2024 saw numerous defensive gun use (DGU) incidents that underscored the importance of responsible firearm ownership and the right to self-defense. Here are the top 10 most-read articles on USA Carry, showcasing incidents where armed citizens protected themselves or others from imminent threats.
1. Intruder Critically Wounded by Muzzleloader in Vermont Home Defense Incident
In a unique home defense scenario, a Vermont resident used a muzzleloader to critically wound an intruder attempting to break into his home. The incident demonstrates that even a muzzleloader can serve as an effective tool for self-defense when no other options are available.
2. Grandfather of Teen Killed in Home Invasion Calls AR-15 Use ‘Unfair’
A controversial case where a homeowner used an AR-15 to defend against a home invasion, resulting in the death of a teenage intruder. The intruder’s grandfather labeled the use of such a firearm as ‘unfair,’ sparking debates on appropriate defensive measures.
3. Mountain Home Intruder Shot with .22 Rifle: Home Defense with a Smaller Caliber
This article discusses an incident where a homeowner successfully defended against an intruder using a .22 caliber rifle, highlighting that even smaller calibers can be effective in self-defense when used appropriately.
4. Man Fatally Shoots Attacker While Playing Pokémon Go in Anderson, Indiana
An Anderson man, engaged in a Pokémon Go-style scavenger hunt, was attacked and robbed. He responded by fatally shooting his assailant, with the local prosecutor indicating the act may be justified under Indiana’s self-defense laws.
5. 64-Year-Old Veteran Shoots Illegal Alien in Self-Defense During Facebook Marketplace Robbery Attempt
A 64-year-old veteran in Cullman, Alabama, was shot but managed to defend himself during a violent robbery attempt stemming from an online transaction, leaving both men injured.
6. Man Killed After Approaching Vehicle with Gun in Henderson Walmart Parking Lot
In Henderson, Nevada, a man was fatally shot after approaching a vehicle with a firearm in a Walmart parking lot, emphasizing the potential dangers of confrontations involving firearms.
7. Snake No Match for Gun As Man Attempts to Rob Store with Five-Foot Snake
A bizarre incident in Memphis, Tennessee, where a man attempted to rob a convenience store using a five-foot snake as a weapon, only to be thwarted by an armed store employee.
8. Shooting at Convenience Store Leaves One Dead, Another Seriously Injured: A Lesson on Overpenetration and Ammunition Choices
A convenience store shooting that resulted in one fatality and another serious injury, serving as a critical lesson on the importance of ammunition choice and the risks of overpenetration in defensive shootings.
9. Watch Retired NYPD Cop Shoot Machete-Wielding Man in Road Rage Incident
A retired NYPD officer was involved in a road rage incident on Staten Island, New York, where he shot a man armed with a machete, showcasing the unpredictable nature of self-defense situations.
10. 85-Year-Old Woman Fatally Shoots Home Intruder with .357 While Handcuffed to a Chair
An extraordinary case in Bingham County, Idaho, where an 85-year-old woman, while handcuffed to a chair, managed to fatally shoot a home intruder with a .357 revolver, demonstrating remarkable resilience and preparedness.
These stories highlight the varied and complex nature of defensive gun uses across the United States, reflecting the importance of self-defense rights and responsible firearm ownership.
