A 58-year-old North Carolina man named Joseph Harrison just found out that he will not be charged after shooting another man in self-defense.
According to reports, Harrison was driving on U.S. 70 before exiting onto Main Street in Valdese, North Carolina. While on the highway, Harrison was being tailgated by 21-year-old Max Barnes, who also continued onto Main Street without giving Harrison any more space.
Harrison decided to pull over and let Barnes pass him. Instead, Barnes exited his vehicle, went to the driver side of Harrison’s car, and started punching him through the window. In response, Harrison shot Barnes once in the shoulder. Witnesses corroborated that sequence of events.
Now, about ten days after the October 4 incident, Harrison got the official word that he won’t be charged with any crime. Barnes, on the other hand, is being charged with assault and battery.
“This man acted in self-defense,” District Attorney David Learner said to the press. “I want the public to know that if you act in self-defense, I’m going to back you 100 percent.”
We applaud Mr. Learner for this affirmation of his fellow citizens’ rights. And for Harrison demonstrating, yet again, why so many of us choose to carry a firearm.