To preface this, I know it depends on where you live and on the specifics of each case, but I am curious about your opinions and facts. I am an 18 year old and I have only recently gotten my CCW in WV and I am trying to educate myself to protect myself on a legal standpoint. I understand the that the generic response is using reasonable force to defend yourself; like when a bad guy has a firearm or a knife. But what worries me is the grey area of fist fights. I am a pretty big guy that could hold my own in a fight but thereâs always someone bigger and it makes me worry that if I happen to be knocked unconcious, the offender now has access to my firearm (if exposed). Does this validate my fear that I was worried that my life is in danger? Obviously I am not going to shoot anybody that tries to fight me, but if I try my best to avoid the situation, and maybe even warn them that I am armed, what is the best thing to do? And what about getting jumped by a handful of guys? Are there any court cases that support the defense in that situation?
Also⊠I am a college student that will be participating in Campus Carry after this yearâs legislation change. In an active shooter event, how could a cop possibly know that I am a good guy and not the bad guy? Any tips to try to defend myself and my peers without getting killed by a cop in the process?
Sorry if any of these are stupid questions, Iâm just trying to do my due dillegence rather than blindly assuming something is self defense when it is not. Thanks for any advice.
They are good questions. First of all if three guys jump you and you can not escape deadly force is permissible if it is your only option to de-escalate. De -escalation is key. Just because one carries a gun doesnât mean they escalate a situation. It is my opinion oneâs first thought should be to de-escalate. Once one starts to escalate a situation they are in the wrong (for a lack of a better words).
Run away, do not tell them you are armed, it may escalate the situation.
It is called Disparity of Force.
If you cannot run, hide, if you cannot hide, fight. If you have to fight then call 911 as soon as possible afterwards, describe yourself, holster your weapon if you can and get as many witness as you can to show you were not the aggressor.
I did not see one stupid question, you are asking all the pertinent ones.
This is a great starting point in your life to get training that goes beyond any CCW course. And join USCCA.
I am not a lawyer, this is not legal advice, and I do not work for USCCA.
Thanks for your insight! I definitely agree that calling 911 and immediately giving a description is the correct course of action, and everything else you mentioned is very valid and understandable.
One piece of advice⊠donât take very seriously advices given here⊠use them as some kind of pointers or tips. Iâm not saying you will be given bad advices⊠but in case anything bad happens, you wonât be able to use any of those advices to support your actions.
First - great that you joined USCCA, this is the best source of knowledge. Follow the link posted by @BRUCE26
Second - get educated⊠even you are educated now⊠learn more.
I recomend to sign up for his YT channel and listen him discussing cases and explaining them in details from self-defense perspective
attend USCCA Legal Seminars in your location if you can find them.
check your local Ranges if they offer any legal seminars or meetings with criminal attorneys
You are asking about âactive shooterâ and how to be recognized as a good guy. Unfortunately you will never be treated as a good guy with the firearm in your hands. This situation is very dynamic and you have to be super smart during interaction with Law Enforcement Officers. You know who you are, they donât. The best what you can do is to holster your firearm, if possible. Never handle any weapon, do not run, do not make fast and unpredictable moves. Quickly stop the threat if you can and put away any firearmâŠ
I think these are great questions and of course each state has their own laws. I would recommend to call the lawyers that represent your state and ask them. As members we can go down the list of lawyers they give us and call them to ask questions. I was told during one of the classes I attended to even find a lawyer from said list and get to know them. just in case of an incident where you were forced to defend yourself. Good luck out there and be safe!
Another good book is Massad Ayoob,
âUnderstanding Your Right to Self Defense!
In addition, seek out training by your local law enforcement.
Iâve been to numerous courses on active shooters. If youâre NOT actively engaged with the shooter/shooters, keep your firearm holstered and follow orders! The only way you would be permitted to stay on scene, is if youâre performing lifesaving first aid. This too should be apart of your training! The best way to help your peers is to get them to safety!
Thatâs my .02 with current adjusted inflation.
Until tomorrowâŠ.
Pesos? Itâs difficult to say since Sleepy Joe was handing out free Visa gift cards.
This reminds me of a driving course I took years ago with actual simulation. First scenario: youâre on a road, 2 lanes each direction, and a kid rides his bike 35 yds. ahead into your lane. Plenty of time to slow or stop. Second scenario: mountain road, 2 lanes, youâre driving a van with 10 kids on board, speed limit 50. Ahead is a car at the side of the road, and coming at you in the other lane is a school bus. There are no guard rails and to your right is a 100â drop. As you approach the car a toddler runs out into your lane. Go right hit the family and off a cliff, left, hit the school bus, or you hit the toddler. What Iâm saying, no two real life scenarios will be the same. Book learning is great until the real world situation changes everything. If and when the time comes youâll have no time to analyze the situation. All you can hope for is you made the right decision.
First thing that comes to mind is avoidanceâavoiding even the situation where you would need to âwarn them that I am armed.â
That means not even putting yourself in a spot where you would need to Walk away from trouble if you can
If youâve not yet purchased self-defense liability insurance, please do so. Doesnât have to be USCCAâS. There are options.
In regards to if you happen to be knocked unconscious, the offender now has access to your firearm?:
Maybe, go concealed carry. Weigh the benefits over the costs/risks to you. No wrong or right answer. The beauty is that you get to decide.
Your college will actually allow conceal carry?
In an active shooter event, how could a cop possibly know you are a good guy, and not the bad guy?: If cops are already there, find cover, think about letting the cops take over. Keep it concealed, keep it holstered. Think, listen to the cops. If time permits, ask them what you should do. In the rare event you have to use it; The moment you are done, holster and conceal it. Stay calm, cool, composed.
Teen with airsoft gun killed by deputy in New Mexico raises questions
Initially shot (4) times (allegedly)
he drops the gun (airsoft) (also allegedly)
Then after Deputy Doo-Wrong relays HEâS Ok
Gun on the ground (not secured by Officer Krupki he
give young (never to be old âElijahâ) (15) more rounds for his troublesâŠ
)
Walk away from trouble if you can