Are warning shots illegal?
In 2013, Joe Biden told a woman in an online town hall to “buy a shotgun” for self-defense.
He described the defense plan he gave to his wife, Jill.
“I said, ‘Jill, if there’s ever a problem, just walk out on the balcony here, walk out and put that double-barrel shotgun and fire two blasts outside the house.”
🥴
Later that year, in WA state, a man was charged with illegal aiming or discharging of a firearm.
He fired a warning shot to scare off a group of people attempting to break into his car.
Jeffrey Barton said, “I did what Joe Biden told me to do. I went outside and fired my shotgun in the air.”
🥴
The sheriff’s deputy on the case said, “current law does not afford people the right to just fire off their gun” unless they are acting in self-defense or a life-threatening situation.
Admittedly, I haven’t looked into the law in every state, but I live in WA, and warning shots are illegal.
Also?
Warning shots are an incredibly stupid defense plan.
PS: why is it so easy to find images of him doing this ridiculous pose?
I’ve gotten messages from well-meaning women telling me they would fire a warning shot because they’re not sure they could shoot someone.
I get it. But no.
Mindset matters here. You’re responsible for every round you fire.
Warning shots could end up injuring or killing an innocent bystander. And firing them at the ground? Ricochet isn’t something I’d take a chance on.
What leaves your firearm must land somewhere.
Also, if you have time to fire a warning shot, are you really in imminent fear of great bodily injury or death?
Maybe, but you can bet a good defense attorney will be all over this.
A better defense plan?
Training, education, and practice.
