MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Surveillance video showed a man pointing a gun at a Memphis woman through a Ring camera. Some people wonder if a homeowner is breaking the law if he fires at a suspect.
The answer in this video is yes. This falls under the castle principle.
Experts said that although the woman was threatened through camera, she was still being threatened with a deadly weapon on the premises.
“Life is more important than property,” said Pastor Reginald Tucker of Orange Mound Outreach Ministries.
Cellphone video taken last November showed dozens of people running out of the Marathon gas station on Third Avenue with merchandise in their hands.
“There are customers there, so it’s not a good idea to fire a weapon inside a store or in an enclosed area where there are innocent people,” Tucker said.
According to Tennessee law, the owner had no choice but to wait until police arrived.
“Should people be able to brandish their weapons? Or should they be able to fire warning shots to deter thieves and looters? Texas says they can,” said John Harris of the Tennessee Firearms Control Association. “I’m doing it,” he said.
In the past, lawmakers have drafted bills that would allow law-abiding citizens to protect property with firearms, but Harris said those bills would “fail” in a subcommittee.
“Looters, robbers, and robbers know that if they face armed resistance, property owners will face a Class C felony, which is higher than what would be charged if they stole property. It’s a much more sophisticated crime. If the law is passed, it will have a deterrent effect,” Harris added.
However, some people cannot escape from prioritizing the value of material things over life.
“There’s a bit of a conflict there. Is it really worth risking your life for someone to break your window or steal something like a laptop from your car?” said Memphis resident Michael Swain. say.
Harris said he has been in contact with Tennessee lawmakers who plan to write legislation next year. But Tennessee currently allows deadly force to be used to protect people, but not property.
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