Transgender Restroom Protest at Target Prompts 'Active Shooter' Report

An Illinois Target store was surrounded by heavily armed police Monday afternoon in search of a gunman, but no armed man was found.

Police did find a big, bearded man who has issues with Target's toilet rules.

Responding to an "active shooter" report, officers converged on the Bradley Target store in force around 1 p.m. Officers from several departments, including local and State Police, surrounded the store, blocked all entrances and exits and searched cars for a gunman.

Apparently, a man protesting Target's transgender restroom policies caused a ruckus which prompted the call for police. Police said he instigated "panic" among customers and employees but did not say how.

Target doesn't mind if you urinate while sitting or standing, nor does the store mind if you were born with male or female body parts that don't fit the gender you identify with.

The man protesting Target's transgender toilet-use freedoms, Michael Merichko, 39, was taken into custody at the store. He's charged with disorderly conduct for causing a disturbance during his protest.

He was not armed, and it's not clear why an "active shooter" call was placed via 911.

More than one million people have signed an online petition protesting Target's restroom and fitting room policy, which was announced on April 19.

We believe that everyone—every team member, every guest, and every community—deserves to be protected from discrimination, and treated equally. Consistent with this belief, Target supports the federal Equality Act, which provides protections to LGBT individuals, and opposes action that enables discrimination.

In our stores, we demonstrate our commitment to an inclusive experience in many ways. Most relevant for the conversations currently underway, we welcome transgender team members and guests to use the restroom or fitting room facility that corresponds with their gender identity.

Two years ago, Target asked customers not to bring guns into its stores, even in conceal-carry states such as Illinois. The retailer issued this policy in July 2014:

We’ve listened carefully to the nuances of this debate and respect the protected rights of everyone involved. In return, we are asking for help in fulfilling our goal to create an atmosphere that is safe and inviting for our guests and team members.

This is a complicated issue, but it boils down to a simple belief: Bringing firearms to Target creates an environment that is at odds with the family-friendly shopping and work experience we strive to create.