Would you ever shoot someone over your property?
Tonight on the show, we'll discuss the 'shooting story' out of Sacramento, California. A 42-year-old man chased three teenagers away from his Honda Civic at 3AM last week.
The adult male was able to shoot one teen in the chest (serious condition, will recover), when he stated that 'it looked like the teenager was grabbing for something out of his pocket'.
Then he chased them to their 'get-a-way' car, and fired shot two more rounds at the car as it drove off. He said he wanted to 'mark the car' for the police to find later.
He was immediately arrested for deadly force, but the Sacramento DA's office has since decided to not press for any charges after many in the community became outraged over the man's initial arrest.
A wide majority of the community stated, "it's punishing the victim, and not the criminals." The youth have been apprehended and they face numerous charges, to be added to their already lengthly criminal record.
I'm wondering...should we be applauding the 'shooting at people' (teens) over our property?
These teens were outside on the street, near his driveway and his car. Yes, they were breaking into his vehicle. The car's owner grabbed his gun, and headed outside.
What was his intended goal here, to shoot or to scare off and report the crime? The wide majority is overjoyed at the DA's decision to NOT press any charges against the man.
I have great understanding (compassion) for this man's fear, his quick desire to protect his property and his family. Yet, I can't find it within myself to fire a gun at someone over my car, nor could I chase them down the road shooting at them as they drive off in my own neighborhood.
What if someone was killed, would it had been worth it for this man?
Today the man being praised for his civic example would be charged with a murder. The charges this man would be facing over taking another's life wouldn't register anywhere near his heart's cry. Knowing that he willingly exchanged a young, created 'icon of God' for the corruptible metal of a car.
What are we really 'protecting' here, what are we applauding, encouraging?
As we continue to live in an ever growing, violent culture...when faced with this type of ordeal, we all hope we'd react better, right? Take the car, I can always buy a new one.
The interest over this story creates a number of discussions:
1. How does self defense fit into our lives as Christians?
2. What about guns in the house; do you have a gun and would you use it to shoot another human being?
3. Would you shoot to kill?
4. Majority of the city says, it is "good" that this man wasn't charged? Is it?
5. Some churches have started arming security members at church, should we have guns in church?
We'll discuss this, and many other topics in Graceland, today on the show.
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