COLUMBUS, OHIO — The least pleasant of all defensive gun use situations is the one played out against a family member. These are the last people any of us would wish harm upon and, unfortunately, one concealed carrier was forced to do so.
According to a Columbus police statement to the Columbus Dispatch News, a 21-year-old man was forced to shoot his own younger brother in the stomach after his brother tried to use a switchblade on him. A 911 call placed after the shooting noted that the older brother did his best to remain calm as his mother discovered her son shot in the stomach.
When police arrived to the scene, the man handed over his gun and permit and cooperated with the investigation. Little background was given into the potential reasons why his younger brother would attempt to stab him. They both lived at home with their mother and the domestic dispute turned deadly once a knife was brought into the picture.
“It appears it was self-defense,” said Columbus Police Sgt. Dave Sicilian to Dispatch News.
The concealed carrier’s younger brother died of his injuries after arriving at the hospital.
It’s truly sad to face an unexpected threat stemming from one’s own family. And it’s a scenario we’ve seen played out in multiple different situations. This obviously means that, as a concealed carrier or just a simple gun owner, we must also prepare ourselves for that bit of unpleasantness.
Elements such as mental illness and miscommunication can play a heavy role. In some cases, it’s pervasive drug addiction. The end is the same: your life comes first. You have every right to defend it and you should.
The idea that someone can just “move out” isn’t always an option. Either a family member is responsible for looking after his parents or it just isn’t financially feasible. In tense situations like this, it’s hard to broker some sort of peace that can save a life. As responsible gun owners, I’m sure we would all try.
I take no pleasure in reporting these sorts of incidents. If anything, I hope that someone else’s story resonates with those few readers who may have family members with a history of violence. It’s a tough road to hoe but protecting yourself should never come second.
Carry responsibly, de-escalate whenever you can, but always defend yourself.