Domestic Violence Ends With Deadly Force
After enduring months of physical abuse from a violent ex-convict, a 24-year-old Chicago woman ended her relationship using gunfire from her lawfully owned firearm.

According to Pioneer Press of Elmwood Park, Illinois, physical abuse in the relationship was common. From July through December 2019, the police were frequent visitors to the couple’s apartment, where the battered woman refused to press charges.

Shortly after dinner on Dec. 14, 2019, the man slapped and choked the woman while she was driving. Gas station video showed the assault. Later at the apartment, as violence began anew, the woman stopped the attack by shooting and killing her attacker.

The state attorney’s office refused to prosecute based on the burden of proof.

In Review:

While news reports are not a complete picture, here’s my analysis:

• Legal: This is a very close case because the threat to life was not immediate. The woman had tolerated violence for months and did not respond to acts that were a direct threat to her life earlier the same day. The state’s attorney did not press charges but also did not rule the case self-defense. • Tactical: It appears that the woman had little or no training. The use of the firearm was not dictated by any training.

• Training: Taking a USCCA training course could have helped prepare the woman not only for using the firearm but also for knowing when doing so was legal and justified.

No one was shot, and no one was robbed. A good day for the good guys.

Bottom Line:

This woman is lucky she is not on trial for murder or manslaughter.

What did the person in this incident do right? What would you have done differently?

Let us know in the USCCA Community forums!








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This October, the USCCA is giving away the opportunity to train at one of the best self-defense academies in the world! One winner — and his or her guest — will receive a six-night stay in Prescott, Arizona, to train at Gunsite Academy AND will be sent home with $4,180 worth of gear.
Activate your USCCA Membership for your chance to win. You'll also get FREE entry into our gun giveaway and a FREE Survival Kit bonus [$155 value]. View the giveaway details here.
Hitting Mailboxes Soon
The latest issue of Concealed Carry Magazine is hitting mailboxes soon! This month is all about defending your home. Learn how science plays a role in creating a home-defense plan, plus about the extra risks real estate agents face and how to avoid them: “Will Parker rather bluntly reminds his course attendees that the lessons they’re about to learn are written in the blood of realtors that came before them,” author Dorsey Kindler writes.






Make Your Voice Heard and Your Vote Count

As we draw closer and closer to Election Day, it’s imperative that we all take the time to carefully consider the possibilities that may await us … all based on a vote.

One of our most influential powers as American citizens is exercising our right to vote. However, with this power comes a very significant civic responsibility to thoughtfully work through the options and make informed decisions when electing representatives to office.

The problem is: Political rhetoric abounds. Logical fallacies are rampant. People are substituting memes for facts. And attacks on democracy are everywhere. So, it’s imperative that Americans are well-informed voters. Do your own research. Look at what the candidates stand for (and what they vote for). And think about what is most important — for you and your loved ones, and for the future of our country.

Of course, if one of the things that’s most important to you is the right to keep and bear arms, then you likely have a pretty good idea of which representatives will get your support. The firearms community has been very vocal and very clear about what to look for and why. But to those of you who have recently applied for a carry permit, purchased a gun, taken a firearms class or concluded that your life is worth protecting, you now understand what we’ve been saying all these years and what we’ve been fighting for. And you have all definitively proven the veracity and the significance of our Second Amendment.

Come this November (and beyond), be sure to make your voice heard and your vote count.


Read more articles by Beth Alcazar at USCCA.com.
USCCA Has the Information You Need

This month, USCCA wants to make sure you stay informed on the topics that matter to you. Keep an eye on the USCCA Blog to find out where politicians from both sides stand on the Second Amendment and other issues related to your right to keep and bear arms.