I know some local LEO's, and I'd wager that most of them DON'T know the Law's regarding Open Carry. And, I'd expect them to react just about the same way the Cops did when they received the 'gun' call the other night over east in our Commonwealth.
Some hindsight here.....If they would have notified the local Police Chief beforehand of their intentions (I know. They don't HAVE to...but, come on, what did you expect to happen?) it would have given him time to research the Laws, find out what goes, instruct his people to not over-react to the situation, and everything should have gone smoothly.
When the first 'call' came in, the responding Officer would have KNOWN what was what, and probably just checked out the scene for criminal activity. The Citizens would have seen that the PoPo gave the open carry folks the green light...and all would have been well.
Now....IF, after fair warning the PoPo decided to roust the group, all the emotions and 'Jack Booted Thuggery' comments would be valid and every legal attempt at making them pay would be justified.
As it stands right now, I'm thinking that the people involved should have seen this coming and been a little more understanding of the local Police force. Rather than trying to embarrass them, a sincere attempt at education might have been better for all involved.