Defensive Gun Use in the News

A listing of just a few of the defensive gun uses making the news.

Remember, these are news stories that are usually printed because shots were fired.  In the majority of attacks the criminal is stopped and the attacker flees when they discover that their intended victim is armed and able to defend themselves. These cases seldom make the news.

Shooting to stop an attack is always the least desirable option. Law abiding gun owners should keep aware of their surroundings and whenever possible try to get out of a situation which may escalate to a self defense shooting situation before it is necessary to use a deadly weapon

  August 5, 2018 - WFTV - Police: Armed bystander takes down gunman at Titusville back-to-school event July 18, 2018 - KHOU - Husband shoots home invasion suspect holding wife at gunpoint July 6, 2018 - KPIX CBS 5 - Richmond Home Invasion Burglar Shot By Resident - YouTube July 6, 2018 - WDJT CBS 58 - George Webb employee pulls gun on man who punches coworker July 5, 2018 - NBCDFW 5 - Mom Shoots Man Trying to Steal SUV With Her Kids Inside: Police July 2, 2018 - KTVT-TV - Devil's Head camper shoots carjacking suspect out of El Paso County June 25, 2018 - NY Post - New Zealand man travels to meet teen, shot by mom during break-in June 21, 2018 - The News-Gazette - Champaign man shot while wielding nunchaku faces home-invasion charge June 19, 2018 - Florida Today - Thug and victim killed in Cocoa Beach home invasion June 10, 2018 - fox13now - Citizen shoots man who broke into apartment in South Salt Lake, police say June 7, 2018 - Brietbart - Home Invasion Suspect Hospitalized After Shotgun Blast to Head June 4, 2018 - The Denver Post - Would-be juvenile carjacking suspect shot dead in Park County May 25, 2018 - Fox News Insider - Armed Bystanders Shoot, Kill Gunman Who Opened Fire at Oklahoma City Restaurant May 24, 2018 - News 9 - OKC - 2 Shot At Louie's On Lake Hefner; Suspect Killed By Armed Citizen May 15, 2018 - WREG - Man carrying child shoots would-be robber outside Orange Mound McDonald’s May 15, 2018 - The Fayetteville Observer - Pembroke store clerk thwarts robbery with her gun May 15, 2018 - fox13memphis - An attempted robbery was stopped by the victim after he pulled out his gun in defense May 13, 2018 - Daily Mail - Gunman who attempted to rob young children and families outside a school is killed by a waiting mother May 11, 2018 - News Ch 5 WTVF - Teen Shot, Killed In Clarksville Home Invasion May 11, 2018 - NRA-ILA - FBI Acknowledges Life-Saving Potential of Armed Citizens May 9, 2018 - WFTV - Robbery suspect killed after gunfire exchange with victim at Conway ATM, deputies say May 8, 2018 - WCJB - Suspected robber shot and killed by victim with concealed carry weapon May 8, 2018 - Deseret News - Woman shot, killed after breaking into West Jordan home May 7, 2018 - St. Louis Today - Would-be robber dead in St. Louis shootout after victim, 74, pulls gun May 7, 2018 - WPXI - Ch 11 - 3 men sought after 1 killed, 1 injured during home invasion May 5, 2018 - Deseret News - Man shot, killed in Bountiful pawn shop robbery April 27, 2018 - mlive.com - Suspect dead after homeowners fight back during alleged home invasion, police say April 27, 2018 - Yakima Herald - Yakima home invasion deaths considered self defense by prosecuting attorney April 27, 2018 - mlive.com - Suspect dead after homeowners fight back during alleged home invasion, police say April 26, 2018 - Town Hall Tip Sheet - The Waffle House Shooting You Didn't Hear About: 'Good Guy With Gun' Thwarts Armed Robbery April 12, 2018 - Statesville (NC) Record & Landmark - I would have taken the shot’: Iredell man holds would-be burglar at gunpoint until deputies arrive April 6, 2018 - Fox Carolina - Coroner: Woman shoots, kills intruder armed with shotgun after home invasion April 2, 2018 - Personal Defense World - A Nashville home invasion suspect was killed by an armed homeowner after he attacked the him and his wife and tried to steal their guns. March 19, 2018 - IJR Red - Another Good Guy With a Concealed Gun: Man Saves Woman After Suspect Shot Her in a Grocery Store February 7, 2018 - Tri-City Herald - A man attacked their SUV in Pasco. This father was armed and ready February 6, 2018 - KLTV - Bowie County Sheriff's Office: Private citizen shot man trying to break into home February 6, 2018 - Woodstock - Towne Lake Patch - Waffle House Customer Shoots At Armed Robbers, Photos Released February 5, 2018 - The New Orleans Advocate - Tow-truck driver shoots man in self-defense Friday night in Lower Garden District; NOPD investigating February 5, 2018 - WTAE - One dead after home invasion in Springdale Township February 7, 2018 - Tri-City Herald - A man attacked their SUV in Pasco. This father was armed and ready February 6, 2018 - KLTV - Bowie County Sheriff's Office: Private citizen shot man trying to break into home February 6, 2018 - Woodstock - Towne Lake Patch - Waffle House Customer Shoots At Armed Robbers, Photos Released February 5, 2018 - The New Orleans Advocate - Tow-truck driver shoots man in self-defense Friday night in Lower Garden District; NOPD investigating February 5, 2018 - WTAE - One dead after home invasion in Springdale Township February 3, 2018 - KSTU Ch 13 - Good Samaritan with concealed firearm comes to rescue of Utah police officer during assault February 2, 2018 - WBKO - A Grayson County man is behind Hart County bars after allegedly breaking into a residence in Edmonson County. February 2, 2018 - Treasure Coast Palm - Homeowner shoots suspected burglar in southern Indian River County, Sheriff's Office says February 2, 2018 - WTVD - Fort Bragg soldier allegedly shoots, kills wife’s attacker at North Carolina home February 2, 2018 - TXK Today - Man shot attempting to break into house in Liberty Eylau February 1, 2018 - Mass Live - Holyoke man charged with assault after he is shot in dispute with Springfield homeowner February 1, 2018 - Land O' Lakes Patch - New Port Richey Mother Says Son Strangled Her So She Shot Him February 1, 2018 - WUSA Ch 9 - 83-YEAR-OLD RETIRED MD. TEACHER SHOOTS INTRUDER January 31, 2018 - Washington Times - Intruder held at gunpoint blames rain for break-in January 30, 2018 - KRQE - Man fires shots as thief takes off with his car January 30, 2018 - KIAH - HPD: Man shot after robbery attempt at NE Houston ballroom January 29, 2018 - WITN - Employee shoots at gunman during Nash County store robbery January 29, 2018 - KIAH - Homeowner shoots would-be intruder multiple times near Aldine, deputies say January 29, 2018 - KTRK-TV - Man with gun-carry permit shoots suspected robber in north Houston January 29, 2018 - News Ch 9 Chattanooga TN - Police: Suspect shot after failed home invasion Saturday January 29, 2018 - WESH Ch 2 - Intruder kicks open door, gets shot by Lakeland homeowner, police say January 23, 2018 - The Witchita Eagle - Man who tried to rob south-side wig store shot twice by manager, police say January 23, 2018 - WREG Ch 3 Memphis, TN - No charges for employee who killed would-be robber at restaurant January 18, 2018 - KTTS 94.7 FM - Gunfire Breaks Out During Attempted Burglary In Springfield January 18, 2018 - Chico ER - Alleged Oroville intruder critical after being shot by resident January 17, 2018 - WFMY News 2 - Man Attempts To Rob Wrong Store As Cashier Pulls A Shotgun January 17, 2018 - KYYY - Attempted burglary leads to gunfire at central Springfield home January 17, 2018 - Sandusky Register - Police: Man trespasses, runs from home January 17, 2018 - ABC 15 Arizona - UPDATE: Business owner shoots North Phoenix robbery suspect January 16, 2018 - DFW CBS 11 news - Police: Dallas Homeowner Shoots 2 Juveniles During Robbery January 16, 2018 - WYFF 4 - Gun-toting customers stop attack at SC car dealership, report says January 16, 2018 - WFMY News 2 - Clerk Pulls Shotgun On Man Trying To Rob Store: Police January 9, 2018 - Gwinnett Daily Post - Police: Lawrenceville homeowner shoots intruders, 1 dead January 9, 2018 - Chicago Sun-Times - Police: Man, 23, fatally shot while trying to rob 58-year-old in Austin January 9, 2018 - newschannel10.com - Suspect killed, another arrested following overnight robbery January 10, 2018 - KOCO News 5 Norman, OK - Woman being hailed as hero for stepping in during shooting at Norman business January 12, 2018 - Greenwood, IN Daily Journal - Resident shoots at person breaking into vehicle December 15, 2017 - KMYA - Man shot in home invasion on Augusta Drive December 14, 2017 - Fox 4 KC - Homeowner in Independence shoots intruder December 14, 2017 - WGN TV - Man shot and killed in Target parking lot on Southwest Side December 14, 2017 - Chicago Sun-Times - Robber facing charge after 7-Eleven clerk shot accomplice in Oak Park December 13, 2017 - Hartford Courant - State Police: Tolland Homeowner Fires Gun At Burglar December 12, 2017 - M Live Michigan - Man was acting in self-defense when he shot, killed man with knife December 11, 2017 - Fox 13 Memphis, TN - Store owner shoots suspect during armed robbery December 11, 2017 - WPBF - Homeowner holds alleged burglar at gunpoint December 10, 2017 - WCIV - Man shot by ex's new boyfriend after breaking into Summerville apartment December 10, 2017 - The N. O. Advocate - NOPD: Man shoots alleged robber in Uptown carjacking Sunday; four other robberies reported overnight in New Orleans December 9, 2017 - The Press-Enterprise - Armed Jurupa Valley homeowner stops burglary suspect, officials say; San Bernardino man arrested December 8, 2017 - News 9, OKC - Homeowner Scares Off Hatch-Wielding Burglar In NW OKC December 07, 2017 - WBRZ - Homeowner holds burglar at gunpoint until police arrive, broadcasts live on facebook December 7, 2017 - WTVR - Suspect shot during attempted home invasion in South Richmond December 6, 2017 - Fox29 San TX - Father defends family by shooting, killing restaurant robbery suspect, say police December 4, 2017 - Fox News - St. Louis pizza driver kills robbery suspect during delivery, police say December 1, 2017 - WKRC Cincinnati - 2 dead in Highland County, including home invasion suspect shot by homeowner December 1, 2017 - The Gary Patch - Homeowner Shoots Intruder As Chihuahua Acts As Guard Dog: Reports December 1, 2017 - WRAL - Minister foils Orange church break-in, shoots out tire on fleeing suspect's car December 1, 2017 - WNCN CBS NC - 2 Harnett County schools put on lockdown after thieves get in shootout with homeowner November 27, 2017 - The Daily Caller - Good Guys With Guns Stop Bad Guys With Guns November 26, 2017 - 12 News - Orange man holds chase suspect at gunpoint before Police arrest man November 20, 2017 - The Blaze - Would-be burglar attempts a break-in. A gun-toting pastor is waiting for him. November 20, 2017 - The News Star - Gun-toting homeowners thwart 2 burglaries, detain suspects November 17, 2017 - WFTS Tampa Bay - Uber driver shoots passenger after being attacked November 16, 2017 - WAPT News - Suspected burglar held at gunpoint by homeowner November 15, 2017 - WMAR Baltimore - Man holds Michigan shooting suspect at gunpoint, tells him to get on the ground November 16, 2017 - Fox 5 - Deputies: Pastor defends family, shoots burglar November 17, 2017 - Fox News - Armed Kentucky homeowner halts alleged thief with gun, 150—pound Great Dane November 13, 2017 - The New Orleans Advocate - Marigny woman fatally shot man she had accused of abusing her, court records show November 14, 2017 - WSAZ 3 - Homeowner holds intruder at gunpoint until officers arrive November 15, 2017 - Action News 4 - Homeowner holds burglar at gunpoint in Claysville, Washington County November 14, 2017 - News Channel 5 - Home Invasion Suspect Arrested In Robertson County November 13, 2017 - Spectrum News Rochester - Repairman shoots would-be robber November 12, 2017 - ABC 13 Eyewitness News - Robbery suspect killed in violent gas station shootout in north Houston November 12, 2017 - Ocala Star Banner -Couple found in home held at gunpoint, arrested November 13, 2017 - The High Point Enterprise - Sheriff: Suspect held at gunpoint by homeowner after break-in November 11, 2017 - KIRO 7 - Police: Florida man fires gun, scares off teen daughter’s kidnappers November 9, 2017 - The Dallas Morning News - ‘Hero” pulls gun to stop woman from being raped on Austin trail November 1, 2017 - NJ-com - Resident shoots, kills armed intruder during struggle, cops say October 31, 2017 - WREG 3 - Olive Branch man, 89, confronts armed home invader October 28, 2017 - Las Vegas Review-Journal - Woman shot man in North Las Vegas in self-defense, police say October 30, 2017 - News 3 - Marion woman shoots, kills 19-year-old who broke into home October 27, 2017 - KEEL - Pistol Packing Woman Foils Keithville Burglary October 27, 2017 - KREM 2 - Idaho man holds suspected burglar at gun point, waits for law enforcement October 27, 2017 - Tri-City Herald - They tried to steal parts in Finley. They got bullets instead October 26, 2017 - Fox 4 - Good Samaritan helps family, stops carjacking suspect October 26, 2017 - WYFF 4 NBC - Trail of blood led police to burglary suspect shot by woman, police say October 26, 2017 - Eyewitness News 7 ABC - Panorama City resident opens fire on intruder during violent home invasion October 25, 2017 - Police: Intruder shot twice while breaking into Iowa apartment October 24, 2017 - Region 8 ABC - Homeowner finds escaped suspect hiding in trash, holds at gunpoint until police arrive October 24, 2017 - Region 8 ABC - Homeowner finds escaped suspect hiding in trash, holds at gunpoint until police arrive October 24, 2017 - Bozeman Daily Chronicle - Man shoots grizzly near West Yellowstone; state says “case of self-defense” October 22, 2017 - Sentinel Source - Shots reportedly fired at Brattleboro burglars October 22, 2017 - The Detroit News - CPL holder kills masked shooter at Highland Park gas station October 21, 2017 - Pensacola News Journal - Milton shooting leaves one man dead October 21, 2017 - KTVB 7 - Army veteran with concealed carry permit recounts stopping car prowler October 19, 2017 - WAAY - Man shoots at burglar inside south Huntsville home October 19, 2017 - Eyewitness News KENS 5 - Woman says she exchanged gunfire with home invaders October 19, 2017 - Williamsburg Yorktown Daily - Police: Armed clerk thwarts robber at 7-Eleven October 18, 2017 - KJRH 2 NBC - Intruder shot during Delaware County home invasion, officials say October 19, 2017 - Las Vegas Review-Journal - Good guy with a gun stops kidnapping. October 18, 2017 - WNCT 9 - Husband defends wife with gun October 18, 2017 - Fox 12 Oregon - Police: Vancouver homeowner, former mayoral candidate shoots prowler October 18, 2017 - Journal News - Middletown woman fires gun into air as home break-in suspect flees October 15, 2017 - WISHTV. CH8- Man shoots, kills attempted robber on east side October 15, 2017 - KOIN 6 - McMinnville homeowner shoots, wounds intruder October 13, 2017 - San Benito News - Attempted burglary leads to shots fired October 13, 2017 - Fox News - Attacker with knife flees after woman reveals her concealed carry gun, police say October 13, 2017 - Action News 4 - ‘I got a gun:’ A 78-year-old woman’s 911 call lands Pitt student homicide suspect Matthew Darby in jail October 3, 2017 - Chicago Tribune - Suspect shot while trying to rob armored car driver October 8, 2017 - Chicago Sun Times - Home invader shot multiple times in Bronzeville October 9, 2017 - The Daytona Beach News Journal - 81-year-old New Smyrna-area homeowner shoots at burglar September 29, 2017 - WRAL - Woman who shot Walmart bra-theft suspect acted in self-defense September 28, 2017 - The State Journal Register - Springfield homeowner says he shot intruder September 27, 2017 - WSOC TV - Gaston Co. woman grabs gun, chases burglars away from home September 26, 2017 - WTVA - Homeowner holds Verona man at gunpoint September 25, 2017 WTVM LA - Homeowner shoots burglary suspect dressed as a woman September 25, 2017 Chicago Sun Times - Robbery suspect shot to death in Hammond September 25, 2017 - Pensacola News Journal - PPD: Woman shoots ex-boyfriend in self-defense as he tries to break into apartment September 24, 2017 - The Washington Post - Mass shooting attacker subdued by victim with gun September 22, 2017 - CT Post - One shot after attempted burglary in Bridgeport September 22, 2017 - Chicago Sun Times - Customer shoots robber at Dolton auto parts store September 21, 2017 - American Statesman - Armed runner stopped sex assault on trail September 21, 2017 - WLWT - Clerk shoots man attempting to rob store September 12, 2017 - Shreveport Times - Burglars meet match in armed neighbors September 11, 2017 - Lower Paxton Township Police Department - Homeowner fatally shoots suspect beating elderly woman with baseball bat September 11, 2017 - NBC DFW - Man Fatally Shot After Threatening Man Licensed to Carry a Firearm September 8, 2017 - Idaho State Journal - Authorities identify suspected intruder who was fatally shot during apparent home invasion September 10, 2017 - Penn Live - Suspect dead after homeowner shoots him in home invasion: police September 8, 2017 - Sheriff’s Department: 69-year-old Sierra Vista woman shoots intruder September 5, 2017 - The Chronicle - Pistol-packin’ mama chases off would-be burger August 30, 2017 - Las Vegas Now - Overnight robbery ends in shootout August 30, 2017 - New York Post - This shotgun-wielding Texan has no time for looters August 29, 2017 - WISN (ABC) - Would-be mugger surprised by gun-toting victim August 23, 2017 - The Pagosa Springs Sun - Suspected intruder shot approximately 20 miles west of town. August 22, 2017 - Charleston Gazette-Mail - Sissonville shooting leaves man dead after suspected knife attack August 23, 2017 - Salina Man Held at Gunpoint After Trying to Break in to Home August 21, 2017 - Arkansas Democrat —Gazette - Police: Robber tries to take woman’s purse, when 57-year-old shows gun at west Little Rock shopping center August 23, 2017 - The Wichita Eagle - Convenience store clerk fires shot at robber August 21, 2017 - The New York Times - Judge Returns Fire After He Is Ambushed on Way to Court August 19, 2017 - WMCActionNews 5 - Deputies: Homeowner shoots, kills intruder in Chester County August 19,2017 - The New & Reporter - Baton Rouge Road shooting under investigation August 17, 2017 - Fox21 News - Police: Witness fires shot during suspected burglary in western Colorado Springs August 16, 2017 - WREX NBC 13 - Suspect had at gunpoint during Ogle County burglary August 17, 2017 - Fox 9 News - Cell phone store clerk with permit to carry shoots robbery suspect in Inver Grove Heights August 17, 2017 - Atlanta Journal Constitution - Police: Newton Co. homeowner shoots at man who kicked in door August 16, 2017 - CBS 8 - Suspect shot by homeowner, locked inside room in Escondido August 15, 2017 - News 6 - Man shoots, kills intruder in Marion County, deputies say August 15, 2017 ABC 13 News Now - Homeowner shoots suspected burglar in Hampton August 14, 2017 - 2 First News - Cape Coral man stops drugged-out teen from home burglary August 14, 2017 - WRDW-TV 12 - Man shot in self-defense steals, then crashes, truck August 12, 2017 - Omaha World Herald - Shot that hit Omaha man accused of domestic assault was fired in self-defense, prosecutor says August 8, 2017 - Columbus man kills home intruder in self-defense, police say August 8, 2017 - KWTX 10 - Man wounded in exchange of gunfire with robber taken to local hospital August 6, 2017 - ABC 8 - Blytheville Polie release details behind deadly armed robbery attempt August 7,2017 - St. Pete Patch - 3 Stabbed before man with gun stops robber: Deputies August 7, 2017 - The News Tribune - Police: Man broke into apartment but left with a gunshot wound August 2, 2017 - ABC 15 - Nude man walks into Tempe home, homeowner holds man at gunpoint August 2, 2017 - WIBC News - Greenwood Homeowner holds burglary suspect at gunpoint August 2 2017 - WAVE 2 News (NBC) - Shots fired in home invasion, intruder stopped August 2, 2017 - WPRI 12 News - Man shot while breaking into sister’s home in Dighton July 30 2017 - Fox 17 News - Man attacks gun carry permit holder with knife, and it doesn’t end well for attacker July 30 - WESH TV (NBC) - Homeowner shoots alleged attempted burglar July 27, 2017 - The Robesonian - Woman shoots burglary suspect multiple times July 26, 2017 - 2 Houston - Wingstop employee injuries masked robber during shootout in Third Ward July 24, 2017 - KCENTV (NBC) - Suspect fatally shot by man in self-defense July 24, 2017 - US News - Man Shot in Front Yard Was Attacking Neighbor July 19, 2007 - WKRN - Elderly man shoots suspect in attempted robbery July 24, 2017 - WNCN (CBS) - NC island motel landlord shoots, kills man armed with knife July 25, 2017 - WSB-TV Atlanta - Homeowner shoots, kills burglar July 18 2017 - WJLA (ABC) - Ohio homeowner shoots two intruders July 19, 2017 - Herald-Tribune - Pizza Hut employee shoots robber July 18, 2017 - WBRZ 2 (ABC) - Intruder dead after homeowner defends property July 14, 2017 - Winchester Star - Good Samaritans take proper steps that stop carjacking suspect July 18, 2017 - KCTV News 5 - Robbery victim fatally shot armed man at gated south Kansas City apartment complex July 18, 2017 - WPXI News - Suspect shot in leg during home invasion July 17, 2017 - ABC 7 - Rancho Cucamonga homeowner shoots knife-wielding burglar July 18, 2017 - WDHN News - Church burglar suspect shot July 17,2017 - KHQ (NBC) 17-year-old Spokane girl pulls gun on home intruder on the run from Spokane County deputies July 13, 2017 - WRAL - Sanford woman shoots, kills home intruder July 11, 2017 - The Commercial Appeal - Suspect shot in attempted robbery at Midtown apartment July 7, 2017 - The Red Springs Citizen - Businessman shoots intruder June 26, 2017 - Fox 8 Cleveland - Woman in wheelchair scares off burglars by showing gun July 6, 2017 - Fox 13 - Batesville store owner tired of break-ins camps out, shoots burglar July 6, 2017 - Chicago Tribune - Clerk subdues armed robber: ‘He came in to kill him and then rob him’ July 6, 2017 - Norwalk Reflector - Woman kills intruder in apparent self-defense July 5, 2017 - Press Herald - Rockland man in wheelchair won’t be prosecuted for shooting burglar June 30, 2017 - Juneau Empire - Armed 11-year old boy save fishing party from charging bear July 2, 2017 - Channel 8 (NBC) - Pinellas mom shoots intruder who attacked her and neighbor July 2, 2017 - The Kentucky Standard - Father holds intruder at gunpoint until help arrives June 20, 2017 - Fox 16 - Little Rock, AR - Little Rock Movie Goer Gets Shot Fires Back    

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