What is the gravamen of brandishing a firearm?

• A. Threat to cause harm
• B. Property damage
• C. Inducement of fear
• D. Reckless endangerment

Answer: (C)

Inducing fear is the essence of brandishing a firearm. The offense rests on the intimidation caused by visibly displaying a weapon, creating a reasonable fear for personal safety in another person. It doesn’t require actual harm to occur, nor does it hinge on property damage or risky behavior. The key element is the impact of the display—the threat or appearance of danger it conveys to the observer. While a threat to harm can accompany brandishing, the prohibited act is the act of making someone fear for their safety through the weapon’s display.