Self Defense

Marines Firearm Policy Updated to Allow Concealed Carry for Self-Defense

USMC firearm policy has been updated to allow off-duty Marine Corps Law Enforcement professionals to carry concealed “privately owned firearms” while on base for self-defense. The change comes after the December 4, 2019, firearm-based attack at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and the December 6, 2019, firearm-based attack at Naval Air Station Pensacola. U.S. military personnel who were present during the shootings were defenseless due to gun-free policies that bar concealed carry on bases and installations for self-defense. Breitbart News reported witnesses of the Pensacola attack noted the attacker had 10 minutes without armed resistance in which to carry out his horrific work. On December 9, 2019, Breitbart News reported that installation commanders prevent troops from being armed on base for self-defense. Decision-making authority for on-base concealed carry shifted from the Secretary of Defense to installation commanders via Amendment S. 1536 in 2015, which passed as part of the “National Defense Authorization Act of 2016.” Yet installation commanders by-and-large stuck with the same gun-free policies. A USMC memo on concealed carry changes that by authorizing “active Marine Corps Law Enforcement (LE) professionals who possess valid Law Enforcement Officer Safety Act (LEOSA) 18 U.S.C. §926B credentials to carry concealed privately owned firearms (POF) aboard Marine Corps property in the United States and U.S. territories for personal protection not in the performance of official duties.” Although the USMC memo sets limitations as to where off-duty Marine LE professionals can carry for self-defense, this policy is a clear step forward in the effort to eliminate the soft-target attraction of military installations.

To be clear…  This only applies to Marine Law Enforcement (LE) officials.  But, kudos to the USMC for taking this baby step.  Hopefully the other services will follow suit and then expand to allow for all active duty, and reserve members of our armed forces be allowed to conceal carry while on military installations both domestically and abroad.  The current policy that forbids it is spectacularly stupid.

Taco Bell Employees Open Fire, Shoot Robbery Suspect Six Times

Police say three armed Taco Bell employees shot and killed an early morning armed robbery suspect in Cleveland, Ohio, on Wednesday. The incident occurred around 2:45 a.m. According to Fox 8, police said two suspects entered the store “wearing masks and ordered the employees to the ground at gunpoint.” There were multiple employees in the store at the time and three of them responded by opening fire. One of the suspects was hit “six times.” Cleveland.com reports that “officers found him unconscious with a faint pulse lying face-up on the floor with a loaded gun still in his right hand.” The second suspect was able to flee before police arrived and there are no reports as to whether he was hit. Fox News reports a statement was later released indicating “the company was offering counseling to the restaurant workers and was cooperating with the investigation.”

Now that’s what I’m talkin’ about!!  These employees didn’t allow a couple thug losers to rob them, and fired back!  Excellent!!   🙂

‘This is war’: Florida sheriff urges citizens to arm themselves in case of attack

A Florida sheriff’s office posted a controversial message on social media, urging citizens to arm themselves in self-defense. Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey posted the video on Facebook Wednesday, two days after a deadly workplace shooting in nearby Orlando claimed the lives of five people. “Folks, now more than ever is the time for our citizens to be prepared to serve as the first line of defense, not only for them, but for their families,” Sheriff Ivey said. As images of the Fort Lauderdale airport shooting and Pulse nightclub massacre flashed on-screen, Ivey warned residents that attacks have happened locally as well as abroad. “What’s next is to fully understand that this is war, and you better be prepared to wage war to protect you, your family, and those around you if attacked,” he said. Ivey stressed that attackers rely on people running, hiding, and waiting for help, rather than fighting back. “What they don’t count on is being attacked themselves, having to become defensive to save their own lives,” Ivey argued. The sheriff said that calling 911 means officers are on their way, but said, “Until they arrive, it’s up to you and those with you to neutralize or eliminate the threat.” Ivey encouraged people to take self-defense classes, and urged those with concealed weapons permits to carry their guns with them at all times. “No matter who you are or what your position is on guns, there’s no denying the fact that the only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun or a knife is an armed and well-prepared citizen or law enforcement officer,” Ivey said. The sheriff’s message received a mixed response.

I’m sure..  But, Sheriff Ivey is exactly right!!  As a concealed carry person myself, I’m always armed.  And, it doesn’t hurt that I have many years of experience as a “field grade” Army officer, including time in Afghanistan, etc.  If you don’t have a concealed carry permit, consider getting one…as well as a concealed carry firearm.  Then, spend time on your local firing range.  Its a great hobby, and is something you do with your family and loved ones.  Kudos to Sheriff Ivey for having the courage in this day and age to put such a message out there.  Excellent!!    🙂

Florida Homeowner Opens Fire, Killing Home Invasion Suspect During 911 Call

On Monday, a Sunrise, Florida, homeowner used a shotgun to open fire on three home invasion suspects, killing one and causing the remaining two to flee the scene. According to ABC News, homeowner Warren Darlow called 911 to report that three males had pulled into his driveway and were walking toward his home. He did not know them and worried that their intention was to rob the residence. Darlow talked to the police dispatcher, saying, “I got three black males at my house. Two jumped out. They’re getting ready to jump the fence.” He continued talking to the dispatcher until the three suspects allegedly shattered a glass door on the back the home, at which point, Darlow whispered, “Help. They’re in my house right now.” The next sound on the dispatch audio is of Darlow firing three blasts from a shotgun: Darlow missed all three suspects with the first shot, but he struck 21-year-old Albert Jones with the second. He said he saw Jones “reach toward something,” so he fired again. When the 911 dispatcher asked Darlow to clarify what was happening, he said, “I killed one, I think.” The other two suspects, 23-year-old Jose Coleman and 26-year-old Curtis Jefferies, fled the scene but were later apprehended by police.

As a follow up to this story..  No charges were filed against the homeowner.  The two thugs who got away were later arrested by police and THEY will be charged with murder per Florida state law.  How great is that?!?  Talk about karma!!    Another example of why it is SO important to arm yourself.   These worthless pieces of garbage would have killed this homeowner who was simply home paying video games when he saw them pull into his driveway.   But, he did the right thing by dialing 911 and then exercising his Second Amendment rights by standing his ground in his home.  Outstanding!