I can remember leaving the NY knife show 20 + years ago with a Hartsfield Katana in a sword bag swung with the strap over my back and walking around the city going to dinner etc
I can also remember as a kid waliking my neighbor hoops with 22 rifles and dead animals from our trapping route etc and no one said a word
Boy times have changed
As for the wackos brandishing swords in public
The cops should not risk themselves or innocent bystanders
They should be told to drop it and if they do not comply ..... shoot them