The intrusion of Hale DeMar’s home was certainly a horrifying event, although, in this case, he used his gun to stop an intruder.
Had things gone differently, his family could have had an even greater tragedy.
What if the intruder had gotten the gun away from him, or had stolen the gun during the first robbery, and was now returning armed?
Or if DeMar had mistaken a neighbor or family member for a returning robber?
Or if DeMar misfired, and accidentally shot himself, his children or a neighbor standing outside?
In many attempts at self-defense against a home intruder, these are the likely outcomes.
The fact that DeMar’s situation did not end in tragedy does not change the fact that guns in the home threaten public safety, and that DeMar broke the law.
