10 Heroic Moments: How Armed Citizens Stopped Crime and Saved Lives
In light of devastating events like the Charleston church shooting, the stories of heroic gun owners often remain underreported. This article highlights 10 remarkable instances where law-abiding citizens used their firearms to protect themselves and others, showcasing the critical role of responsible gun ownership in preserving safety.
1. Jeanne Assam at New Life Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado (2007)
Former cop and volunteer security worker Jeanne Assam confronted a shooter who opened fire on a crowd exiting Sunday service. Assam ran toward the gunfire, taking down the shooter and saving countless lives.
2. Mark Vaughan in Moore, Oklahoma (2014)
Alton Nolen was charged with first-degree murder after beheading a Vaughan Foods worker. His rampage was stopped by Mark Vaughan, a reserve sheriff’s deputy and the company’s COO, who used his personal firearm to wound Nolen, preventing further loss of life.
3. Swift Response in Garland, Texas (2015)
During a Prophet Mohammed cartoon drawing contest, two gunmen opened fire outside the venue. Thanks to the swift reaction of police and security personnel, only the attackers were killed, averting a potential mass casualty event.
4. Armed Guard at Price Middle School, Atlanta, Georgia (2013)
A shooter opened fire at Price Middle School, wounding one student. However, an armed guard stationed at the school swiftly disarmed the suspect, preventing further injuries.
5. Sarah McKinley in Blanchard, Oklahoma (2012)
Shortly after her husband’s death, 18-year-old Sarah McKinley defended herself and her baby from a knife-wielding intruder attempting to break into her home. McKinley shot one suspect, killing him, and scared off a second intruder.
6. Samuel Williams at an Internet Cafe, Florida (2012)
When armed robbers stormed into an internet cafe, 71-year-old Samuel Williams pulled out his firearm and fired, causing the robbers to flee and preventing any harm to the patrons.
7. Ethel Jones in Alabama (2010)
At 69 years old, Ethel Jones heard a burglar breaking into her home. She fired three shots, wounding the intruder and scaring him off. The suspect was later arrested by police.
8. Teen Hero in Texas (2012)
A 14-year-old boy protected his younger siblings when an armed intruder broke into their home and threatened them. The boy fired at the intruder, injuring him and ensuring the safety of his family.
9. Pregnant Mother Defends Her Family, Ashtabula, Ohio
A pregnant mother of two defended her home when two intruders broke down her back door. She fired at the suspects as they climbed her stairs, hitting one and driving both away until the police arrived.
10. Jan Cooper in Southern California (2013)
Jan Cooper, 72, defended her home and her 85-year-old, wheelchair-bound husband when an intruder tried to break in. She fired a shot from her .357 Magnum, scaring the would-be burglar away.
CONCLUSION:
These instances highlight the importance of responsible gun ownership and the critical role armed citizens can play in protecting themselves and others. For every negative headline, there are countless stories of good guys with guns stopping bad guys and preserving the safety and freedoms we cherish.
