Much like members of the police, law abiding gun owners are under no duty to protect their fellow citizens. Given the opportunity, no court in the world can convict you if you run from an armed confrontation. Only you can decide if the use of force, deadly or not, is appropriate. By and large, the people of the gun that I’ve met wouldn’t be able to live with themselves if they didn’t protect those around them, family or not. But there’s also a faction among the PotG who enjoy a bit of schadenfreude . . .
So let me set the stage. You attend a MDA protest whilst carrying, perhaps to get a photo op with Mrs. Watts, or just to see what the other side is up to. Suddenly, a crazed gunman enters stage left and makes a beeline for the group of protesting Moms. He screams, “This gun is loaded and I’m going to kill a member of Moms Demand Action!” He’s locked in on the nearest mom with laser-like focus. Because this is theoretical, there’s an open field for miles in the direction of your shot, he’s not looking at you, there’s a low brick wall in front of you, and the sun is at your back.
Do you clear leather (or kydex), and put rounds downrange or do you run whilst calling 911. Me personally? I have no qualms about using force to put down the threat. I know full well that even after that event, Shannon Watts herself still wouldn’t be a fan of lawful carry, but I’d fire at the attacker without a moment’s hesitation. As a bonus, I wouldn’t even gloat afterwards. You?