USA Carry

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — Governor Kevin Stitt signed HB 2818 into law on May 15, 2025, officially enacting a sweeping update to Oklahoma’s self-defense and firearms statutes. Authored by Rep. Jay Steagall, the measure passed both chambers with broad support — 73-16 in the House and 39-7 in the Senate.

The new law clarifies that pointing a firearm is not unlawful when done in lawful self-defense or in defense of one’s home or business. Prior to this bill, citizens who displayed or pointed a firearm — even without firing — risked criminal penalties, including misdemeanor or felony charges.

HB 2818 removes administrative fines and handgun license revocations previously tied to such acts when carried out in a defensive context. The law also formally recognizes the “defensive display” of a firearm, which includes verbal warnings, exposing the weapon, or placing a hand on it, provided there’s a reasonable belief of an immediate threat.

Significantly, the law strengthens Oklahoma’s Stand Your Ground and Castle Doctrine provisions. It expands the list of protected locations to include places of business and worship and presumes that the use of defensive force is justified during an unlawful and forcible entry or attempted forcible felony. It further provides immunity from criminal prosecution and civil lawsuits for lawful defensive force.

The law still prohibits using force during unlawful activities or as provocation, and it emphasizes that immunity applies only when the use of force is legally justified.

HB 2818 reaffirms Oklahoma’s commitment to the rights of responsible gun owners. By clarifying legal boundaries and protecting defensive actions from prosecution, it provides essential peace of mind to citizens prepared to defend themselves or others in the face of imminent danger.

Read the original story: It’s Official: Oklahoma Law Now Protects Defensive Display of Firearms

SPOKANE, WA — A knife-wielding man who attacked a woman and fatally stabbed another individual was shot and killed by an armed citizen in what police describe as a clear case of self-defense.

The violence erupted just after 5:15 p.m. on May 13 at an apartment complex in the 3300 block of East 11th Avenue. Witnesses described a rapidly unfolding and terrifying scene, with the suspect brandishing a knife and at least one gunshot heard during the incident.

According to the Spokane Police Department, the suspect began his rampage by attacking a woman inside the complex. Another tenant quickly intervened, pulling her into an apartment to separate her from the armed attacker. Remarkably, she survived the ordeal without injury.

The suspect then encountered a man near a stairwell and fatally stabbed him before continuing through the complex. As he moved through the area, he came upon another man who was out walking his dog. Thankfully, this man was armed. Seeing the knife-wielding suspect running toward him, he drew his firearm and shot the attacker, killing him at the scene.

Detectives say the shooting appears to be a lawful act of self-defense. The armed citizen remained on scene and attempted to provide aid to the stabbing victim until emergency responders arrived.

This incident is a sobering reminder of how quickly everyday life can be disrupted by violence. One moment you’re walking your dog, and the next you’re facing a knife-wielding attacker who has just taken someone’s life. This is exactly why many responsibly choose to carry concealed.

The armed citizen’s actions didn’t end after the threat was neutralized. His attempt to assist the stabbing victim highlights another critical aspect of preparedness: trauma response. Knowing how to control bleeding, having access to a trauma kit, and carrying tools like tourniquets can make a life-or-death difference in the minutes before EMS arrives. For those who carry, consider complementing your firearm training with medical training—it could save a life, maybe even your own.

Read the original story: Spokane Man Walking Dog Fatally Shoots Knife Attacker Who Assaulted Woman, Killed Another

CHESTER, NY — A public official and federally licensed firearms dealer is facing multiple felony charges after allegedly shooting a DoorDash driver who was attempting to deliver food in a residential neighborhood and became lost.

On the night of May 2, 2025, around 9:50 p.m., the New York State Police were notified that a gunshot victim had arrived at Garnet Health Medical Center. The victim, a 24-year-old DoorDash delivery driver, had been trying to navigate the Valerie Drive neighborhood in Chester when he reportedly lost GPS service. After stopping at multiple residences to ask for directions, he approached the home of 48-year-old John J. Reilly III.

According to investigators, Reilly—who serves as the Town of Chester Highway Superintendent and is a federally licensed firearms dealer—told the driver to leave his property. As the driver returned to his vehicle and began to reverse away, Reilly allegedly fired multiple rounds, striking the man once in the back and causing serious physical injury.

Surveillance footage reportedly shows Reilly initially firing into his yard and yelling at the driver before shooting at the vehicle as the driver attempted to leave.

Reilly was arrested by the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation at SP Monroe and charged with the following:

He was arraigned at the Orange County Centralized Arraignment Part and remanded to the Orange County Jail with bail set at $250,000 cash, $500,000 bond, or $750,000 partially secured bond. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 9, 2025, in the Town of Chester Court.

The victim, who had only recently moved to the U.S. and is described by family as a quiet and kind individual, continues to recover in the hospital following surgery. His family has expressed gratitude that he survived, but they are calling for justice.

Reilly did not respond to media inquiries, and a spokesperson for DoorDash condemned the incident, stating, “No one should ever fear for their safety just for trying to make deliveries in their neighborhood.”

This incident highlights a deeply troubling example of irresponsibility and excessive force, particularly from someone entrusted with public office and a federal firearms license. Lawful gun ownership demands a high level of judgment and restraint. The decision to fire at a person who posed no imminent threat, especially as they were leaving, shows a reckless disregard for both the law and the responsibility that comes with owning and carrying firearms. Public officials and FFL holders are expected to set an example—not violate the core tenets of lawful self-defense.

Read the original story: Shocking Video Shows Public Official Firing on DoorDash Driver Who Was Lost in Chester, NY

EVANSVILLE, IN — A resident was forced to defend himself against three armed intruders in a terrifying home invasion on May 13, fatally shooting one as the other two fled, according to the Evansville Police Department.

Police were dispatched to a residence on the 3000 block of Sweetser Avenue after a caller reported a burglary in progress. The caller, who was not at the home during the incident, stated that their son had shot one of the intruders and believed the individual was dead.

When officers arrived, they confirmed the suspect had died inside the home. The two other suspects, described as black males dressed in all black, wearing gloves and masks, escaped the scene and remain at large.

The resident, who was home alone, told investigators he heard a loud noise and saw three armed men forcing their way into the house. Fearing for his life, he used his own handgun to fire at the intruders, hitting at least one. The two remaining suspects fled immediately.

The suspects involved in the home invasion remain at large, and the investigation is ongoing. As part of the investigative efforts, officers executed search warrants on multiple homes and vehicles. During these searches, they uncovered evidence of narcotics trafficking, which led to the arrests of two individuals, Cameron and Christian Thomas. Police clarified that these arrests were unrelated to the home invasion. Authorities continue to seek information on the suspects who fled the scene.

This incident underscores the importance of having quick access to a home defense gun. The defender faced multiple armed assailants who entered with force and malicious intent, giving little to no time for delay. Having a plan, training regularly, and storing firearms securely but accessibly are critical factors in ensuring safety during such sudden encounters.

Read the original story: Facing Three Armed Intruders Alone, Evansville Man Shoots One Dead, Sends Two Fleeing

FLORENCE, SC — A violent confrontation broke out at a Florence fast food restaurant when a man armed with an AK-47-style rifle entered and opened fire on a teenage employee, sending shockwaves through a busy commercial district that sees thousands of customers daily.

The incident occurred around 7:30 p.m. on May 11, 2025, at Cook Out, a popular regional chain located at 2007 South Irby Street. According to the Florence County Sheriff’s Office, 24-year-old Daquan Markel Brown allegedly entered the restaurant with an AK-47 style rifle and began firing at 17-year-old Eugene Travis McClease, Jr., who was working behind the counter.

McClease, armed with a handgun, returned fire and struck Brown as he attempted to flee. Brown was treated for a gunshot wound and later released. Both he and McClease have been charged with Attempted Murder and Possession of a Weapon During the Commission of a Violent Crime.

The fact that an assailant entered a fast food restaurant armed with an AK-47-style weapon is not just startling—it’s a sobering reality check. This wasn’t a dark alley or a crime-ridden backstreet. This was a busy stretch of South Irby Street on a Sunday evening, a time when many families are out finishing errands or grabbing a quick bite to eat. The area is surrounded by familiar names like Zaxby’s, Taco Bell, and Walmart—places where people expect convenience, not chaos.

For concealed carriers, this incident drives home a critical lesson: violence can erupt anywhere. When dining out or spending time in public spaces, it’s vital to stay alert. Know your exits. Consider where you sit. Keep your head up—not buried in your phone. And above all, mentally run through scenarios like this so that if the unthinkable happens, your response can be quick and instinctive, rooted in training and awareness.

You won’t always get a warning. But running scenarios in your mind, thinking through the “what ifs,” and staying mentally prepared can make all the difference when seconds count.

Read the original story: Suspect with AK-47 Opens Fire in Florence Fast Food Restaurant as 17-Year-Old Employee Shoots Back

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Gun Owners of America (GOA) is calling out the House Ways and Means Committee for what it sees as a weak and disappointing move on suppressor reform, saying lawmakers missed a clear chance to roll back unconstitutional gun control.

The new language, included in a broader tax package, would reduce the $200 federal tax on suppressors to zero. However, the process to own a suppressor under the National Firearms Act (NFA)—which includes federal registration, paperwork, and waiting for government approval—would remain in place.

GOA had been pushing for full deregulation of suppressors. That means no tax, no registration, and no NFA process at all. The group says this kind of full repeal was possible using a legislative tool called budget reconciliation.

Reconciliation allows Congress to pass laws that affect taxes and spending with just a simple majority in the Senate—51 votes—instead of the usual 60 votes needed to break a filibuster, which is when senators block a bill by dragging out debate. GOA says lawmakers could have used this tool to remove the tax and the registration requirement, but chose not to.

“This isn’t a compromise, it’s a betrayal,” said Erich Pratt, Senior Vice President of GOA. “The House Ways and Means Committee chose to leave unconstitutional registration and taxes in place even though they had a clear path to repeal them. GOA made it crystal clear that full deregulation of suppressors and protection for brace owners was achievable under reconciliation. Lawmakers knew it, and they chose political convenience over principle. Gun owners won’t forget this.”

The current proposal also keeps the $200 tax in place for most other NFA items like short-barreled rifles and introduces a new $5 tax for certain others. GOA says this change doesn’t fix the core issue: the federal government’s continued control and tracking of law-abiding gun owners through NFA regulations.

“Congress has a clear path to dismantle the National Firearms Act through budget reconciliation because it is a $200 tax—plain and simple,” said Aidan Johnston, GOA’s Director of Federal Affairs. “Republicans have no excuse to not gut this unconstitutional law to the fullest extent the Senate Parliamentarian allows; anything less is cowardice and a direct compromise on our Second Amendment rights.”

While dropping the suppressor tax to $0 may sound like a win at first glance, GOA argues that the continued requirement to register and seek government approval makes the change largely symbolic. For gun owners, the fight is not just about the money—it’s about eliminating the red tape and government oversight that comes with NFA regulations.

GOA, which represents over two million members and activists, says it will keep pushing for the full repeal of all NFA taxes and registration requirements.

Read the original story: GOA Slams House Committee for Betrayal Over Suppressor Tax ‘Compromise’

CHATTANOOGA, TN — A 30-year-old man was forced to defend himself during an attempted armed robbery that unfolded during a private sale meet-up on May 8. The incident occurred just after 5:00 p.m. in the 4800 block of Swan Road, according to the Chattanooga Police Department.

The victim had arranged to meet with individuals to purchase two items. During the transaction, one of the suspects pulled a firearm and pointed it at the victim’s face while making demands. In response, the victim quickly exited his vehicle.

At that point, a second suspect—a 17-year-old male—jumped into the driver’s seat of the victim’s vehicle. Meanwhile, the original armed suspect and the victim became involved in a confrontation outside the car. Fearing for his life, the victim drew his own firearm and exchanged gunfire with the armed suspect.

During the exchange, the 17-year-old suspect inside the vehicle was struck by gunfire. It is not confirmed whether the injury was caused by the victim or by crossfire from the other suspect.

The injured teen was treated at the scene for non-life-threatening injuries and transported to a local hospital. He was later charged with carjacking and attempted murder and taken to the Hamilton County Juvenile Detention Center.

Police are continuing to investigate and are asking anyone with information about the case to call 423-698-2525.

This incident highlights how quickly private sales can escalate into dangerous encounters. When dealing with large sums of money or valuable items, it’s critical to consider the risks involved. Ask yourself if the potential savings or earnings are worth the danger of meeting a stranger in an uncontrolled environment. As always, meet in a safe public space—ideally one monitored by law enforcement—and never go alone. For more on staying safe during private transactions, read our guide on private sales and concealed carry.

Read the original story: Armed Citizen Defends Himself After Suspect Pulls Gun During Online Sale, Teen Shot During Attempted Carjacking

PHILADELPHIA, PA — A violent armed robbery in the Port Richmond section of Philadelphia Tuesday night ended with a licensed concealed carrier firing 16 rounds at a fleeing vehicle after he and his girlfriend were attacked and robbed at gunpoint.

The incident occurred around 10 p.m. on East Clearfield Street near Aramingo Avenue. According to police, a 27-year-old man and his 26-year-old girlfriend had just parked their vehicle and were walking when two men approached them with firearms drawn.

The suspects held the couple at gunpoint. A physical altercation followed, during which the male victim fought back. When his girlfriend tried to assist him, one of the suspects shot her in the leg. Both victims were then pistol-whipped, and the suspects stole approximately $1,000 in cash before fleeing in what was described as a gray sedan, possibly a Buick.

After the attackers began to drive away, the boyfriend—who is licensed to carry a firearm—drew his weapon and fired 16 rounds at the retreating vehicle.

“We know he fired 16 shots at that vehicle that was fleeing the scene,” said Chief Inspector Scott Small.

There is currently no confirmation that either of the suspects was struck. The woman was hospitalized and underwent surgery. The male victim was not reported to have sustained serious injuries.

Police are reviewing surveillance footage to track down the suspects and their getaway vehicle.

This incident highlights the concept of “drawing from the drop”—when an armed citizen finds themselves behind the curve, facing an already-present threat. It’s understandable that the carrier did not draw his firearm immediately, given the tactical disadvantage and potential risk to both himself and his girlfriend.

However, the decision to open fire on a fleeing vehicle, while emotionally charged and possibly instinctive, may carry legal consequences. In most jurisdictions, the use of deadly force is only justified to prevent imminent death or serious bodily harm—not to retaliate against a fleeing threat.

Concealed carriers must always weigh the legal standards of justified force and recognize the line between lawful defense and unlawful use of a firearm. Knowing when to act—and when to hold fire—is a critical part of responsible carry.

Read the original story: Concealed Carrier Fires 16 Rounds at Fleeing Robbers After Being Pistol-Whipped and Girlfriend is Shot

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A chaotic scene unfolded Wednesday afternoon outside the Nusenda Credit Union near the Uptown Transit Center when a man attempting to rob ATM users was stopped by an armed citizen.

According to witnesses, 28-year-old Justyn McDaniel began harassing people in line at the drive-up ATM at 6501 Indian School Rd NE, demanding money. The situation escalated when two Nusenda employees attempted to intervene, prompting McDaniel to punch one of them in the face.

McDaniel then jumped onto the hood of a woman’s vehicle and, after she refused his demands for money, kicked in her windshield. At that point, a person in line behind her drew a firearm and fired a warning shot into the air in an attempt to scare McDaniel off. However, the shot had no apparent effect on the suspect.

As McDaniel turned his attention to yet another customer, another armed bystander fired a shot that struck McDaniel in the leg, effectively stopping the assault. Police responded shortly after and took McDaniel into custody. He was transported to a hospital for treatment and later charged with three felony counts related to the incident.

This incident illustrates two critical points for responsibly armed citizens. First, firing warning shots is strongly discouraged and in many jurisdictions may even be illegal. Warning shots not only risk harming innocent bystanders due to ricochets or misfires, but they also often fail to deter aggressive behavior, as was the case here. We have covered this topic in detail, outlining why defensive gun use must be reserved for situations involving imminent threats of death or serious bodily harm—not as a tool for intimidation.

Second, aiming to wound, such as intentionally shooting a suspect in the leg, is neither a safe nor effective defensive tactic. While the report does not confirm the shooter’s intent, the sequence of events suggests an attempt to disable rather than neutralize. Responsible gun owners are trained to shoot to stop the threat, which typically involves aiming at center mass. Police are trained the same way, because attempting to wound increases the risk of missing entirely, endangering others, and failing to stop the assailant.

In self-defense situations, clarity of purpose and adherence to lawful principles are essential. The primary goal is to stop the threat, not to scare, warn, or injure selectively.

Read the original story: Bystander Shoots Aggressive Panhandler in Leg After Warning Shot Fails to Deter Attack

LAS VEGAS, NV — A former construction worker who returned to his previous worksite armed with a rifle and began shooting at his ex-coworkers was shot and wounded in self-defense Friday morning in the northwest Las Vegas Valley, according to police.

Authorities identified the suspect as John Garcia, who now faces multiple felony charges, including attempted murder and nine counts of assault with a deadly weapon. The incident occurred around 8:10 a.m. near Deer Springs Way and Bradley Road.

According to the arrest report, Garcia had been fired more than a week before the shooting after a workplace altercation. During a dispute on April 23, Garcia allegedly threatened a coworker and his family, and later escalated the situation by retrieving a knife from his truck and threatening others. He was terminated shortly after the confrontation.

Despite securing employment at another site on the opposite side of town, Garcia returned Friday morning to the original construction site. Armed with a rifle, he opened fire on former coworkers. One of them, legally armed, returned fire, striking Garcia in the shoulder and effectively ending the attack.

The exchange was captured on surveillance video, and Garcia was later taken into custody by North Las Vegas police. Thankfully, no bystanders or workers were injured in the exchange.

In interviews with Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, Garcia claimed he was struggling to support his family and care for his children, citing personal stress and issues with coworkers as contributing factors. His wife corroborated that Garcia had been under stress, sometimes behaving irrationally while intoxicated.

Garcia is being held in custody and is scheduled to appear in court on May 20 at 10 a.m. for a preliminary hearing.

This case highlights the dangers of mixing stress, emotional instability, alcohol, and firearms. While it is understandable that individuals may go through difficult periods, resorting to violence never resolves the underlying issues. Now, Garcia’s family must face the consequences of his actions, including the loss of a primary provider due to incarceration.

Additionally, this incident illustrates a critical reality in defensive gun use: a determined attacker with a rifle can still be stopped by a legally armed individual with a handgun. Despite the perceived imbalance in firepower, responsible concealed carriers can and do successfully defend themselves in such high-stress scenarios.

Read the original story: Fired Construction Worker Opens Fire with Rifle at Former Job Site, Shot in Self-Defense by Armed Coworker