There is.

In this country you don’t get to shoot people and claim self-defense to simply protect property.  It is specifically not a reason to claim self-defense.  Your life or someone else’s must be in danger.

Whether or not you like it or understand it, our constitution and law says we can carry firearms on our private property and other private property where invited and on others’ private property under many other circumstances.  We can also legally carry them in many public spaces, sometimes openly and sometimes concealed.

Our legal system also says an individual has the right to self-defense.  In some states you have to retreat, in some states you have to retreat outside but not inside your home (castle doctrine) and in some states you have no duty to retreat (stand your ground).  Attorneys and self-defense specialists generally advise to retreat as long as possible.


A jury has decided that in this case that legally carrying a firearm openly and legally is not a provocation that removes the carrier’s right to self-defense.  It is like the fist at the end of your arm - you can ball it up and use it offensively, or you can respond defensively.  Either way, legally, it was not adjudged here to be a provocation.


Could or should another interpretation be made the law in the USA and various states thereof?  Many opinions exist.  Time will tell.