100%. Basically the only reason to shoot is that the assailant is already shooting at you or a loved one, y’all are unable to retreat, and there is no option to comply with a theft.
The recent shooting in Twin Falls, Idaho is a pretty good example of correct shooting for defense. The criminal had a powerful rifle and dozens of people pinned in a fast food joint with big front windows and no safe exit. A legally armed witness found himself in a good position to fire on the assailant, and did so with an appropriate backstop behind the assailant. Though it is unclear if he hit the assailant, his fire forced the criminal to turn his attention towards him and it created the opportunity for many people to escape. The criminal ended up shooting himself after they exchanged a few rounds back and forth, and then the defending witness put his firearm away and cooperated with law enforcement.
His actions saved a lot of people, but it wouldn’t have been appropriate for him to shoot unless he had fully considered the conditions and alternatives, which he did. The criminal only sought to murder people, and there was no way to safely approach him or assist the victims to escape. His unique position relative to the assailant and the victims put him in exactly the right spot to take the shot. He had the appropriate skill to believe he could hit his target. He ceased firing the moment the threat was neutralized.
If you happen to find yourself in a situation exactly like that, then maybe you should take the shot, but if there is any doubt in your mind or the safety conditions are not met, then you absolutely should not shoot.
100%. Basically the only reason to shoot is that the assailant is already shooting at you or a loved one, y’all are unable to retreat, and there is no option to comply with a theft.
The recent shooting in Twin Falls, Idaho is a pretty good example of correct shooting for defense. The criminal had a powerful rifle and dozens of people pinned in a fast food joint with big front windows and no safe exit. A legally armed witness found himself in a good position to fire on the assailant, and did so with an appropriate backstop behind the assailant. Though it is unclear if he hit the assailant, his fire forced the criminal to turn his attention towards him and it created the opportunity for many people to escape. The criminal ended up shooting himself after they exchanged a few rounds back and forth, and then the defending witness put his firearm away and cooperated with law enforcement.
His actions saved a lot of people, but it wouldn’t have been appropriate for him to shoot unless he had fully considered the conditions and alternatives, which he did. The criminal only sought to murder people, and there was no way to safely approach him or assist the victims to escape. His unique position relative to the assailant and the victims put him in exactly the right spot to take the shot. He had the appropriate skill to believe he could hit his target. He ceased firing the moment the threat was neutralized.
If you happen to find yourself in a situation exactly like that, then maybe you should take the shot, but if there is any doubt in your mind or the safety conditions are not met, then you absolutely should not shoot.