USA Carry

INDIANAPOLIS, IN — A mother shot a convicted ‘child molester ‘CM’ multiple times after allegedly catching him attempting to ‘SA’ her 12-year-old daughter inside a hotel room, according to court documents and police reports.

The incident occurred on May 24 at the Baymont Inn located on Eagle View Drive on the west side of Indianapolis. As reported by WIBC, the mother had briefly left her daughter in a hotel room with 34-year-old Bruce Pierce while she went to her vehicle. When she returned, she discovered Pierce on top of her daughter, attempting to remove her clothing.

According to WTHR, the girl’s grandmother told police that Pierce had been communicating with the 12-year-old online and over the phone prior to the incident. She also stated that Pierce had tried to convince the girl to run away with him. That night, the grandmother, the victim, and her sister went to the hotel to look for the mother. After the mother and one daughter went to the car to move belongings, the 12-year-old, who was reportedly feeling sick, stayed behind in the hotel room with Pierce.

Court documents state that when the mother returned to the room, she heard her daughter saying “No, no, no” and saw Pierce pinning the girl to the bed while ripping her clothes. The mother then drew her firearm and shot Pierce multiple times. The child told police that Pierce had grabbed her arms, pinned them to the bed, and ripped her tank top and underwear before her mother entered the room. Pierce was reportedly armed during the incident, and the child was struck by Pierce’s gun, leading her to be taken to Riley Hospital for Children for evaluation.

Following the shooting, Pierce was transported to Eskenazi Hospital in critical condition. According to FOX59, Pierce remains hospitalized. An active warrant has been issued for his arrest on charges including attempted ‘R’, attempted ‘CM’, unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon, and confinement of a victim under 14 years of age.

Court records confirm that Pierce had previous ‘CM’ convictions from 2016 in Hendricks and Morgan counties, where he was sentenced to eight years in prison.

In situations like this, where an immediate and credible threat of serious bodily harm or death is present, the use of defensive force is legally justified. The mother’s quick actions prevented severe harm to her daughter. This case highlights the importance of being prepared to act decisively when confronted with a direct threat to the safety of oneself or others.

Read the original story: Mother Shoots Convicted ‘CM’ During Attack on Daughter in Indianapolis Hotel

LAS VEGAS, NV — A man who was openly carrying a firearm was fatally shot with his own weapon after an erratic individual attempted to disarm him during a violent encounter at an AutoZone on East Charleston Boulevard.

On May 23, 2025, at approximately 4:48 p.m., Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officers responded to a report of a shooting inside a business in the 1200 block of East Charleston Boulevard. Officers arrived to find a man suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite life-saving efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to police, the victim was standing in line to pay for items while openly carrying a firearm when 36-year-old Kyle Capucci entered the store behaving erratically. After a brief interaction with an employee, Capucci lunged for the victim’s firearm. A physical struggle followed, during which Capucci managed to gain control of the weapon and fatally shoot the victim. He fled the scene, leaving the firearm behind.

Responding officers located Capucci about a block away and arrested him without incident. He has been booked into the Clark County Detention Center on a charge of Open Murder with a Deadly Weapon.

The Clark County Coroner’s Office will release the victim’s identity and official cause of death. LVMPD continues to investigate and encourages anyone with information to contact their Homicide Section or Crime Stoppers of Nevada.

This tragic incident highlights a serious risk associated with open carry. While I strongly support the legal right to open carry—without question—it’s not how I personally choose to carry. I don’t want anyone, including criminals, to know I have a gun. Concealed carry gives me the element of surprise and keeps me from becoming a target, as sadly happened here. This is a stark reminder that situational awareness and discretion are vital components of personal defense.

Read the original story: Open Carrier Shot With His Own Gun After Suspect Grabs Weapon Inside Las Vegas AutoZone

WASHINGTON, DC — The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) announced a major policy shift on Friday, rolling back its controversial “zero-tolerance” stance toward Federal Firearm Licensees (FFLs) during compliance inspections. The updated national policy aims to promote fairness, consistency, and a renewed emphasis on public safety while respecting the rights of lawful gun dealers.

Replacing the 2021 Enhanced Regulatory Enforcement policy, the new guidance instructs ATF investigators to use discretion in evaluating inspection results, distinguishing between clerical errors and willful misconduct. This marks a significant departure from the prior policy, which critics say often led to license revocations over minor mistakes.

“This update is about getting it right and making sure we’re focused on public safety,” said ATF Acting Director Daniel Driscoll. “Under the previous policy, some licensees were being penalized for simple mistakes such as forgetting to put their license number on forms. This new guidance gives our investigators the discretion to tell the difference between an honest mistake and a real threat to public safety.”

Under the revised policy, investigators are instructed to consider mitigating factors such as self-reporting, corrective actions taken by the licensee, and overall compliance history. Rather than an automatic revocation for any violation, the policy now provides a framework that includes education, warnings, or administrative action only when appropriate.

Key changes include:

The update underscores a more balanced approach to industry oversight, reflecting a shift toward partnering with rather than penalizing responsible dealers. ATF maintains that its inspections remain a crucial tool in preventing illegal firearms trafficking by identifying patterns of concern such as straw purchases and missing inventory.

This policy adjustment appears to be a step toward restoring trust between federal regulators and the lawful gun industry. For many FFLs, the previous enforcement approach created uncertainty and fear of losing their livelihood over what were often administrative oversights.

The change affirms that law-abiding gun dealers are not adversaries, but allies in the broader mission of enhancing public safety and protecting constitutional rights.

Read the original story: FFLs Can Make an Honest Mistake Now: ATF Replaces Biden’s ‘Zero Tolerance’ Policy

FORT MYERS, FL — A chaotic scene turned into a self-defense incident Sunday night after a man allegedly drove his car into a crowd of people, prompting two bystanders to open fire to stop the attack.

According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began with a verbal dispute in the 2000 block of Maravilla Circle. Authorities say 54-year-old Eduardo Lando-Matamoro of Hialeah escalated the situation by intentionally driving his vehicle into a group gathered in a driveway, striking three individuals.

In response, two witnesses drew firearms and shot at Lando-Matamoro, hitting him in the shoulder. Despite his injury, Lando-Matamoro attempted to flee the scene. One of the armed witnesses, identified in surveillance footage by a teal blue shirt, physically subdued the suspect and held him until deputies arrived.

Deputies quickly took Lando-Matamoro into custody. Two victims and the suspect were transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. After being treated, Lando-Matamoro was arrested on three counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.

Sheriff Carmine Marceno commended the swift and courageous actions of the armed witness, stating, “Their quick actions made a real difference.”

Using a vehicle as a weapon can legally qualify as the use of deadly force, and in this case, the armed witnesses’ decision to respond with their firearms appears to be justified under Florida law. When facing an immediate threat of serious bodily harm or death, such as a vehicle attack, the law allows for the use of deadly force in self-defense.

Read the original story: Florida Man Rams Car Into Crowd Before Armed Bystanders Shoot and Detain Him

PEORIA, AZ — A potentially deadly situation was defused late Saturday night after an intoxicated man, ejected from a sports bar, returned with a firearm and opened fire into the building. The suspect was shot and killed by an armed bystander during a confrontation in the parking lot.

Peoria police say the incident began around 11:30 p.m. at a bar near Loop 101 and Peoria Avenue. Staff had refused service to a heavily intoxicated individual and escorted him from the premises. Shortly after, the man retrieved a firearm from his black BMW and began firing several rounds into the air before aiming at the bar and shooting through its front.

One bar patron was struck and hospitalized with serious injuries but has since been released.

Two witnesses sitting outside the establishment intervened. One of them, legally armed, exchanged gunfire with the suspect in the parking lot. The suspect was struck and pronounced dead at the scene despite life-saving efforts by first responders.

Police confirmed that the armed individual remained on scene and is cooperating fully with the investigation. No other injuries were reported among the 10 to 15 patrons inside.

The case remains under review by detectives and will be submitted to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office for evaluation.

This incident is a powerful reminder of the importance of armed, law-abiding citizens in public settings. When the suspect opened fire into a crowded bar, the potential for mass casualties was real. Had a legally armed bystander not been present and willing to act, the situation could have turned far more tragic. While law enforcement responds as quickly as possible, immediate threats to life often must be addressed in the moment. This case underscores why situational awareness, firearms training, and the legal carry of a defensive weapon can save lives when seconds count and police are minutes away.

Read the original story: Armed Citizen Fatally Shoots Intoxicated Man Who Fired Into Peoria Bar After Being Ejected

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a historic and tightly contested vote, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 1—the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”—by a single vote, 215-214. Included in the bill is the full removal of suppressors from the National Firearms Act (NFA), eliminating the $200 tax and federal registration process that have long restricted suppressor ownership in the United States.

The provision, based on Section 2 of the Hearing Protection Act, removes suppressors from the NFA’s definition of a firearm, and sets the transfer and making tax at $0. If signed into law, this change would make suppressors available through the standard NICS background check system—no more tax stamps, no more ATF registration, and no more months-long wait times.

Final House Vote Breakdown:

Every Yea vote came from Republican lawmakers. Democrats voted in unanimous opposition. Two Republicans broke ranks and voted Nay, one voted “Present,” and another did not vote—making the narrow victory possible by just a one-vote margin.

Gun rights groups hailed the vote as a landmark win. The American Suppressor Association (ASA) called it a “HUGE WIN for suppressors, 2A rights, and freedom!!” Gun Owners of America (GOA) also applauded the outcome, crediting Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-GA) for championing the effort in the House and securing its inclusion via the reconciliation process.

“Eliminating the suppressor registration and tax is a major step forward for liberty and safety,” said Erich Pratt, Senior Vice President of GOA. “Gun owners have one less unconstitutional hurdle to worry about—but we’re not done.”

The National Rifle Association (NRA) echoed the sentiment, calling it a “monumental victory for Second Amendment rights.”

Short-Barreled Firearms Still in NFA

Despite the success with suppressors, GOA is urging lawmakers not to stop there. The organization is calling on the Senate to add provisions from the SHORT Act to repeal NFA restrictions on short-barreled rifles (SBRs) and brace-equipped pistols—firearms still heavily regulated under current federal law.

“Now, GOA is calling on the Senate to also protect short-barreled firearms,” said Aidan Johnston, GOA’s Director of Federal Affairs. “The elimination of suppressor taxes and registration is massive—but the job’s not finished.”

What’s Next?

The bill now moves to the U.S. Senate, where it can pass through the budget reconciliation process with a simple majority of 51 votes. Advocates are urging gun owners to immediately contact their senators and demand the suppressor repeal stay intact—and that SBR deregulation be added.

The American Suppressor Association has launched a resource to help:

If passed by the Senate and signed into law, this would be the most significant rollback of federal gun regulations since the NFA was enacted in 1934. The clock is ticking, and continued grassroots pressure is essential to carry this win across the finish line.

Read the original story: House Passes Removing Suppressors from NFA by One Vote in 215-214 Decision, Urge Senate to Finish the Job

KEARNS, UT — An 18-year-old man who opened fire during an attempted armed robbery while selling champagne out of the trunk of his car may not face charges, even as questions remain about the legality of his firearm possession.

As reported by KSL, police have arrested two additional suspects in connection with the fatal shooting that occurred just before 2 a.m. Sunday in the parking lot of Kearns High School. Tesfaye Mebratu Shabi, 18, and a second male, 17, were taken into custody Tuesday on suspicion of murder and aggravated robbery. Another suspect, 18-year-old Brandon Ray Hollins, was arrested Monday on the same charges.

Police say the group had targeted the seller, who had arranged via Instagram to meet at the school to sell bottles of champagne from his Chevy Malibu. When he arrived, a silver four-door vehicle with four individuals pulled up. The seller told investigators he approached his trunk and saw two masked males exit the back seat with firearms.

The seller retrieved his own gun and fired at the would-be robbers, continuing to shoot while fleeing the scene. He later flagged down officers nearby. A total of 26 shell casings were recovered from the area. One of the suspects, identified only as “T.V.” in police documents, was found dead near the Malibu’s driver-side door.

Surveillance footage from the school and information from local gang units helped police identify Hollins as the vehicle’s driver. A search of his home turned up a firearm, ammunition, and a bullet hole in his car’s door. Investigators later determined that Shabi was in the back seat during the attempted robbery and had a .223 caliber firearm.

The 17-year-old who remained in the car reportedly had a broken leg from an unrelated robbery on April 16 and did not participate in the attempted heist. Both Shabi and the other teen were arrested Tuesday at an alternative high school in Salt Lake City. Police say Shabi has been linked to the April 16 incident as well and has allegedly boasted about committing other robberies.

Despite firing the fatal shot, the 18-year-old seller has not been arrested. Detectives say the evidence so far supports a potential self-defense claim, though the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office will ultimately decide whether charges are filed.

While the shooting may be deemed legally justified under Utah’s self-defense laws, the seller could still face legal consequences if it’s determined he was carrying the handgun unlawfully. Utah law allows individuals 18 and older to possess handguns but prohibits carrying them loaded or concealed without a provisional concealed carry permit. Since the seller used the gun during the encounter, it was clearly loaded—raising concerns about whether he violated state carry laws.

This case illustrates the legal complexity that can arise when someone uses potentially unlawful means to defend themselves from a criminal attack. Even if charges for the shooting are not pursued, separate firearm violations may still be considered.

Read the original story: 18-Year-Old Selling Champagne From Trunk Shoots Robber in Self-Defense, May Avoid Charges Despite Possible Illegal Gun Carry

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A critical federal effort is underway to stop credit card companies and financial institutions from tracking lawful firearm and ammunition purchases using merchant category codes (MCCs) that single out gun retailers. Senate Bill 1715 and its House companion, H.R. 1181, known as the Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act, would prohibit the use of a firearm retailer-specific MCC — a system already exposed as a tool for backdoor surveillance of gun owners.

Introduced by Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-TN) and Rep. Riley Moore (R-WV), this legislation aims to ensure that Second Amendment rights are not quietly undermined by anti-gun activists leveraging financial infrastructure to monitor or deny lawful transactions. Both bills would make it illegal for payment card networks and processors to assign or require these targeted codes, which are currently used to categorize businesses for transaction tracking.

NSSF, the firearm industry’s trade association, praised the legislation, warning that MCCs have “already proven to be exploited by the federal government for political purposes and denying lawful credit card transactions.” Lawrence Keane, NSSF’s Senior Vice President and General Counsel, called the MCC policy an “Orwellian antigun scheme” and lauded Senator Hagerty for standing up to both government overreach and financial institutions trying to act as gatekeepers of constitutionally protected rights.

“Gun control proponents… have already admitted the use of a firearm retailer-specific Merchant Category Code is intended to monitor and approve or deny firearm and ammunition purchases,” said Keane. “No American should be concerned that banks or the federal government are employing this scheme to monitor the exercise of their Second Amendment rights.”

Senator Hagerty’s bill has already earned the support of 16 Senate co-sponsors, while Rep. Moore’s House version has gathered backing from over 100 lawmakers. The legislative push builds on a wave of state-level action — 20 states have now enacted laws banning firearm-specific MCCs, including Texas, Florida, Ohio, and Tennessee. Meanwhile, just three states — California, Colorado, and New York — have passed laws mandating the use of these invasive tracking codes.

This clear disparity across state lines has already led major card companies — including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express — to pause implementation of the firearm-specific MCCs, citing legal uncertainty and widespread opposition. Visa directly acknowledged that the backlash from states created “significant confusion” in the payments ecosystem.

And for good reason.

The MCC system cannot actually identify what was purchased — only where a purchase occurred. As Visa’s CEO pointed out, there is no way to distinguish between someone buying a rifle and someone buying camping gear at the same store. The code’s true purpose is not crime prevention, but rather political control and the gradual normalization of surveillance over a lawful and constitutionally protected industry.

Proponents of these federal bills understand exactly what’s at stake. Allowing credit card companies to monitor purchases at gun shops under the guise of safety is nothing more than a workaround to build unofficial watchlists and pressure banks into denying services to lawful firearm retailers and customers. These codes do not deter crime — they create a chilling effect on the exercise of rights.

With the introduction of the Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act in both chambers, and a President who has pledged to defend the Second Amendment now in the White House, the opportunity has never been better to lock in federal protections that stop these codes from ever taking root.

The states have led — now it’s time for Congress to finish the job. These bills should be passed without delay to ensure that law-abiding Americans are not tracked, flagged, or targeted simply for exercising their constitutional rights.

The Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act is now under review in congressional committees:

To move forward, each bill will need to:

Gun owners and Second Amendment supporters are encouraged to contact their U.S. Senators and Representatives to express strong support for these bills. With broad grassroots backing and the momentum already established by 20 states, now is the time to ensure that this legislation reaches the President’s desk.

Read the original story: Credit Card Tracking of Gun Purchases Faces Federal Ban in New Pro-2A Legislation

LAS VEGAS, NV — A suspected intruder was fatally shot by a homeowner during a break-in at a residence in the Canyon Gate Country Club community early on May 4.

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department received a 911 call shortly after 5 a.m. from a woman reporting that someone had broken into her home and that her husband had shot the intruder. Officers responded to the 2300 block of Bay Hill Drive and found a man with multiple gunshot wounds lying at the base of the stairs. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators later determined the man lived nearby, less than a mile from the residence, and had no known connection to the homeowners. The incident occurred in a gated neighborhood known for its upscale amenities, including a golf course and fitness facilities.

Inside the home at the time were the homeowner, his wife, and their six children, ages six through twelve. The family moved to an upstairs room to stay together and await police. Firefighters later used a ladder to help evacuate the children from a second-story balcony, allowing them to avoid the crime scene.

No members of the household were harmed. Police secured the area, gathered evidence, and began a full investigation. The case will be reviewed by the Clark County District Attorney’s office to determine whether the use of force was legally justified as self-defense, which initial evidence suggests was a clear-cut case.

A memo sent to residents by the community’s management company confirmed the break-in and fatal shooting, and noted that no other individuals were harmed. Since the incident, the community has increased its security presence and encouraged residents to lock doors and set alarms.

This case highlights the importance of having a clear and practiced home defense plan. While the homeowner confronted the threat, his wife called 911, and their six children stayed safely together upstairs. The coordination between them likely prevented further harm and underscores how every member of a household should understand their role in an emergency situation. Proper preparation and calm execution in a moment of crisis can make all the difference.

Read the original story: Las Vegas Father of Six Fatally Shoots Intruder During Early Morning Break-In at Country Club Home

FAIRMOUNT HEIGHTS, MD — A fatal shooting occurred early Sunday morning during an attempted car break-in in the 5700 block of J Street, leading to the death of a suspect and injuries to two others, according to the Prince George’s County Police Department.

The deceased has been identified as 30-year-old Edward Coates III of Temple Hills. Police say Coates was allegedly attempting to break into vehicles in the residential neighborhood around 4:00 a.m. when he encountered a male resident outside. Coates, who was armed, reportedly chased the man around a nearby house, culminating in a physical struggle over the firearm.

During the altercation, residents from the home intervened, and multiple gunshots were fired. Both the male resident and a woman—presumably also from the household—were struck, though their injuries are considered non-life-threatening.

Amid the struggle, one of the home’s occupants managed to gain control of the firearm and shot Coates. He was found outside the home with multiple injuries, including a gunshot wound, and was later pronounced dead at a hospital.

The Prince George’s County Police Homicide Unit is leading the investigation in coordination with the State’s Attorney’s Office. All individuals involved have been identified, and as of now, no charges have been filed.

This incident highlights the significant dangers of leaving the safety of your home to confront a potentially armed suspect. It appears that none of the residents were initially armed, placing themselves at a serious disadvantage. Confronting someone committing a property crime—especially at night and alone—can quickly escalate into a deadly encounter. Fortunately, one of the residents was able to gain control of the firearm and neutralize the threat. This also underscores the value of understanding firearm retention and disarm techniques. In high-stress, close-quarters struggles, having these skills can mean the difference between life and death.

Read the original story: Two Residents Shot, Suspect Killed with Own Gun During Struggle After Alleged Car Break-In in Maryland