Use of Deadly Force against Rioters and Protesters

There are a number of threads about similar topics already going in the Community (one is Should you shoot? Riot edition - #6 by Scott52) so definitely check those out as well.

In most states, the criteria for the use of deadly force is imminent, unavoidable danger of death or grave bodily harm of an innocent party. The use of lethal force is often based on the “reasonable person” test. What would a reasonable person do in a similar situation?

If you are in a car surrounded by an angry mob who is beating on your car and breaking windows, do you know what their intention is? Do you know if they’re planning on killing you? Hurting you? Abducting you? You can’t know for sure.

You have to make the best judgement you can - can you get away? Are you safer not moving? There isn’t a one size fits all answer to this hypothetical as there are too many possibilities.

6 Likes