Unless the kid was obviously quite young (like 10 or under), I doubt the age would be something I would notice immediately, at least not consciously. The break-in and the weapon would be a bit overwhelming, I would think? If I did notice it, however, I donât see myself changing my response based on age alone. A deadly threat is a deadly threat + people donât just wake up and say, âHey, let me get a gun and go rob somebodyâs house.â This is hardly the teenâs first rodeo, and he came prepared to kill us, even if that wasnât his primary intention.
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Obviously if youâre breaking in to someoneâs home in possession of a firearm, youâre making a life or death decision. Apparently the teen was prepared to use it since it was still in his hand when police arrived. At the point of entry of the home, you eliminate the threat, period!
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Youâre just as dead whether the assailant is 15 or 50. In fact, from what I have seen of new Steel Challenge shooters, 15 is likely to be much faster than you on pure reaction time and speed, and he only has to be lucky once. Nothing I have ever seen about training for self defense response in exigent circumstances has ever mentioned the age nor any other demographic attribute of the assailant, only their ability to project imminent deadly force. This is not a TV drama; sometimes one must immediately terminate the unlawful activity if that is the only way to defend oneâs self, oneâs family or oneâs home.
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Just so you all know, not everyone in Minnesota is a bat sh*t crazy liberal. But I would do the same as the rest of you. It does not matter the age of the individual pointing a weapon at me or my family.
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The state the MN legislature passed this >> On Aug. 1, 2026, a new Minnesota state law will go into effect which prevents children younger than 13 from being charged with a crime. That new law was passed in 2024 when the DFL had full control of Minnesota state government.
âDid you know that in [Minnesota] prosecutors can criminally charge 10, 11, and 12 year olds? That will stop on August 1st which will help kids get the services they actually need,â Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty wrote in a recent social media post.
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Ultimately there is no accountability. None on the juvenile, parent/s, judge, legislatures who wrote this insane law or our insane governor.
We live in Wright County west of the cities and we do have a good county attorney.
This is what I posted in the comments on that alpha news story.
Help kids get the services they actually need? What does this even mean?
I hope it does not include more autism centers and quality learing. How about promoting a culture that consists of a father and mother that teaches them that their behavior bring consequences. Good and bad. If they will not be criminally charged and punished, then the parents should be. If not them, then who?
Are we supposed to believe that when a minor commits a crime itâs because they didnât get the services they needed?
What the hell am I supposed to do when a 12 year old points a weapon at my family? I will do exactly what any sane LEO does. Stop the threat is what they do.
When we have a government that protects evil and punishes good, then we have a bad government.
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The only way presumed age would factor in for me is if they were really young, especially if their demeanor doesnât seem threatening. A very young child, likely could be reasoned with. I donât really think thatâs part of the scenario here, but itâs a factor that might change my reaction. That said, if thereâs an armed intruder, that is in the least bit threatening, regardless of age - they will meet an armed response.
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I was thinking this too. Likely if it were a young child without malice they probably wouldnât be armed. However, because of how opened ended the question is, maybe itâs a toy. Body language speaks volumes. Thatâs why training is important, so you can make those split second calls.
The age doesnât matter especially when the are armed with a firearm, the intentions are clear and these animals have to be stopped.
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Georgia has strong self-defense laws, but the man defending himself from the robbery was still arrested. Police later found a handgun on the deceased teen. The actions of the homeowner would seem to fall within the protection of Georgia statutes on self-defense against an armed threat. Media reported that no charges had been filed.
That sucks but it was taught in CCW class that if I had to defend myself, I would wear bracelets and possibly sit in the back of the police car while they investigate.
Can anyone confirm if heâs a USCCA member?
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I believe he did the right actions for his safety and his families safety.
Since we donât have all the information, it may have been dark with just shadows, but either way, I would have done the same.
We have the same laws in Vermont. And as long as it happens within your home you canât be charged.
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Agreed. I have a four-year old grandson whoâs strong enough to pull the trigger. But, anyone like him, when seen with a gun, would cause me to pause and think whatâs wrong with that picture.
A 15-year-old male, armed with a handgun, attempted to rob an Atlanta home shortly after dark.
Now, the silhouette of a 15-year old male with a gun sharply differs from that of a five-year old. Also, some teens look older, taller and bigger than their age. Iâm not going to ask for their ID. In the dark, theyâre a threat.
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I remember watching a news cast years ago. Teenagers armed robbery of a connivence store. The store owner said to one, but youâre only 13 years old. The 13 year old shot him dead. Those who have served in combat know age is no consideration. Children will kill you as quickly as an adult. Police Officers know this.
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No it will not change my decision to fire regardless of the perpetratorâs young age. He was holding a firearm and if I hesitated he couldâve fired first and hit me first. Thatâs a no-no!
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Not sure how I would know the age of the intruder. If it was obviously a very young child I would be surprised he-she would have a gun and may try to disarm him/her first. A teenager, not so much. As much as I would not like to shoot anyone regardless of their age I would like it even less if I or someone in my family was injured or killed if I did not take defensive action.
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