That’s what you’re trying to do when when your life or that of a loved one is threatened. You are not trying to commit a homicide, however justifiable that may be in a given situation. Even if you’re aiming at the bad guy’s head or shooting at him or her point-blank. You are shooting to stop the threat.
You are trying to make a violent attacker cease and desist. To stop attacking you. And you’re only doing so when you or other innocent people face an imminent threat of death or grievous bodily harm.
If you use the word “kill” in a firearms-related comment on the Internet, to friends with loose lips or, God forbid, to the police after a defensive gun use, you are opening the door to real, serious legal jeopardy.
“So you wanted to kill Mr. Badude?”
“I had to kill him! He was going to kill me!”
No, you didn’t. You feared for your live and had to shoot him. To stop the threat.
“I was afraid for my life. I just wanted to stop the threat.”
Avoid using the “K word” at all costs. Say as little to the responding officers as possible until you talk to an attorney.
“I’m really shaken up officer. I’ll cooperate fully as soon as my attorney arrives.” Then…shut up. Period.
There are a few words you can use to help during a defensive gun use, and after. If you have the time and presence of mind to yell at an approaching lethal threat, shout “STOP! Don’t make me shoot you!”
Not kill, shoot. If someone hears you shout those words, it will usually go well for you during the subsequent investigation.
After a defensive gun use, use the words, “My life was in danger” as soon as humanly possible when calling 911.
“I want to report a shooting at XXXXX. My life was in danger. I’m 5’11”, brown hair, wearing glasses and a blue T-shirt.
“Did you shoot someone sir?”
Say it again, “My life was in danger. He attacked me.”
“Did you shoot someone sir?”
“Please send an ambulance to XXXX as soon as possible.”
Then…hang up, no matter what else the operator may say. The longer you stay on the line with 911, the greater the chance you’ll say something (it’s all being recorded) that will be used against you in a court of law.
Yes, your 911 call recording is admissible evidence even without anyone informing you of your right to remain silent. You won’t be read your rights until police arrive. And you should say as little as humanly possible whether they do that or not.
Again…”I’m really shaken up officer. I’ll cooperate fully as soon as my attorney arrives.”
Above all, remember that every word you speak really matters during and especially after a defensive gun use. Choose them wisely and, when in doubt, say absolutely nothing until your attorney arrives. Got it?