# What if's

**URL:** <https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/what-ifs/131638>\
**Category:** Self-Defense\
**Created:** [July 26, 2026, 2:17pm UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/what-ifs/131638 "2026-07-26T14:17:09Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 20\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Robert1896](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/54ee81/32.png) [@Robert1896](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/u/Robert1896)\
**Post date:** [July 26, 2026, 2:17pm UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/what-ifs/131638/1 "2026-07-26T14:17:10Z")

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Self Defense What if’s. Would love some legal input.

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**Author:** ![Robert1896](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/54ee81/32.png) [@Robert1896](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/u/Robert1896)\
**Post date:** [July 26, 2026, 2:17pm UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/what-ifs/131638/2 "2026-07-26T14:17:45Z")

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I’ll start.

I have a hypothetical question, But very relevant in today’s world.  
A couple in their late sixties are walking down a street in broad daylight. The man has a legal concealed carry permit and is armed. An unknown person aggressively walks toward the couple, shouting Allahu Akbar! The person has no visible weapon but is extremely aggressive.  
Does the elderly man have the legal right to use deadly force to defend himself and his wife?  
Let’s say this is in the state of Colorado.

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**Author:** ![George98](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/community.usconcealedcarry.com/george98/32/28818_2.png) [@George98](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/u/George98)\
**Post date:** [July 26, 2026, 2:32pm UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/what-ifs/131638/3 "2026-07-26T14:32:27Z")

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Welcome to the Community!

At this point in the scenario, NO!

Situation may change if physical “aggression” or threats occur!

 ![image](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/uploads/dd_dev/original/3X/c/1/c1bb6b3e61f65c6eb3b8f9e0af1c0675afd3bfb0.jpeg)

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**Author:** ![Peter195](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/d2c977/32.png) [@Peter195](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/u/Peter195)\
**Post date:** [July 26, 2026, 4:13pm UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/what-ifs/131638/4 "2026-07-26T16:13:08Z")

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No words are not deadly, but I would be prepaired and watching for more.

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**Author:** ![Jamey1](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/community.usconcealedcarry.com/jamey1/32/16491_2.png) [@Jamey1](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/u/Jamey1)\
**Post date:** [July 26, 2026, 5:18pm UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/what-ifs/131638/5 "2026-07-26T17:18:14Z")

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Move away, either cross the street if possible or go into a store if available. Either way I would not lose sight of it.

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**Author:** ![BeanCounter](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/community.usconcealedcarry.com/beancounter/32/173526_2.png) [@BeanCounter](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/u/BeanCounter)\
**Post date:** [July 26, 2026, 5:21pm UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/what-ifs/131638/6 "2026-07-26T17:21:45Z")

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The absence of a weapon alone isn’t enough to determine that there is no threat

Having said that, sadly, a split second and the situation turns completely sideways.

A few things I _might_ do:

Step aside with wife behind me.

With support hand stretched out, be ready to say, “that’s close enough.”

Next split second could prove if it’s turned into a self-defense situation.

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**Author:** ![Robert1246](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/community.usconcealedcarry.com/robert1246/32/39522_2.png) [@Robert1246](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/u/Robert1246)\
**Post date:** [July 26, 2026, 5:41pm UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/what-ifs/131638/7 "2026-07-26T17:41:26Z")

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It all depends if it is eminent the person is going to murder you or a loved one or cause you or them grave bodily harm. If yes one can use deadly force.

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**Author:** ![Joseph202](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/8e7dd6/32.png) [@Joseph202](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/u/Joseph202)\
**Post date:** [July 26, 2026, 6:15pm UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/what-ifs/131638/8 "2026-07-26T18:15:36Z")

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Allahu Akbar means God is Great. That is not in itself a threat. Problem is it used by terrorists when they attack. The question is what would a response of God is Great do? Muslims, Jews and Christians are all People of the Book. The Koran is not the Book but contains the Book as does the Bible and the Torah.. The Book is the Old Testament and the Psalms. When I was visiting Germany the common greeting was Grusse Gott which is God is Great.

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**Author:** ![Jerzees](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/community.usconcealedcarry.com/jerzees/32/111382_2.png) [@Jerzees](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/u/Jerzees)\
**Post date:** [July 26, 2026, 6:54pm UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/what-ifs/131638/9 "2026-07-26T18:54:25Z")

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I will try to answer the question once me an my wife will be in our late sixties. And of course we have to move to Colorado first…

As for now, being in Illinois, I would use pepper gel, baton and Google Translate to understand what unknown person is saying.

Hey @Karacal … anything you would like to add to this thread? 😅

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**Author:** ![Todd30](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/community.usconcealedcarry.com/todd30/32/40525_2.png) [@Todd30](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/u/Todd30)\
**Post date:** [July 26, 2026, 8:56pm UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/what-ifs/131638/10 "2026-07-26T20:56:43Z")

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Personally, I would give him a reply of “Allahu Akbar” back to him. What is he going to do then?

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**Author:** ![Karacal](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/community.usconcealedcarry.com/karacal/32/146742_2.png) [@Karacal](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/u/Karacal)\
**Post date:** [July 26, 2026, 9:29pm UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/what-ifs/131638/11 "2026-07-26T21:29:05Z")

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> [@Jerzees](#):
>
> Hey @Karacal … anything you would like to add to this thread? 😅

@Robert1896 start here then post your questions

> [@Welcome to the Community! Please Introduce Yourself](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/welcome-to-the-community-please-introduce-yourself/26):
>
> Welcome to all of you responsibly armed Americans who are looking to learn and share with like-minded individuals! You’ve all got something special to bring to this group that will help others no matter what spot you’re at on your self-defense journey. Gun-shy about talking about yourself? Here are some questions to help you get started! Who are you? What got you interested in carrying and self-defense? How long have you been training for your self-defense? What formal training have you had? W…

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**Author:** ![Mike164](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/community.usconcealedcarry.com/mike164/32/52494_2.png) [@Mike164](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/u/Mike164)\
**Post date:** [July 26, 2026, 9:30pm UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/what-ifs/131638/12 "2026-07-26T21:30:10Z")

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> [@Robert1896](#):
>
> An unknown person aggressively walks toward the couple, shouting

I would have my shirt up and have my hand on my EDC, while yelling, and I’ve done this before right here in downtown SLC, … Get the F\*\*k away Mother F\*\*ker!!!

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**Author:** ![Karacal](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/community.usconcealedcarry.com/karacal/32/146742_2.png) [@Karacal](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/u/Karacal)\
**Post date:** [July 26, 2026, 9:42pm UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/what-ifs/131638/13 "2026-07-26T21:42:06Z")

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> [@Todd30](#):
>
> Personally, I would give him a reply of “Allahu Akbar” back to him

 ![IMG_9125](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/uploads/dd_dev/original/3X/8/a/8acfd91258b3b8783fc05a9e13ddc9734b767c4e.jpeg)

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**Author:** ![Don102](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/community.usconcealedcarry.com/don102/32/165939_2.png) [@Don102](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/u/Don102)\
**Post date:** [July 26, 2026, 10:23pm UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/what-ifs/131638/14 "2026-07-26T22:23:12Z")

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> [@BeanCounter](#):
>
> The absence of a weapon alone isn’t enough to determine that there is no threat

TRUTH!, The absence of a weapon doesn’t mean dik to me. This Goof is Yelling and Advancing on Creaky old me (and my Sister). Situational Mode has been activated in us when the yelling started. I’m not having this Sand Monkey whale away on me till I am ‘Sufficiently Bloody’ to break Leather and DEFEND US.

NOPE!, NOT HAPPENING! He gets within say 12ft—if he is your typical Hothead he could be on us in seconds. The Firearm comes out, warnings are shouted (there are .gov Cameras everywhere it seems, folk’s poke their heads out of their houses if there is turmoil, I’M COVERED. I’m going to do this by the book and the first line in that book is SURVIVE THE THREAT!.

BANG BANG! just sayin’

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**Author:** ![Ronald150](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/da6949/32.png) [@Ronald150](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/u/Ronald150)\
**Post date:** [July 27, 2026, 5:15am UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/what-ifs/131638/15 "2026-07-27T05:15:34Z")

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Welcome to the community! Best to walk away quickly in the opposite direction, not let him get close, making sure he don’t follow, no visible weapon/ likely a knife could be well hidden in his hand and shouting out his words while wanting to close in for some brutal slashing and stabbing, just keep the distance and be prepared.

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**Author:** ![Will\_B](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/community.usconcealedcarry.com/will_b/32/102791_2.png) [@Will\_B](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/u/Will_B)\
**Post date:** [July 27, 2026, 5:46am UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/what-ifs/131638/16 "2026-07-27T05:46:14Z")

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> [@Ronald150](#):
>
> Best to walk away quickly in the opposite direction

Agreed, however the scenario is you’re a witness to these events, not the direct victim of them.

Do you still turn your back and walk away?

Stand and watch an elderly person other than yourself get beaten? Stabbed? Light on fire?

When do you act?

Once blood has been shed? Or take the risk of preemptive action and draw down on an unarmed jihadi, err sorry unarmed person over just speech?

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**Author:** ![Ronald150](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/da6949/32.png) [@Ronald150](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/u/Ronald150)\
**Post date:** [July 27, 2026, 6:17am UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/what-ifs/131638/17 "2026-07-27T06:17:04Z")

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If witnessing the event of what is happening, and not knowing if the elderly person is armed, but I am, I’d have the couple’s six, stay out of a line of fire just in case the elderly person takes action (breaks leather), be a good witness, observe the event and be prepared for whatever action the couple take, maybe even take out the cell phone and record, yet be prepared to call 911 if anything goes south and have the couples back if needed. These Lunnies (unarmed person) are unpredictable!

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**Author:** ![BeanCounter](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/community.usconcealedcarry.com/beancounter/32/173526_2.png) [@BeanCounter](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/u/BeanCounter)\
**Post date:** [July 27, 2026, 6:43am UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/what-ifs/131638/18 "2026-07-27T06:43:10Z")

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> [@Robert1896](#):
>
> An unknown person aggressively walks toward

…a couple, man has a CCW? That’s the OP, and most sensible move is to avoid. Skedaddle.

> [@Will\_B](#):
>
> the scenario is you’re a witness to these events, not the direct victim of them.

Now, this one’s different. I’ve often said I will only defend those who are in my circle and, if I put them in tiers, I could count Tier 1 with one hand. Do I have a tier 2? TBD and hope I never find out.

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**Author:** ![Will\_B](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/community.usconcealedcarry.com/will_b/32/102791_2.png) [@Will\_B](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/u/Will_B)\
**Post date:** [July 27, 2026, 8:04am UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/what-ifs/131638/19 "2026-07-27T08:04:14Z")

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> [@BeanCounter](#):
>
> Now, this one’s different

Do wha?…..

Yep looked back again, I missed this line.

> [@Robert1896](#):
>
> The man has a legal concealed carry permit and is armed

My brain read as the couple was unarmed, 😖

I suppose because the whole firebomb attack that happened just a few miles away in Boulder, and none of the victims were armed, and as well their attacker did not appear armed until he light the bottle on fire.

There’s a lot of what ifs to think about….

I don’t trust anyone, it was a white guy who parked a truck full of AmFo in front of a building in Oklahoma….

And any aloha snackbar screaming psychopath only needs to be within a dozen yards to have enough explosives on his person to kill himself and several others….. I’ve seen those videos, and by the time you’re certain of the attackers true intentions,…. It’s at least half a second too late.

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**Author:** ![BeanCounter](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/community.usconcealedcarry.com/beancounter/32/173526_2.png) [@BeanCounter](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/u/BeanCounter)\
**Post date:** [July 27, 2026, 6:15pm UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/what-ifs/131638/20 "2026-07-27T18:15:54Z")

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> [@Will\_B](#):
>
> by the time you’re certain of the attackers true intentions,…. It’s at least half a second too late.

This! Like the question about how long one must endure an assault before responding in kind…

> [@The Aftermath: When an Ex Comes Looking for a Fight](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/the-aftermath-when-an-ex-comes-looking-for-a-fight/131122/18):
>
> Behind the eight ball, hesitation could prove fatal.

[Next page](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/what-ifs/131638.md?page=2)
