USA Carry

COLUMBUS, OH — A newly introduced bill in the Ohio House aims to clarify and expand lawful concealed carry provisions while also offering a path to firearm rights restoration for nonresidents with Ohio convictions. House Bill 68, sponsored by Representatives Adam Mathews and Justin Pizzulli, has been referred to the House Public Safety Committee for consideration.

As written, HB 68 proposes two significant reforms to current Ohio firearms law:

These changes are a common-sense modernization of firearm laws. The carry provision balances public safety with individual rights, enabling licensed individuals to carry in secure government buildings that are not active courthouses—only if permitted by local authorities and during times when the court is not in session. It enhances situational awareness for responsibly armed citizens without affecting courtroom integrity.

Furthermore, the relief for nonresidents reflects Ohio’s commitment to due process. Those who have served their sentences, demonstrated law-abiding behavior, and no longer pose a risk should have the opportunity to regain their Second Amendment rights, regardless of where they currently reside. It brings Ohio law in line with fundamental constitutional principles.

This bill represents a thoughtful step forward in preserving the rights of responsible gun owners while respecting institutional boundaries and public safety.

Next, House Bill 68 will undergo review in the Ohio House Public Safety Committee, where lawmakers will hold hearings to discuss its provisions, hear testimony from supporters and opponents, and potentially recommend amendments. If it passes out of committee, the bill will proceed to the full House floor for debate and a vote. Should it receive a majority vote there, it will move on to the Ohio Senate for a similar process—committee review, Senate floor vote, and, if successful, final approval. If both chambers pass the bill in identical form, it will be sent to the governor for signature into law.

Read the original story: Ohio House Bill 68 Would Expand Concealed Carry Access and Restore Firearm Rights for Nonresidents

SPOTSYLVANIA, VA — A third-grade student at Lee Hill Elementary School unintentionally discharged a loaded handgun inside a classroom last week, prompting a swift response from school staff and law enforcement. Fortunately, no students or staff were injured.

According to a press release from the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred around 10:50 a.m. when the child reached into their backpack and unintentionally pulled the trigger on a handgun that had been placed inside. Early interviews with the student indicated there was no intent to cause harm.

The classroom teacher immediately evacuated all 26 students and contacted the on-site School Resource Officer. A subsequent investigation revealed that the child had found an unsecured, loaded handgun inside their home and placed it in their school backpack.

Following the investigation, both parents of the child—Ciara Armstead, 36, and Terrence Carroll Jr., 34—were charged on April 7. Each faces one misdemeanor count of recklessly leaving a loaded, unsecured firearm so as to endanger the life or limb of a child under the age of 14, and one felony count of willfully or negligently endangering the life of a child while having custody. Both were released on a $5,000 unsecured bond and are scheduled to appear in Spotsylvania County Juvenile Domestic Court on April 11.

Authorities confirmed that the child will not be charged, in consultation with Spotsylvania County Juvenile Intake and the Commonwealth’s Attorney. The parents have cooperated with investigators throughout the process.

This incident highlights the critical importance of responsible firearm storage, particularly in homes with children. Firearm owners have a legal and moral responsibility to prevent unauthorized access to their firearms. Secure storage solutions—such as lock boxes, safes, and other modern gun security devices—can significantly reduce the risk of unintentional access and discharge.

For more information on how to properly secure your firearms at home, in your vehicle, or while traveling, see our related guide: Secure Your Guns: My Setup for Home, Vehicle, and Travel.

Read the original story: Parents Charged After Child’s Negligent Discharge of Handgun in Virginia 3rd Grade Classroom

FRANKLIN COUNTY, FL — A Franklin County man is being praised for his quick and courageous actions after he intervened to protect his daughter from an armed and reportedly unstable roommate who attempted to carry out a premeditated shooting spree.

The incident unfolded around 10 a.m. Sunday morning in the Highland Park neighborhood. Johnny Turner, a former law enforcement officer, had gone to check on his daughter following threats made by her roommate, identified as Dwayne Reeder. According to Franklin County Sheriff A.J. “Tony” Smith, Reeder had previously made violent threats and was reportedly stockpiling weapons and ammunition inside the home.

Upon Turner’s arrival at the mobile home, Reeder reportedly attempted to shoot Turner’s daughter with a rifle-style firearm, believed to be an AR-15, but the gun misfired, allowing her to escape harm. Moments later, Reeder emerged from the home with a handgun and began firing at Turner without provocation.

Turner was struck multiple times during the exchange but was able to return fire, striking Reeder once in the wrist. Despite his injuries, Turner managed to subdue the shooter and hold him at gunpoint until deputies arrived. Authorities credit Turner’s response with preventing what could have been a mass casualty incident.

“Probably Turner saved other people’s lives because there was a cache of weapons—assault rifles, shotguns, handguns, hundreds of rounds of ammunition—inside this mobile home,” Sheriff Smith stated in a public briefing. He added that had Turner been neutralized, Reeder may have carried out a broader attack.

Emergency medical services transported Turner to a hospital in Panama City where he underwent surgery. He is expected to recover, as no vital organs were hit. Reeder was also hospitalized and is facing multiple charges, including attempted murder and aggravated battery. A marijuana grow operation was also discovered inside the residence.

Reeder will be booked into the Leon County Jail once released from the hospital.

This case highlights the importance of situational awareness and the potential life-saving impact of responsible firearm use in defense of oneself and others. Turner’s ability to remain calm under pressure, despite being wounded, and to stop the attacker before further violence could occur underscores why training and mental readiness are vital for any armed citizen.

Read the original story: Armed Father Stops Active Shooter Threat After Daughter Targeted by Roommate

I realize the title of this article is going to rub some people the wrong way, but before you break out the torches and pitchforks, please allow me to explain. The 9mm Luger cartridge has progressed from being an ‘also-ran’ in the cartridge race to a pariah in the defensive shooting world, and ultimately, to the single most popular handgun cartridge in the United States. For a while, the FBI considered it “unsatisfactory” as a self-defense round, but the 9 mm is now, by far, the most common chambering for law enforcement, EDC, and home defense handguns. So, what changed?

The 9mm Luger cartridge, also known as the 9mm Parabellum, was developed by George Luger in 1902 for the German arms manufacturer Deutsche Waffen- und Munitionsfabriken, commonly known as DWM. The name Parabellum comes from the Latin motto of the company, “si vis pacem, para bellum,” which translates to “if you want peace, prepare for war.”

The 9mm Luger was derived from an earlier 7.65×23 Parabellum cartridge developed in 1898, but being only 19 mm long, it was more convenient for pistols that held their magazine in the grip. There were other 9mm cartridges around at the time, such as the 9mm Largo, 9mm Makarov, 9mm Short, and the 9mm Browning Long. All enjoyed a degree of popularity for a time, but the 9mm Luger eventually outshone them all.

The Parabellum pistol chambered in 9mm Luger was presented to the British Small Arms Committee, who liked it, in 1902, and to the United States Army in 1903. The U.S. Army also liked it but continued to look for other handguns, both revolvers and pistols. Unsurprisingly, it was the German military that wholeheartedly embraced the 9mm Luger. The German Navy began using it in 1904, followed by the German Army, which used it heavily both in pistols and their early submachine guns. The rest is history, and eventually, the 9mm Luger was adopted by most of the militaries in Europe and North America.

At the time it was developed, the 9mm Luger was designed to improve penetration. The goal was a cartridge that would penetrate the military uniforms and field gear of the day, which often included a heavy coat and leather harness. It is ironic then that the U.S. Army considered it too underpowered for combat and went instead with the now famous 1911 chambered in .45 ACP, eventually also adopting submachine guns like the Thompson and the M3 Grease Gun chambered in it. Stories of the big 230 grain .45 ACP bullet taking a man off his feet with one shot abound, from the Moro pirates to Vietnam. An infantry major I knew told me he hit an NVA soldier in the ear with his .45, and the shock when it jerked the man’s head around broke his neck. Whether that is true or not, who can say, but the guy was a solid officer and not known as being prone to exaggeration. I will admit that I was happy when I was issued a Kimber 1911 on a contract while I was in Iraq.

Another blot on the record of the 9mm Luger was the infamous 1986 Miami shootout between the FBI and two bank robbers. In that gunfight, one of the robbers received what should have been a fatal wound with a 9mm round yet continued to fight on. The incident wounded five FBI agents and killed two more, including the agent who had shot the bad guy with the 9mm. That episode prompted the FBI to abandon the 9mm as being ineffective because it was not considered powerful enough to immediately incapacitate a criminal. This eventually led to the development of the .40 S&W after the 10mm was determined to be too powerful for many FBI agents to handle. That prompted a law enforcement exodus away from 9mm pistols in favor of pistols chambered in .40 S&W and .45 ACP.

Despite the negatives of the past, the 9mm is currently the most popular handgun cartridge in America. There are several reasons for this. For one thing, in 1985, after 74 years, the U.S. military abandoned the 1911 in favor of the Beretta M9, chambered in 9mm Luger. Civilian gun culture tends to follow the military, perhaps even more closely than it does the police, so the FBI notwithstanding, the 9mm gained in popularity. It didn’t hurt that the Beretta 92, the closest civilian version of the M9, is a beautiful gun and remains popular to this day. In 2017, the U.S. military left the Beretta M9 behind in favor of Sig M17 and M18 handguns, both of which are chambered in 9mm.

Another factor that kept the 9mm popular was the introduction of the 9mm Glock 19 in 1988. It was a pioneer in handguns designed for concealed carry and was the best-selling compact gun for many years. Even today, with plenty of competition, it remains a very popular gun for EDC.

Probably the biggest factor in the rise of the 9mm has been the continuing innovation in 9mm defensive ammunition. The improvement in the lethality of the 9mm cartridge prompted the FBI to reevaluate its previous position and conduct ballistic testing as well as reviewing police shooting incidents. The result was that in 2014, the FBI officially announced it was dropping the .40 S&W and switching back to 9mm. It went so far as to state in its 2014 FBI 9mm White Paper that “9 mm Luger now offers select projectiles which are, under identical testing conditions, outperforming most of the premium line .40 S&W and .45 Auto projectiles tested by the FBI.” They also stated that “there is little to no noticeable difference in the wound tracks between premium line law enforcement projectiles from 9 mm Luger through the .45 Auto.” Finally, the FBI tests resulted in the conclusion that handgun stopping power, once a claim to fame of the .45 ACP, is a myth. Once the FBI switched back to 9mm, most law enforcement agencies began to follow, which built up confidence in the cartridge among civilian gun owners. Today, the market is flooded with police trade-in handguns chambered in .40 S&W.

Handguns chambered in 9mm are by far the largest selling handguns in the American market. They come in all shapes and sizes, from full-size duty and home defense guns to micro compacts for concealed carry. There are even double-stack 1911s in 9mm (no, not all double-stack 1911s are 2011s). It is estimated that approximately 3.5 billion rounds of 9mm are sold in the U.S. each year for military, police, and civilian consumption. Worldwide, it is estimated that 10% of all the ammunition manufactured is 9mm Luger. That may not sound like a big percentage, but keep in mind that includes 7.62×39, 5.56 NATO, 7.62 NATO, and every other handgun, rifle, and shotgun cartridge made in the world.

As for 9mm handguns, they combine all of the most popular characteristics of a good EDC gun. They can be made compact and light while still offering excellent capacity, making them ideal for a long day of carrying your handgun in an IWB holster. In fact, many of the most popular concealed carry guns are only available in 9mm.  

Handguns chambered in 9mm are also easy to shoot for most people because they generate less recoil than larger calibers. That means it is easier to control under a stressful situation and more fun to practice with at the range. Best of all, as FBI testing has demonstrated, modern 9mm ammunition is as effective as most larger cartridges for self-defense. Finally, 9mm ammunition is readily available everywhere, and FMJ range ammo is inexpensive and can be had for as little as a couple of hundred dollars for a thousand rounds. That will ensure it won’t break the bank to go to the range and practice to improve and maintain your skills.

Whether you are a fan of the 9mm Luger cartridge or not, there’s no disputing that it is currently the King of Cartridges in the American handgun market. With all the innovation in firearms and cartridges, that could change someday, but for now, 9mm is the most versatile and practical cartridge for concealed carry, especially if you are planning to buy your first gun.

Read the original story: How the 9mm Became King

RALEIGH, NC — Two firearm-related bills aimed at strengthening Second Amendment protections and enhancing personal defense rights are making their way through the North Carolina House of Representatives. House Bill 427 and House Bill 439, both sponsored by Representatives Kidwell, Ward, Pike, and other co-sponsors, were referred to key committees in mid-March and await further legislative action.

Summary:
House Bill 427 proposes to revise the mental health reporting process for North Carolina’s concealed handgun permit applications. Under current law, mental health providers are required to release detailed records to sheriffs during the permit background check. HB 427 seeks to replace that with a simplified and privacy-respecting “Yes” or “No” statement from mental health professionals on whether an applicant has been diagnosed with a mental illness.

Key Provisions:

Next Steps: HB 427 has been referred to the House Judiciary 2 Committee. If approved there, it will proceed to the Health Committee, followed by the Rules, Calendar, and Operations Committee. If it clears these hurdles, it will move to the House floor for a vote. If passed, the law would take effect October 1, 2025.

Summary:
HB 439 seeks to expand legal concealed carry in North Carolina by allowing individuals to carry certain types of knives concealed, provided they meet specific criteria. This change would align knife laws more closely with firearm carry statutes, reinforcing personal protection rights.

Key Provisions:

Next Steps: HB 439 has been referred to the Judiciary 2 Committee and, if favorable, will go to the Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House Committee. If passed, it will take effect December 1, 2025.

Both of these bills represent steps toward refining North Carolina’s weapons laws in ways that promote constitutional rights while maintaining public safety. HB 427 addresses privacy concerns related to mental health disclosures in the permitting process, reducing unnecessary invasions of personal medical history. HB 439 acknowledges the utility of edged tools for lawful self-defense, especially in non-firearm carry contexts, and recognizes that responsible adults can be trusted with such tools under reasonable guidelines.

As these bills progress through the legislative process, North Carolina gun owners and self-defense advocates will be watching closely. Both proposals, if enacted, would bolster the rights of law-abiding citizens without compromising public safety.

Read the original story: Two Pro-2A Bills Advance in North Carolina House: Mental Health Record Privacy and Concealed Knife Carry Proposals Gain Momentum

HARRIS COUNTY, TX — A vehicle burglary escalated into a dangerous exchange of gunfire after a homeowner fired a warning shot from inside his home late Wednesday night, according to the Harris County Precinct 4 Constable’s Office.

The incident occurred in the 21800 block of King Heights Lane, where the homeowner reportedly observed two male suspects breaking into a vehicle outside his residence. In response, the homeowner discharged a warning shot from a bedroom window in an apparent effort to scare the suspects away.

Instead of fleeing immediately, the suspects returned fire. It’s believed that during their attempt to escape, one of the suspects accidentally shot his accomplice. A 17-year-old male, later identified as one of the alleged burglars, was dropped off at a nearby hospital with gunshot wounds. He is now facing a charge of Burglary of a Motor Vehicle, with additional charges pending as the investigation continues.

Deputies with Constable Mark Herman’s Office are still investigating the full sequence of events and are working to identify the second suspect involved.

No injuries were reported among the residents or neighbors, but the gunfire exchange raised serious concerns about the potential risk to innocent bystanders in the area.

This incident highlights a critical issue in defensive gun use: the use of warning shots. While often thought of as a non-lethal deterrent, warning shots can escalate situations and introduce significant risk, as clearly illustrated in this case. Not only did the homeowner’s warning shot fail to deter the suspects, it triggered a return of gunfire, turning a property crime into a potentially deadly confrontation.

For more on the dangers and legal implications of warning shots, read our detailed guide: Why Warning Shots Are a Bad Idea in Self-Defense

In any defensive firearm use, your goal should be to stop an imminent threat of death or serious bodily harm—not to scare or warn. Firing warning shots is dangerous, legally questionable in many jurisdictions, and can turn a manageable situation into a deadly one. Always follow your state’s laws and seek professional training to handle high-stress encounters responsibly.

Read the original story: Homeowner Fires Warning Shot at Car Burglary Suspects, Prompting Return Gunfire

JENSEN BEACH, FL — A local couple armed with a shotgun confronted a man with devil horn tattoos on his face as he attempted to enter their home late Tuesday night, helping to end a string of burglary attempts in their Jensen Beach apartment complex.

The suspect, identified as 46-year-old Jonathan Richards, was captured on home security footage attempting to open the front door of residents Lisa and Chris’s apartment on N.E. Ocean Boulevard. The video shows Richards, carrying several large bags, standing at their door before being scared off by the couple—Chris armed with a shotgun, and Lisa screaming in alarm.

“I see this scary devil looking in my window, and I screamed like a primal scream,” Lisa told WPBF 25 News, referring to the horn tattoos prominently inked on Richards’ forehead. Her husband quickly followed, weapon in hand, and the couple pursued Richards out of their home, prompting him to flee—leaving his boots behind.

While Richards fled from Lisa and Chris, he continued attempting to enter other apartments in the same community. According to Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek, another resident also confronted him with a firearm, but Richards simply moved on to other nearby units.

Deputies soon arrived on scene and witnessed Richards trying to access additional homes. After a brief foot chase, Richards surrendered when he realized he was being pursued by a K9 handler.

Richards had arrived in Florida just three days prior, according to law enforcement, and is a registered sex offender from Alabama who failed to register his status in Florida. Sheriff Budensiek said Richards has an extensive and violent criminal history across multiple states, including prior arrests for burglary, carjacking, drug possession, and aggravated battery.

Richards is currently being held at the Martin County Jail without bond and is facing charges of attempted occupied burglary, resisting arrest, possession of burglary tools, and failure to register as a sex offender. Authorities are also asking local residents to be on the lookout for large camping-style backpacks Richards was seen carrying, which may contain stolen items.

Chris, who chose not to discharge his weapon during the encounter, said he was thankful it didn’t come to that. “I wouldn’t want to have that on my conscience. I’m very godly, and I’d rather just hit him in the head with the gun,” he said.

Lisa said she was previously unsure how she would respond in a home intrusion situation but was proud of her instincts: “I always said, what would I do? And you know what I would do? Exactly what I did — chase that guy around.”

This incident is a clear reminder that even the simplest oversights—like forgetting to lock your door—can have serious consequences. No matter how “safe” your neighborhood feels, crime can happen anywhere. Criminals often look for easy access, and an unlocked door is an open invitation. Make it a habit to double-check all doors and windows before going to bed. Personal safety starts with prevention, and something as simple as locking up can be one of your most effective defenses.

Read the original story: Florida Couple Confronts Tattooed “Devil-Faced” Intruder with Shotgun, Aids in Arrest

ALBUQUERQUE, NM — A man was fatally shot early Friday morning after allegedly attempting to force his way into his ex-girlfriend’s apartment, according to the Albuquerque Police Department. Authorities are investigating the incident as a justifiable homicide.

As reported by KOB4, officers responded around 1:10 a.m. to a report of gunfire at an apartment complex located near San Mateo Boulevard and Osuna Road in northeast Albuquerque. When they arrived, officers discovered a man deceased from gunshot wounds outside the residence.

Detectives say the man had been in a dispute with his ex-girlfriend before he tried to break into her apartment. At the time, a male friend of the woman was present inside the apartment. As the ex-boyfriend attempted to force entry, the friend used a firearm to stop the intrusion, fatally shooting the man.

After consulting with the Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office, APD stated that no charges will be filed at this time. The investigation is ongoing.

This incident serves as a reminder that defensive firearm use can be legally justified when protecting oneself or others from an imminent threat of serious harm. In domestic situations that escalate to violence, knowing when and how to act within the bounds of the law can be critical.

Read the original story: Woman’s Friend Fatally Shoots Ex-Boyfriend as He Tries to Force Entry Into Albuquerque Apartment

LOS BANOS, CA — A Los Banos homeowner acted in self-defense during a violent home invasion that occurred in the early morning hours of March 28, 2025, leaving three suspects wounded and four in custody.

According to the Los Banos Police Department, officers responded to reports of gunfire at approximately 2:02 a.m. in the 2000 block of Edward Street. Upon arrival, they discovered that several armed suspects had forcibly entered a residence, confronting the homeowner inside.

The resident, upon hearing the break-in, retrieved a legally owned firearm and confronted the intruders. A shootout ensued when the suspects entered an adjacent room and fired multiple rounds at the homeowner, who returned fire. During the exchange, three of the suspects were struck by gunfire.

All suspects fled the residence through a bedroom window and left the area in an unknown vehicle. Not long after, two suspects were located and arrested. They were transported to a Modesto-area hospital for treatment of gunshot wounds.

Further investigation revealed a third wounded suspect had self-transported to a hospital in Stockton in an apparent attempt to avoid law enforcement. He was later identified and apprehended with the assistance of the Stockton Police Department.

The fourth suspect, Jeremy Dejon Grayson, was taken into custody on the evening of April 2 during a joint operation between Los Banos Police Detectives and Stockton Police. Grayson attempted to flee on foot but was arrested in the 600 block of East Hammer Lane in Stockton.

Detectives also located and processed the suspect vehicle involved in the crime, recovering several key pieces of evidence.

The four arrested suspects have been identified as:

All four face charges including Attempted Murder, Assault with a Firearm on a Person, Child Endangerment, Conspiracy to Commit Crime, and First-Degree Burglary.

The fifth suspect remains at large. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the individual to contact the Los Banos Police Department.

Thanks to cooperation between multiple agencies—including the Stockton Police Department and the Merced Area Gang and Narcotic Task Force—authorities have made significant progress in the investigation.

This incident highlights the importance of preparedness in home defense situations. The homeowner’s ability to quickly access a legally owned firearm and defend against multiple armed intruders likely prevented further harm. For those who choose to keep a firearm for home protection, training and readiness are essential to respond effectively under pressure.

Read the original story: Armed Homeowner Fends Off Five Intruders in Violent Los Banos Home Invasion

SAN ANTONIO, TX — A confrontation over a phone repair escalated into deadly violence Tuesday afternoon, leaving two men dead and prompting an ongoing investigation by local authorities.

According to the San Antonio Police Department, the incident occurred around 3:30 p.m. at a UBreakIFix store located at Bandera Road and Loop 1604. The situation began when a customer, later identified as 47-year-old Kenneth McKnight, entered the store upset about a repair performed on his phone.

Witnesses told police that McKnight confronted an employee, and a verbal altercation ensued. The situation quickly turned physical, at which point McKnight reportedly drew a firearm and shot the employee during the struggle.

A second store employee, who was legally armed, responded to the unfolding threat by drawing his own firearm and shooting McKnight. Both McKnight and the initial victim sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene before emergency personnel arrived.

SAPD spokesperson Officer Nick Soliz emphasized that the armed employee acted in defense of another person who was being actively shot. “That employee stepped up and took care of that… [He] neutralized the threat,” Soliz stated during a briefing. The second employee remained on-site and is cooperating with the investigation. As of now, no charges have been filed, but the case remains open as investigators continue reviewing evidence and witness accounts.

The shooting occurred in a busy shopping center, adjacent to an Aqua-Tots swim school. Authorities confirmed that no bystanders or other employees were harmed, and it remains unclear how many individuals were present inside the store at the time.

A phone repair shop isn’t the kind of place most people expect to need a firearm—but this incident is a clear reminder that violence can break out anywhere, at any time. If we knew exactly when or where we’d need to defend ourselves or others, we simply wouldn’t go to those places. But since we don’t, carrying every day and staying prepared is the only way to ensure we’re ready if the unthinkable happens.

Read the original story: Two Dead After Customer Shoots Employee, Is Then Shot by Armed Coworker