Both times, good guys with firearms were able to defend themselves against criminal attacks.
A clothing store owner was fortunate to be armed and ready when two alleged robbers attacked him late Thursday night. After being wounded, the employee managed to fire back with two of his legally registered weapons, killing one of his alleged attackers.
Police were called to the Humble and Paid Co. in East Hartford, Connecticut, at about 10:30 p.m. on reports that a pair of alleged attackers entered the store wearing black ski masks. One of the intruders shot the clerk in the lower back during a brief struggle between the two.
The courageous employee was somehow able to return fire, striking one of the suspects with several rounds. Police attempted to save the life of the alleged robber when they arrived.
The injured suspect was then transported by ambulance to a local hospital, where he later died. He was identified as 26-year-old Jashar Haslam of Hartford.
The clerk was also taken to a hospital for his gunshot wound to the back, and his wound is reportedly not life-threatening.
The second suspect managed to elude capture, and police report they are still searching for the would-be robber.
On Monday morning in Chicago, a 51-year-old man and 31-year-old woman knocked on the apartment door of an 80-year-old resident. It is unknown how they managed to gain entry, but the pair then attacked and beat the older man.
According to reports, the victim possessed an Illinois Firearms Owners Identification Card and had a legally owned weapon. The defender was able somehow to get his gun and fire one shot into the chest of the male attacker.
At that point both attackers turned and fled the apartment.
The 80-year-old victim was then transported to a local hospital where he is listed in critical condition. Just an hour later, the pair of alleged attackers appeared at the same hospital, and the 51-year-old male is also listed in critical condition.
The critically wounded attacker was charged by Chicago police with felony home invasion causing injury, aggravated battery causing great bodily harm, and aggravated battery of a victim over 60 years of age. The female faces a charge of felony home invasion causing great bodily harm.
The brave 80-year-old defender does not face charges, and our prayers are with him for a speedy recovery.
As is normal, these stories will not be the lead on the evening news or emblazoned across headlines. Civic leaders and lawmakers will not trumpet the ability of law-abiding citizens to defend themselves against those who threaten life and property.
But these incidents are real-life reminders that our Second Amendment rights are sacred. They did not form in a vacuum, but were etched in constitutional stone by people who knew the value of being capable of defending oneself against villainy and tyranny.
And they serve as shining examples of the unfortunate fact that we live in an increasingly violent world. Victimhood often comes down to a choice, and more and more Americans now choose to stand up to those who harbor no respect for human life.
It is the moral duty and obligation of every freedom-loving citizen to be aware of the threats posed by those who would strip away our precious liberties. When the world is a perfectly peaceful and harmonious place, we can discuss gun control again. Until then, we prefer to be prepared.
