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Self defense in Harlem
Story here. The defender was about as restrained as can be imagined. Told them his store had no cash at the point, tried to talk them into just leaving. Only after the four robbers began beating and pistol-whipping one of his employees did he pull the shotgun out and fire.
Even the NY Times is quasi favorable. It does note police may charge the defender with a misdemeanor...
4 Comments
I have not read the story, but I would think that the NYPD, being basically anti-self defense, would confiscate the shotgun.
How did we ever get to a point in any city in this country where a defender is a suspect, and a suspect is an oppressed member of an exploited class?
If you do the crime, then the consequences are entirely on you, not the defender.
In 1968 when the rifle and shotgun permit requirment went into effect it was a way of raising money, the city was/is/always, broke. The whole permit system was a joke and even the police at the time said that it was to raise cash only. Over the years of course it has become a political thing as the city became more and more crazy. Realize that until the 1970's City College of NY which is at 137 street and Amsterdam Ave in Harlem had a small bore Rifle team and range in the basement of the stadium where team memebers stored their rifles, some privately owned, but most provided by the college, and practiced everyday. They competed regionally. My understanding was that well into the 1950's many of the high schools had rifle teams and ranges in the basements. My uncle had been on the team in his HS. This was a standard part of the construction back then, along with swimming pools. Neither is included now :(
this guy appears to be just a regular hard working guy. If the city charges him, he seems to be a good candidate to challenge the required licensing of constitutional rights in NY. I hope he will have the support of an NRA attorney should that happen.
Yea I saw that about the DA considering the charge for not having a permit for the shotgun. What a travesty.
I just hope the guy bought TWO shotguns 20 or 30 years ago, since I am sure the one he used is in police custody, and he is unlikely to ever see it again. He made need one if those clowns who tried to rob him have any hoodlum friends.