USA Carry

ATLANTA, GA — On the afternoon of February 27, 2025, a tragic incident unfolded at a local tire shop in southeast Atlanta, leaving both the shop owner and a disgruntled employee dead following a workplace dispute that escalated to gunfire.

According to the Atlanta Police Department, officers responded at approximately 3:57 p.m. to a report of two people shot at J.M.R. New & Used Tires, located at 2995 Jonesboro Road SE. Upon arrival, officers found two men suffering from gunshot wounds. The first victim, identified in subsequent reports as 56-year-old Maurice Davis, was pronounced dead at the scene. The second individual, identified by the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office as 46-year-old Roderick T. Hunter, was transported to a local hospital in critical condition, where he later died.

Atlanta News First reported that Hunter, a former employee of the shop, shot and killed Davis during an argument. In the moments that followed, Davis’ son, Jeremiah Saunders, who was present at the shop, retrieved a firearm and fatally shot Hunter in what authorities are treating as a justified act of self-defense.

The Atlanta Police Department confirmed that the case is being investigated as a homicide and a “felon killed by private citizen,” a classification under Georgia law for justified use of deadly force to prevent further harm.

Davis, who owned and operated the tire shop for over a decade, was known in the community for his generosity and willingness to help those in need, including offering second chances to people struggling to find work. One of those individuals was Roderick Hunter, whom Davis had hired in an effort to help him get back on his feet.

Tragically, that goodwill ended in violence. The circumstances surrounding the initial dispute remain under investigation, but this incident underscores the unpredictable nature of workplace confrontations and the importance of being prepared for self-defense, even in environments we consider familiar and safe.

Davis’ son, Saunders, who had been working alongside his father for the past three years, has since taken over operations at the family business. He spoke publicly about his father’s legacy of kindness and community service, vowing to continue that mission despite the tragedy.

This incident serves as a stark reminder that acts of violence can occur in the very places we feel most comfortable — including the workplace. For small business owners and employees, particularly in customer-facing jobs, having a self-defense plan can be vital. In Georgia, business owners and employees can generally carry firearms at work under state law, though individual employers can set their own policies regarding firearms in the workplace.

While every situation is different, being armed and trained could be the difference between life and death in the face of an unexpected violent threat. Regularly reviewing workplace safety policies, practicing situational awareness, and ensuring that all firearms carried for self-defense are properly secured and accessible can help business owners and their staff stay prepared while continuing to serve their communities.

Read the original story: Employee Fatally Shoots Tire Shop Owner Before Owner’s Son Defends Himself and Stops the Threat

HOUSTON, TX — A terrifying home invasion late Sunday night ended in gunfire after three armed suspects broke into the northwest Houston home of Kaitlyn Siragusa, a popular online streamer known as “Amouranth.” The suspects entered by force, assaulted Siragusa, and demanded access to her cryptocurrency accounts before her armed husband confronted the intruders.

According to the Houston Police Department, officers responded to a call regarding an aggravated robbery and home invasion. Siragusa, 31, told authorities she was asleep when the break-in occurred. The suspects reportedly shot out a patio window and kicked in her bedroom door before demanding access to her digital financial accounts.

When Siragusa could not comply, the intruders resorted to violence, pistol-whipping her multiple times. She later described the assault in a social media post, saying she used her arms to shield her head, a technique she learned from boxing. Despite her efforts to protect herself, she sustained serious injuries to her head and hands.

During the ordeal, Siragusa led the suspects to an area of the home where her husband was located, knowing he was armed. Upon encountering the husband armed with a Staccato CS, gunfire erupted. Police believe at least one of the suspects may have been shot, based on statements heard from the fleeing intruders.

The suspects immediately fled the scene, leaving Siragusa injured. She was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

At this time, no suspects have been identified, and the Houston Police Department’s Robbery Division is continuing the investigation. Evidence, including spent shell casings, has been collected from the scene.

3 gun men

He screams “I got shot I got shot” after

I’m not supposed to post the scene itself, nor the casing which are now evidence

They beat me before this video and pistol whipped me the pummeling felt like it would never end and I protected my head by putting my arms… https://t.co/kVlRJGWalx pic.twitter.com/vUSUVarobk

This incident underscores the importance of having a home defense plan, particularly for families or individuals at higher risk due to public visibility or wealth. Siragusa’s decision to move toward her armed husband gave them both a critical advantage, highlighting the value of communication and pre-established emergency plans. Homeowners should consider reinforcing entry points, maintaining secure firearm access for responsible adults, and training for situations where quick, decisive action may be necessary to protect life.

Read the original story: Popular Streamer Amouranth’s Husband Opens Fire During Violent Home Invasion in Houston

There are many accessories you can add to your EDC gun these days. Optics like red dots, night sights, extended safety levers, weapon-mounted lights (WML), and lasers are common and in wide use. They all provide a direct benefit when you are in a stressful shooting situation. Optics and lasers enable you to acquire your target faster, night sights and WMLs improve low-light performance, and extended controls make it easier to manipulate the safety when under stress or if your hands are wet. Pistol compensators are a less common accessory, although they are quickly gaining popularity. Full-size compensators have been used on competition guns for years, but new, more compact models are now being offered for concealed carry guns. The question is, are they worth it?

A pistol compensator is a device that attaches to the muzzle of a handgun to mitigate recoil and help control muzzle rise, or flip. Unlike a muzzle brake, which diverts gas out the sides of the device to counteract the rearward force of recoil, a compensator diverts gases upward instead of out the muzzle, compensating for the upward jump of the muzzle as the gun is fired. This helps the shooter to fire quicker, more accurate follow-up shots. They are easy to install, simply threading onto the end of a threaded barrel, and sometimes incorporating a set screw to prevent them from backing off the barrel. There are also some pistol compensators, like the Strike Industries Mass Driver Compensator, that do not require a threaded barrel.

Pistol compensators gained tremendous popularity for competition shooting starting in the 1980s. Competitors shooting compensated pistols had a significant advantage in speed and accuracy over those without compensated pistols. Competitors weren’t concerned about concealability, so the added bulk and weight of a compensator were inconsequential, but their use on an EDC handgun was impractical since their bulk made concealability more difficult and required special holsters. In addition, they added significant length to a handgun which could interfere with a fast draw and make reholstering more difficult. That didn’t matter to competitors since most used custom holsters. However, as compensators grew in general popularity, manufacturers began offering compensators designed specifically for concealed carry, like the Strike Micro Threaded Comp which only adds .64” to the barrel length. Their compact size enhances concealability and makes it possible to carry them in a normal open-ended holster.

Pistol compensators offer some definite advantages, the most obvious of which is the reduction in recoil and muzzle flip. This helps keep your sights on target for faster and more accurate follow-up shots. It also makes handguns more comfortable to shoot for people who are recoil averse. Compensators reportedly reduce recoil anywhere from 8% to 14%, depending on the gun and ammunition. They are also very easy to install.

Another advantage of a compensator’s reduction in recoil is the ability to use +P and even +P+ ammunition without a noticeable increase in recoil from standard ammunition. Since +P ammo produces about a 10% increase in recoil, shooting it through a compensated handgun feels like shooting standard ammo without a compensator.

Finally, there is the comparison between porting a barrel and installing a compensator. Porting your barrel requires a permanent alteration of your gun, installing a compensator does not. In some cases, porting can also result in a reduction in muzzle velocity. While this is not a problem when shooting competition, it is not desirable in a defensive encounter.

Like so many things in life, pistol compensators have their downside. The most obvious is the additional length, usually between .6” and 2”, and weight compensators add to your handgun. This makes a gun more difficult to conceal and more tiresome to carry. Fortunately, the newer compensators designed for concealed carry alleviate much of this problem. Nevertheless, a pocket pistol would possibly no longer fit in your pocket. 

Compensators also make your gun louder to shoot because the compensator ports direct some of the muzzle blast up instead of out the muzzle and away from you. They also vent gases straight up instead of away from you. That can make indoor range time unpleasant and even cause a headache and nausea during prolonged indoor shooting sessions. 

Compensators can also affect retention shooting situations because when you have your gun tucked back close to your body instead of pressed out at arm’s length to prevent it from being grabbed by a bad guy, your upper body and face are right above the point where the compensator is directing muzzle blast and gases. This makes practice more difficult and could even be a negative factor in a real-world situation. 

Finally, there is the additional cost involved. The cost of a compensator can run anywhere from $50 to $200. If your gun does not already have a threaded barrel, that could be another $75 to $200, depending on your gun, and the threaded barrel you choose.

Just as with any other accessory, such as a red dot, a pistol compensator is not a replacement for training and proper gun handling techniques. If you are experienced and your skills are up to par, a compensator might be a good addition to your EDC to complement your abilities. On the other hand, buying one to ‘compensate’ for poor skills or lack of practice is laziness and could come back to bite you when the chips are down. 

Is putting a pistol compensator on your EDC gun worthwhile? Yes, they can be beneficial, but it pays to give the disadvantages some thought before laying your money down, and then finding out that you do not like it. It is also essential to remember that no accessory, no matter how good, will ever be a substitute for training and practice.

Read the original story: Are Pistol Compensators Worthwhile?

MIAMI BEACH, FL — A Miami Beach homeowner armed himself and confronted a burglar who broke into his property early on the morning of February 27th, leading to a swift police response and a large-scale manhunt that ended with the suspect’s arrest. The only stolen items reported? Several yogurts from the family’s refrigerator.

According to WSVN, the incident unfolded at a residence along Pine Tree Drive near 43rd Street. Homeowner Babba Joshua Yesharim was alerted to the intruder’s presence after his dog began barking and a home alarm sounded. Checking his surveillance system, Yesharim saw a man on his property and quickly took action.

Yesharim armed himself, provided a firearm to his wife, and went to confront the prowler. Dressed in a bathrobe, flashlight in one hand and handgun in the other, Yesharim came face-to-face with the intruder near his front door.

“I pulled my gun on him, I told him, ‘Freeze. I’ve got a gun. I will shoot you,’” Yesharim told WSVN. The man immediately fled, scaling a neighboring wall to escape.

Adding to the home’s defense, Yesharim’s house manager—also armed, this time with a shotgun—stood ready to assist if needed. Thankfully, no shots were fired, and the intruder escaped uninjured.

The suspect’s flight triggered a massive police response involving Miami Beach Police, SWAT teams, K-9 units, and a Miami-Dade Police helicopter. Officers even deployed a police boat to cover nearby waterways. Eventually, the suspect, identified as Jose Santospena, was located hiding in a nearby vacant lot and taken into custody.

Despite the dramatic confrontation and manhunt, Santospena’s only confirmed theft was several yogurts taken from the family’s refrigerator.

“He took a few of my kids’ yogurts, from all we can find,” Yesharim said. “He could have taken—or tried to take—a lot more. I assume he wasn’t there just for yogurt.”

Santospena was charged with occupied burglary and remains held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center in West Miami-Dade.

This unusual case underscores the importance of home security and preparedness. While the intruder only took yogurt, there’s no way to predict how situations like this will unfold. Homeowners who lawfully arm themselves and respond quickly—while coordinating with police—can help ensure their families’ safety. As always, it’s critical to know your local self-defense laws and only use force when legally justified.

Read the original story: Armed Miami Beach Homeowner Confronts Intruder Who Stole Yogurts, Triggers Overnight Manhunt

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX — In the early hours of February 27, 2025, police responded to a shooting on the 900 block of Airline Road after a homeowner confronted and shot a trespasser on his property.

According to the Corpus Christi Police Department, officers were dispatched at approximately 4:28 a.m. after the homeowner reported finding someone trespassing in his backyard. By the time police arrived, the individual—a 41-year-old Hispanic male—had moved to the front yard. Officers found the man suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local hospital with what were described as non-life-threatening injuries.

The homeowner told officers he discovered the man in his backyard and gave him verbal commands to leave. The trespasser then moved to the front yard, where the homeowner confronted him again. At some point during the interaction, the homeowner fired several shots, later telling police he feared for his safety.

At this time, no arrests have been made. The investigation is ongoing, and the case will be referred to the District Attorney’s Office for review to determine whether the homeowner’s use of force was justified under Texas law.

This incident serves as a reminder about the risks involved in leaving the safety of your home to confront someone outside. While it’s understandable to want to protect your property, the safer approach is usually to remain inside, arm yourself, call 911, and be prepared to defend yourself if the threat escalates. Confronting someone outside creates added danger and increases the chances of a physical confrontation, which can escalate quickly and put you at greater risk.

Every situation is different, and split-second decisions are often required, but homeowners can benefit greatly from training in home defense tactics and having a solid understanding of self-defense laws in their state. Being prepared ahead of time can help ensure you respond in a way that protects both your safety and your legal standing.

Read the original story: Homeowner Shoots Trespasser During Early Morning Confrontation in Corpus Christi, TX

BOSTON, MA — An off-duty Boston Police officer shot a knife-wielding man Friday afternoon inside a busy Chick-fil-A after the suspect allegedly chased a delivery driver and then advanced toward the officer with a knife.

The incident happened shortly before 2 p.m. at the Chick-fil-A located at 569 Boylston Street in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood. According to Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox, the man had been involved in an altercation with a delivery driver outside the restaurant. Witnesses reported the man was armed with a knife and pursued the driver into the restaurant.

Inside, the off-duty officer—who was already present—identified himself as police and attempted to intervene. The suspect ignored commands to drop the knife and moved toward the officer in a threatening manner. The officer fired, striking the suspect.

Boston Police said the officer and other first responders immediately rendered first aid, but the suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.

While the quick response and restraint shown by the officer likely prevented further violence, much of the political messaging that followed centered not on the officer’s safety or the person allegedly being chased by the suspect—but instead on expressing condolences to the suspect and his family.

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, who has drawn attention for similar responses to violent incidents in her own city, released a statement saying:
“Our hearts are with the family of the individual involved in this tragic shooting. No family should have to experience such a loss.”

To her credit, Wu also acknowledged the officer’s quick response and said she was “grateful the officer was safe.” But for many, that wasn’t enough to offset what critics called a misplaced focus on the attacker, rather than the victim or the officer forced to respond to a life-threatening situation.

Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden echoed similar sentiments, adding:
“This is a difficult time for everyone involved, especially the family of the deceased. We recognize the pain they are feeling right now.”

The response sparked immediate backlash from several high-profile voices who questioned why political leaders so often focus on the attacker and their family, rather than recognizing the danger faced by law enforcement officers or the potential victims in incidents like these.

Condolences from the mayor of Boston – wait for it – to a knife-wielding man trying to kill people!

Thankfully this guy was stopped in his tracks by a brave law enforcement officer. https://t.co/ddTdo0Sv8s

It's all upside down in Boston. When is the last time you heard of a mayor apologizing to the family of a knife wielding attacker who allegedly tried to kill multiple people? What about the people who were nearly killed? https://t.co/BEuEFdYGtR

Boston,

I’m going to say this a simply as I can: You desperately need a new mayor.

Trust me. https://t.co/v2pEnusg5f

How exactly did Boston vote for this again? I lived in the Back Bay area. It was one of the safest parts of the city. And she’s offering condolences???? https://t.co/NkOW2PbDNi

This incident underscores how quickly a dangerous encounter can unfold, especially when edged weapons are involved. A knife-wielding attacker at close range can be just as deadly—if not more so—than an armed assailant with a firearm. Whether you are a law enforcement officer or a legally armed citizen, understanding how to create distance, use verbal commands, and recognize pre-attack indicators can make all the difference. When de-escalation fails, quick and decisive action may be necessary to protect innocent life—including your own.

Read the original story: Off-Duty Boston Officer Shoots Advancing Knife-Wielding Suspect — Politicians Offer Condolences to Attacker and His Family

COLUMBUS, OH — The Ohio Attorney General’s Office has released its annual report on concealed handgun licenses for 2024, providing insight into how permit issuance and renewal patterns are evolving in the wake of Ohio’s constitutional carry law, which went into effect in June 2022.

Ohio’s move to constitutional carry allows law-abiding citizens to carry concealed handguns without a permit. As anticipated, the number of new concealed carry permits issued by Ohio’s 88 county sheriffs declined in 2024, totaling 14,440—a 7.3% decrease from 2023. However, permit renewals remained significant, with 59,122 licenses renewed over the year, underscoring that many Ohioans continue to see value in maintaining an official permit.

This continued interest in permit renewals reflects a practical reality for gun owners who travel across state lines. While constitutional carry covers residents within Ohio, only a valid Ohio concealed handgun license ensures reciprocity with other states—allowing permit holders to legally carry in 39 other jurisdictions that recognize Ohio’s permit.

Beyond interstate travel considerations, obtaining an Ohio concealed carry permit also comes with mandated training requirements that help ensure responsible gun ownership. To receive a permit, applicants must complete eight hours of education, including two hours of live-fire range training under the supervision of a certified instructor. This training covers essential topics such as firearms safety, use of deadly force laws, and proper carry practices.

The counties issuing the highest number of new permits in 2024 were:

Similarly, Franklin County led the state in renewals, processing nearly 3,500 renewals, followed by Lake County with just over 3,000 renewals.

In 2024, there were 1,439 license suspensions and 339 revocations statewide. Suspensions are typically issued when a license holder is arrested or charged with a disqualifying offense, or becomes subject to a protection order. Permanent revocations occur when a license holder is convicted of a disqualifying crime, moves out of state, or becomes otherwise ineligible under Ohio law.

Ohio’s experience offers an instructive case study for other states considering constitutional carry laws. While the number of new permits has fallen sharply from pre-2022 levels, the sustained demand for renewals highlights the importance of reciprocity for traveling gun owners. For many Ohioans, holding an active permit remains a valuable tool for ensuring they can legally carry outside state borders.

Whether choosing to carry under constitutional carry or maintaining a concealed handgun license, responsible gun owners should prioritize regular training. Handling a firearm in high-stress situations requires both technical proficiency and sound judgment, both of which are sharpened through quality instruction and ongoing practice. Constitutional carry grants legal authority to carry, but it does not replace the need for skill development and legal knowledge.

Read the original story: Ohio Concealed Carry Permits in 2024: New Data Highlights Impact of Constitutional Carry

CLARKSVILLE, TN — A Christmas Eve shopping trip turned into a terrifying ordeal for a family inside a Walmart in Clarksville when a 19-year-old man held a gun to a woman’s head and threatened to kill her children before being shot by her partner in defense of his family.

The incident took place on December 24, just before 1 p.m., at the Walmart located at 1680 Fort Campbell Boulevard. According to police, Labron Gibson, 19, confronted a couple with their two young children — ages 4 and 2 — inside the store. During the confrontation, Gibson produced a firearm and placed the gun against the woman’s head, cutting her eye. Gibson reportedly threatened to kill both the woman and the children.

Fearing for his family’s safety, the woman’s partner drew his legally carried firearm and fired multiple shots at Gibson, stopping the threat. In an arrest warrant obtained by Clarksville Now, security footage confirmed the sequence of events, showing Gibson waving his gun, threatening the family, and then being shot by the armed citizen.

Shoppers inside the store reported hearing several gunshots from the grocery section, followed by alarms and panicked customers rushing for the exits. Police responded quickly, and Gibson, though seriously injured, was able to leave the scene and drive himself to Tennova Healthcare. He was later transferred to a hospital in Nashville for further treatment.

Police recovered a firearm from Gibson’s vehicle, and he was subsequently charged with four counts of aggravated assault. Investigators confirmed that the armed citizen acted lawfully in defense of his family.

This incident highlights the importance of being prepared to defend yourself and your loved ones, even in seemingly routine places like a grocery store. The armed citizen’s actions protected his family from immediate danger. However, this also serves as a reminder of the risks involved when responding to an armed aggressor who already has a weapon drawn — a scenario often referred to as “drawing from the drop.” This tactic can be extremely dangerous, as the defender is at a significant disadvantage. In this case, the defender’s quick action and accuracy stopped the threat without any harm to innocent bystanders.

As always, situational awareness and regular training are key to effective self-defense in high-stress situations.

Read the original story: Father Shoots Attacker Who Held Gun to His Partner’s Head and Threatened Their Children Inside Tennessee Walmart

CHEYENNE, WY — In a significant victory for Second Amendment advocates, Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon has allowed House Enrolled Act 0024 (House Bill 0172) to become law without his signature, paving the way for the repeal of many of the state’s restrictive gun-free zones. The new law, set to take effect on July 1, 2025, expands where law-abiding citizens with a valid concealed carry permit can legally carry their firearms — including in public schools, colleges, and government buildings.

For years, gun-free zones have prevented responsible, law-abiding citizens from exercising their right to self-defense in critical places like public schools and government meetings — locations that have, unfortunately, been targeted by criminals who ignore gun laws altogether. With the passage of HB0172, permit holders in Wyoming will no longer be forced to disarm when entering many public spaces, leveling the playing field and allowing them to protect themselves and others should the need arise.

Under the new law, individuals with a Wyoming-issued concealed carry permit will be allowed to carry in:

The bill also creates penalties for public entities that unlawfully deny entry to a permit holder carrying lawfully, reinforcing the principle that the right to bear arms doesn’t stop at the door of a government building.

In his letter explaining why he allowed the bill to pass without his signature, Governor Gordon reaffirmed his personal support for repealing gun-free zones. However, he criticized the legislature for cutting local governments out of the decision-making process, arguing that school districts, colleges, and local governments should have more say in setting policies for their facilities.

While Gordon’s concern about local control reflects a common debate over the balance between state and local authority, his decision not to veto the bill sends a clear signal: repealing gun-free zones and restoring self-defense rights is a priority the people of Wyoming strongly support.

The repeal of these restrictions recognizes what many in the self-defense community have long argued — gun-free zones do nothing to stop criminals and only disarm the people who follow the law. Time and again, mass shootings and violent attacks have taken place in so-called gun-free zones, where law-abiding citizens were left defenseless.

With HB0172 becoming law, Wyoming is taking a strong stand for the rights of responsible gun owners and reinforcing the belief that self-defense should not be restricted by arbitrary location-based bans. Permit holders have already demonstrated they are law-abiding and trained to carry safely, and this law ensures they won’t have to disarm at the places they may need protection the most.

This new law highlights the importance of removing barriers that prevent lawful self-defense. Criminals, by definition, do not follow signage or laws prohibiting firearms. Gun-free zones only impact responsible citizens who are committed to following the law — leaving them vulnerable and unable to respond effectively if a threat emerges. By empowering lawful concealed carriers to protect themselves wherever they go, Wyoming is reinforcing both personal freedom and public safety.

Read the original story: Wyoming Governor Allows Repeal of Gun-Free Zones Bill to Become Law Without Signature

MARION, IN — Officers with the Marion Police Department responded to Marion General Hospital, after a man arrived at the emergency room with a self-inflicted gunshot wound caused by negligent handling of a firearm carried without a holster.

According to a media release from the Marion Police Department, 46-year-old Mark Anthony Jones told officers he was walking near the Girl Scout cabin when his Hi-Point 9mm pistol, which he was carrying unsecured in his waistband, began to slip. As Jones reached down to adjust the firearm, the gun discharged. The bullet struck Jones just above his genitals and exited through his scrotum.

Police also confirmed that Jones did not have a valid Indiana Handgun License at the time of the incident. The case has been forwarded to the Grant County Prosecutor’s Office for review, where charges related to unlawful possession could follow.

This incident underscores why responsible gun owners prioritize safe carry methods, including the use of a proper holster. Holsters not only secure a firearm in place, but they also cover the trigger guard to help prevent negligent discharges. Carrying a firearm directly in a waistband without a holster dramatically increases the risk of a negligent discharge, especially when adjusting or repositioning the gun.

Additionally, if you plan to carry concealed, you must follow your state’s laws. In states that require a permit, carrying without one can lead to legal consequences. In states with constitutional carry, a permit may not be required, but safe carry practices—like using a proper holster—are still essential for your safety and the safety of those around you.

Read the original story: Indiana Man Negligently Shoots Himself in Groin with Unholstered Hi-Point While Adjusting Waistband Carry