celebrities are left unescorted inside a property even for a moment. That would be especially true for a working headliner who lives on property.
GOLDPLATEDDOOR big deal? Have you checked out his fan base lately? I would carry one too!
Maybe Criss is worried about kidnapping. Of course, just because he has a permit doesn’t mean he carries one around all the time. And while I don’t know the law, concealed could also mean keeping one in the car.
As long as he follows the rules, innocent until proven guilty. Unlike some celebs, he hasn’t tried to bring one on a plane yet!
Hmmmm…you cut off a lot of what I said on Twitter. But that’s okay, I’ll say it here.
As I said on Twitter, Norm Clarke verses Criss is old now. There seems to be a method to the madness when an article is written with Criss as the title article. But you’ve been long over due for a CA story. Got get whatever PR you can.
If you are interested in writing on handguns and celebrities or Vegas why not state that as the title: “Handguns—Why Do Celebrities Carry Them?”
Better yet, why not entitle one of your articles: “Criss Angel—A Man With a Heart”, like all the great things he does for Make-A-Wish. Now that would get the positive vibes flowing!
We all know already about the good things he does for Make-A-Wish as he invariably brings press with him to deliver mocked up checks the size of a billboard and puts out a release to make sure everyone is in the loop on his charitable endeavors. I am glad he does it. Make-A-Wish is a fantastic organization. Yrs., Richard
What you are not mentioning is all the work he does behind the scenes. I have spoken to some of these kids and they have some pretty amazing stories on what Criss has done for them and their families, no strings attached.
If media followed him to an event such a Make-A-Wish isn’t it kind of like you posting this article with such a attention-getting title…to bring the media attention to yourself?
Magic is a glorious thing!
I still think Criss Angel is a complete horse’s ass. Not only for his escapades off stage where he feels it’s okay to threaten people and participate in other behavior that is almost criminal in nature…surely outside the society norm, but also because nightly he provides a totally substandard, poorly put together show that is not worth the hard earned money tourists pay for it.
Not sure if you know it, Richard, but firearm safety courses are taught all throughout Nevada (for those who qualify and do not have a criminal record). At the end of the course, people can stay if they wish to achieve a CCW (Carry Concealed Weapon) Permit. It simply requires a briefing followed by a ten question quiz. Very easy to acquire one.
But, the idea that Criss Angel, as a performer in a casino on the Strip, has one is kind of amazing.
Strip Casinos have pretty much prevented their security guards from carrying weapons (with a few exceptions). And the main reason is they are worried about corporate liability. In other words, they are more worried about their security guards being involved in a deadly force situation and justifiably shooting someone to protect their life and/or the lives of others than they are worried about crime occurring on their property. They would prefer the crime occur and whoever did it getting away scot free rather than a security guard using deadly force to protect lives, followed by what they perceive as long fought battles in court where they have to pay out to people in lawsuits. In the casino world of nowadays, crime is pretty much a write off, but worry about lawyers and court battles is paramount and must be avoided at all costs. It is an entirely different world now than it was say about 20 years ago in Las Vegas where armed security was the norm.
Even though our laws in Nevada read that anyone can carry a firearm openly anywhere, there is a caveat to that. If a business does not like it, they can ask you to leave. And, besides State offices and government buildings, casinos never ever allow people to come in wearing handguns, whether it is open carry and even a valid CCW license holder. They will always ask you to leave. Period.
Sorry, kind of long, Richard, but I’m leading up to the point of this…
Why is Criss Angel permitted to enter into a casino he works at with a concealed weapon? Even when their own security guards are not permitted to, nor customers that patronize the Luxor?
I know that MGM Grand properties are all very clear about this policy. Awhile back, I remember security guards, along with Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) officers, chasing gang bangers after a concert at the MGM Grand (back before they decided to outlaw rap concerts…because of the resulting violence occurring on MGM Grand properties). And the gang bangers were all armed. The MGM Grand security officers were not. (As a side note, the MGM Grand security officers were praised by LVMPD for their courage and assistance.)
And, even though an American citizen and perfectly within his rights to do so if he is eligible, why does Criss Angel feel the need to have a CCW? Doesn’t he have bodyguards that are paid to ensure for his safety?
Enjoyed the article, Richard, but as you can see, it brings up other questions.
See they still want Criss!!!!
Miss Universe photos: MAGIC Fashion Week, Minus5 and CityCenter
Las Vegas Sun
… and Vegas DeLuxe was at the head of the pack to post a story. We had already revealed that Mindfreak magician Criss Angel is on this year’s panel.
Richard and ColinfromVegas you can say all you want BAD about Criss but he is in big demand. Las Vegas Loves Criss!!!!!!
Go Criss Angel.
Criss is going to be a judge on the Miss Universe Pageant. Obviously no hard feeings between him and Trump.
Richard and Colin just shut up! Both of you must be so jealous of Criss. You guys are always tearing him down and it is obvious he is doing great and will always do great.
Wonderful, Hay44. I’m happy for your hero. Glad to see you support him.
But, I have to admit, that this information clearly pales in comparison and is rendered insignificant to what I’m watching on the news right now.
I’m witnessing on the news the last American full fledged combat troops in their combat vehicles officially departing Iraq and entering into Kuwait; officially ending our involvement in Iraq. All that’s left there are troops for training and assistance.
As a retired Navy Veteran, any day where American combat troops are removed from harm’s way out of a war zone with their mission officially declared over with…is basically an incredibly great day.
God bless our American troops.
And God bless America.
Sorry, Richard. Way off fucking topic there…. Just had a brandy and perhaps it has taken over a bit….
I agree Colinfromvegas what you wrote above is alot more important.
But the article is about Criss and the truth is Criss Angel is just not doing as bad as you and Richard see it.
Now all the hardcore criminals that spot Criss Angel alone simply have to sneak up from behind with any random knife to disarm him. Now he DEFINITELY REQUIRES several bodyguards at ALL times of his ENTIRE life, armed or disarmed- especially disarmed!
Thanks for reading, Roger Garson. I don’t agree with you. If I felt what you said was true, I would not have posted this item. And, I doubt the courts would have made the information public record. Why do you think as you do?
And, I would add, the scenario you propose is unlikely. Angle rarely travels without his hangers-on and they are too attached his rear to give that spot up to an outsider. Yrs., Richard
Open Comment to Mr.Abowitz/Mr.Clarke
I find it so sad that in this day and age when times are troubled for so many, and the world has had enough of HATRED,JUDGEMENTS,STALKERIFFIC PAPPARAZI, and just general bad that this article is even worth the time to print.
What people like the two of you often forget is the very people you tear down and abolish, have young admirers, fans and most importantly families. If you can feel so good about yourselves, and know that your reputations are so pristine, then go ahead and write, but no one not even the two of you can make such claims, we are all with fault, we are all judgemental, but never once do you stop to think, rumours, are cheap, bad press is in not credible, and all you have fostered is hatred. Hatred of someone you know little about other than a few fleeting moments here and there. So all I can do is encourage you to think there really is such a thing as KARMA, and gentlemen, and I use the term loosely Good luck with that, because you have left the gate open for a load of sad, hated times!! Next time you decide to write such a useless worthless article, think…. Would my Mom want to hear this about me!!!! I WELCOME A REPLY!!!!!!
oh and by the way Mr. Journalist this is how you spell ANGEL!!
Thanks for reading W. Federici, You say you would welcome a reply but I am not sure what needs a response. You are entitled to your opinion. If my mom wants to spend her days doing Google searches on me she can find lots of lies and untruths, and I hope she knows me well enough to make the distinction. As for this story, it is not a rumor or gossip, I am reporting a fact I confirmed with Metro. Yrs., Richard
I am sure Mr.Angel’s mom doesn’t have time to google, and doesn’t even care to, As for Fact… well we both know(although you probably wouldn’t admit it) that Fact is often based on a falsehood that got itself perpuated enough that people eventually believe it to be true! Good Luck keeping the hate going in, Vegas, the magic world and life in general, sure it will get you far! You don’t have to reply to me, your too tedious, and annoying for me to read any further.
I would love to know Criss Angel secret in getting beautiful famous females. Except for the teenager he is dating now Sandra who is nothing to look at this man who I think I am much better looking gets the most amazing looking ladies.
How does he do it?
Besides for sex why would a middle age man of 43 date a 20 year old kid? What could they possibility have in common? He looks like he is getting it on with his daughter?
So what Criss like doing 20 year old kids hehehe so do I.
Who is Criss Angel?
response to “Roger Garson” from Aug 20th, I grew up in Brooklyn with a Roger Garson, wonder if it’s you? Back in the late 50′s/early 60′s
If so write back.
Jeff Warren
Richard,
You know Vegas. Is Criss Angel gaining respect again in Vegas? From what I am reading his show did a wonderful turn around. Is it true?
Richard – No Answer?