Do You Tell A Home Invader You’re Armed OR NOT?

[@USCCAOfficial]

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[@deker0954]

In the right state they will pretty much assume you are armed.

[@deker0954]

Have small speakers installed all over the house. Ask pertinent questions.

[@richarddeloatch7451]

Is 8316 legacy road new Carlton Maryland zip code 20784 0:57

[@DeanCalaway]

Amazing how law aiding citizens have to walk on egg shells to defend themselves and the stuff they bought with their hard work.

[@deker0954]

All lights on. All cameras active.

[@darinwoody5542]

Agreed.

[@little_blue_wagon]

100 percent agree. If someone has the nerve to break in my home they know the risk. Clearing the home room by room shouldn't be discouraged legally. The intruder is in MY house

[@504Trey]

​​@@little_blue_wagon U can't just do what u want! That's considered premeditated murder! This is why guns should be banned from all citizens because yall are just some trigger happy animals ready to kill people!

[@stevelopez372]

@@little_blue_wagon Agreed, the sign in front of my home advises anyone who wants to break in, first get right with Jesus and tell him your coming.

[@markgoostree6334]

I am not a Marine. I've heard the Marine position is "if you find yourself in a fair fight.... your tactics SUCK." I live alone. I do not have "late night unexpected visitors". I will not give warning... first shot is sufficient.

[@kronosbot5]

Any fair fight is a fight you can lose.

[@Adam.Rushing]

Former US Army Infantryman, and former LEO here. You're 100% correct, and I'm glad to hear it.

[@whereisyourhumanity7557]

Right? Fair fight? Level playing field? Nope. This isn't the Olympics.

[@strokin3s]

We need to bring back common sense in our country and judicial system! It’s simple, don’t play stupid games and you won’t win stupid prizes!

[@whereisyourhumanity7557]

The problem with our system is...justice can't be applied, until AFTER the harm is done.

[@tclodfelter8789]

They may come in vertical...they WILL go OUT horizontal!

[@Daves_Not_Here_Man_76]

Or in a bucket. Depends on whether or not you use a shotgun

[@peanutx64]

Nice! 👏

[@tinicoleofficial]

😂

[@rangersmith4652]

Some DA is going to read those words to your jury as evidence that you were predisposed to violence. And they will listen.

[@williamwofford2503]

reminds me of a movie line i saw .....you have the right to remain dead ,you have the right to a coroner ,you will say nothing cause you are dead , so it can't be used against me .

[@jude.v25]

Someone who breaks into a home, knowing you're home is the worst kind of offender. He either does not care or cannot care that you're home. Either way, extremely dangerous.

[@AMX86]

NEVER give up the element of surprise. You have the advantage in knowing the layout, so don't announce your position or LEGAL intention.

[@thickoc4539]

Right? I'll take my chances in court, before dieing.

[@TheMelnTeam]

If you're alone, sure. If you're not, and you want to protect someone else, it might be better to announce. Same if you have reason to expect family at that time etc. Announce gives up some advantage, but it's easier than sight id on someone who might be armed to make sure it's not family before shooting for example.

[@stevelopez372]

@@thickoc4539 Makes sense. But not in California, you don’t want to be judged by a jury that voted for Newsom. Your family will end up in the streets. Your life insurance will give them a chance. The old saw, judged by twelve rather than carried by six. Has been blown up in Cali. Lol.

[@thickoc4539]

@@stevelopez372 I'm from Fresno. Definitely taking my chances. God bless ya buddy, hope you manage to to gtfo one day.

[@whereisyourhumanity7557]

I have hidey holes and fortified positions in my home. And I practice reaching them silently.

[@offworlder1]

Never give away your position to a home invader or invaders. The element of surprise is how you survive, you have no way to know if the person is armed or not.

[@WarriorSoul357]

Or how many of them there are. They're usually, not alone.

[@kentuckybowl-o-sticks]

BINGO! They'll find out if I'm armed soon enough...

[@epickett63]

I've thought about being able to trigger a warning that sounds from a different room than you're in. So you have the advantage of scaring them out if they don't want a fight, while not giving away your real position if they DO want a fight...

[@iseeyou8781]

You should know your home like the back of your hand in the dark. An intruder won’t. Sit tight, they’ll give their position away. Confirm the target and they’ll never know what hit them.

[@anthonyjenkins2001]

I shouldnt have to announce anything. He knows what he's doing is wrong.

[@sumdumcat]

There are folks out here who do have a 2 story home, with the parents sleeping upstairs and the kids downstairs or vice-versa. I would never announce to the intruders I am home and I am armed. It could then become a hostage situation. And my kids lives are worth far more than mine. It is our job as parents to protect them. So no, I would not give an intruder(s) a chance. They made the decision to break the law and endanger the life of my family. To bad, so sad for them.

[@robr1656]

They broke into, entered a person's home, castle without permission. They have done wrong! Why is this even a discussion?!

[@robr1656]

@@phprofYT There is a remedy for that.

[@TheMelnTeam]

Legally, it should not be a discussion, but it is. Tactically, it's less evident what course of action keeps you and your family most safe.

[@robr1656]

@TheMelnTeam There need to be constitutional civil liberty HEAVY retraining done for ALL public servants at EVERY level!

[@ChadBoss-qr4hl]

Just lie and say you warned them. How are they going to prove otherwise, it's your word against the guy committing a felony.

[@carlosa.sanchez896]

@@ChadBoss-qr4hl Assuming that the POS is even alive to talk.

[@Huey290-tk9pb]

"Did you tell him you were armed?" - "Is he dead?" - "Yes, he is dead" - "Yup, totally told him and everything"

[@ChadBoss-qr4hl]

Even if he survived, it's your word against the guy committing a burglary in your house. Just say you did and get your wife to back you if need be. It's pretty absurd to have to even think about this. It's probably a good idea to know what the right answers to these kinds of questions are and what your chances are of being caught in a lie. For this particular one the chances seem pretty low. Alternatively, if you're some kind of goodie-goodie George Washington who cannot tell a lie, just whisper it before opening fire. Not your problem if the guy is hard of hearing.

[@josecunha6974]

EXACTLY......

[@oldcop18]

Back in the early ‘70s I responded to a daylight burglary in progress. Another officer & I searched the house, went down to the basement & found the bad guy had tucked himself behind the water heater and a wall. The lady was alone at the time and was much relieved when we took the time to do a thorough look-see.

[@phiberoptik232]

The locked, front door was there for their protection, not mine.

[@Kamawah]

Hell no, nothing beats the element of surprise!

[@rangersmith4652]

And you mean to exercise that element of surprise how, by sneaking down the stairs to cap the guy while his back is turned? Good luck in court.

[@tclodfelter8789]

The fact that we have LAWYERS...DEFENDING these scumbags is infuriating!!

[@leezuehlke3271]

Everyone has the RIGHT to a defense. Are you the scumbag (as you put it) if the DA decides to charge you for shooting someone in your house on a technically?

[@rangersmith4652]

The fact that we have LAWYERS...DEFENDING these scumbags is the way the US legal system of presumptive innocence works. It will work that way for you if you're charged with a crime and somebody thinks you're a scumbag. Unless you prefer that some random person's assertion that you're a scumbag be the end of it and it's off to prison for you.

[@tclodfelter8789]

@@leezuehlke3271 You must have misread my comment. I absolutely agree! Everyone has the RIGHT to defend themselves, families and home!! The fact that someone (the scumbag) breaks into your (my) home, and let's face it...with ILL INTENTIONS ... you or I shoot them...and there are lawyers defending THEM for ILLEGALLY BREAKING into YOUR (MY) home!?? And for the COURTS to even HEAR the cases... !? It's outrageous!

[@deker0954]

Everyone has a right to legal representation. This ain't Cuba.

[@tclodfelter8789]

@@deker0954 It's not a case of mistaken identity! The lawyer should get the same sentence! You have people ON VIDEO committing crimes and being let go... only to repeat their crimes on someone else!

[@KG-wz5ml]

I don't believe in interfering with an enemy in the proccess of destroying themselves.

[@itchysheets1222]

I never considered warning someone, I figured the first shot would give them a clue

[@504Trey]

You're going to jail buddy

[@mikemccarthy6939]

@@504Trey no he is not stop with that nonsense

[@504Trey]

@@mikemccarthy6939 Be quiet criminal

[@ChadBoss-qr4hl]

If the investigator asks just lie and say you warned them. How are they going to prove otherwise even if still alive. Or if you're the type that always must tell the truth just whisper it-- it's not your problem if the guy committing a felony in your home doesn't have good hearing. This is absurd. I don't doubt people have gotten dinged in court for this because our activist courts are a joke... but I can't believe nobody figured out that the easy work around is just to lie.

[@tclodfelter8789]

But for the FACT they ILLEGALLY broke into the home...I DON'T OWE THEM SQUAT!!

[@Mike-In-O-Town]

I don't know. I might argue you "owe them" four or five rounds of 00 buck.

[@1968CudaGuy]

And dead men tell no tales..

[@tclodfelter8789]

@@1968CudaGuy Like I told someone else...I don't call 911...I AM 911... 57 acres and a backhoe! I'll bury them IN their vehicle! It's not my fault they didn't tell anyone where they were going at 3am!

[@504Trey]

Yes u do or you're going to jail buddy 👌🏾

[@jeremiahhively3025]

That's right

[@CTDenero]

I would think the RED LINE was that locked door they just came through. I hate that criminals have more rights than a rightfully armed and educated citizen just protecting what’s theirs.

[@rafaelmadrigal9038]

To be fair, a home invader needs to notify his victim a 40 day notice of his intended crime to allow the victim to leave and the criminal will not be harm by the home owner. It sounds ridiculously stupid but that’s how the victim is confronted by the prosecutor who seeks a way to charge the victim after an attack by a repeat offender. “ You were finding an excuse to shoot him. And this was your day to do it.

[@1scooterpilot1]

Announcing your armed gives away your location and takes away your tactical advantage.

[@andrewbeaupre1867]

Announce a millisecond before squeezing that trigger. Seems to work well, and a warning was given.

[@aolvaar8792]

Half a belt (45 rounds) of your SAW249 does the same.

[@blaineyuen8540]

They’ll find out soon enough.

[@yourroyallioness6607]

I’m a single woman and I’m pretty sure that a bad guy (or gal) would assume that I’m an easy target because of my friendly demeanor; and what’s perceived as naïveté. If somebody breaks into my home at 3a, I’m not announcing anything! I’m just going to let that Hellcat pro (everyday carry), it’s laser and its sights do that talking. If this devil is still trying to terrorize me after the security system goes off and is still blaring…that tells me they have nothing to lose and care nothing about taking my life. I happen to be a bw, and I’m so glad to see that more bw are getting their firearms and training. This world is growing more wicked and evil by the day. I’m a law abbiding citizen who deserves the right to protect herself. It infuriates me, that I have to justify my actions after such a violation of a HOME INVASION. This person was not ringing/knocking on the door and I blindly fired through the door. The enemy was ALREADY IN and seeking to do, who knows what to me. This is one of the reason I will always be glad to be Texas born, Texas bred. 💯

[@davidransom4476]

Some of what's said in the video makes a case for the fancy house lights controlled by your phone. If you are upstairs turn on the kitchen and then the living room lights. They'll be backlit. I sleep with the bedroom door locked. A door forced open is hard for them to make an innocent argument.

[@lifebreath77]

A good weapon mounted light and knowledge of how to use it under stress is far superior to relying on house lights.

[@Van-zf9iw]

After you shoot them, tell them whatever you want. If you have the right home defense weapon, they won't hear you.

[@CombatVeteranUSNAVY]

LOL!

[@ryanandbrookemontgomery5397]

The issue I have is you never bring up the fact that many people including me have small children that are not in our bedroom or even next to our bedroom that I would have to go to if someone came into our house at night. You should do a video on that since a ton of people could relate I feel like. I don’t have the privilege of just waiting in my bedroom when my kids could be in danger lol

[@jw5297]

Right. Maybe it's the Ranger in me but when looking at buying a home I look at how I could take it, then look at how I can defend it. Modern homes are made so poorly for defending them it's comical. Locks on doors only keep honest people honest. I have a fun house for an intruder. I can tell where they are by the motion activated plugs in outlets with different colored bulbs so I know exactly what room they're in by the color cast. I won't have an issue of kids sneaking in and out as all doors and windows are alarmed and tampering with them sets them so I know. I won't go to bed until everyone is accounted for, and I have perimeter cameras that signal my phone if someone is within their view. This gives me an early warning sign someone's close to the house, once inside the cameras view for X time, the cameras start screaming an alarm to alert the trespasser they're on notice, also alerting my neighbors. If they've done all that and the siren is screaming in my home, and the security company telling them they're calling the cops isn't enough warning, yeah they want to meet me bad enough to catch a couple rounds.

[@frozenninja4030]

Kevin has actually talked about this before. His recommendation was to have a secure safe in the kid's room, or wherever you are intending to defend, with a firearm staged and ready to go. Obviously it should be away from anywhere the kids could come in contact with it and the safe should be tamper proof on the off chance the kid does come across it. The last thing you want is to go defend the kids and realize that, in your haste and likely panic, you forgot your weapon in your bedroom.

[@ryanandbrookemontgomery5397]

@@frozenninja4030 yeah as a gun owner who owns way to many guns I have a few staged it’s just the situation he is talking about with a upstairs and not pushing the guy in the house is not possible in my situation. I live in a single story home with a front door in the middle and bedrooms on both sides of the house. I unfortunately would have to meet the intruder and clear the area otherwise my kids could be in danger. I also have 6 cameras installed and multiple layers of defense but still they are on the other side of the house

[@ryanandbrookemontgomery5397]

@@jw5297 yeah I get that I live in the country on 13 acres but in a single wide lol. My wife and I plan on building a house someday hopefully in the near future and it will be laid out different for sure. I have 6 cameras with a monitor in my bedroom set up for night time. I plan on getting a dog and have multiple locks on the doors. It’s just the bedrooms are on opposite ends of the house since it’s a trailer and I would def have to meet my intruder not just let him be in the house and stay in the bedroom since my kids are on the opposite end. I’m not that worried since I live in the middle of nowhere but always try to be prepared.

[@jw5297]

@ryanandbrookemontgomery5397 I was agreeing with you. My later comments were related to how I am about a house when buying. I also have the pictures used to market the home removed from all MLS sites. So someone can not sit outside and look at pictures of inside my house to try and navigate through it

[@EC-mc7vg]

Yes, you let them know you are armed.....that loud BANG noise should be sufficient to clue them in.

[@JamesSmullins]

Not saying a word about being armed, I live in Texas and once you've broken into my home specially after dark (that includes property theft and damage outside the home at night as well) I don't have to warn about anything. At the first sight of them they will be shot. And frankly saying I have a gun could lead some drugged up thug to shoot in my direction first. Not a option for me.

[@Kyle-sr6jm]

God bless Texas

[@1099Kramo]

Well, if they’re not going to tell me that they’re breaking in, I’m not telling them I’m armed.

[@whspioneer89]

Has Tom defended a home invader in criminal court and then also defended the home owner whose home was invaded and shot the home invader and was being charged ?

[@thickoc4539]

He used to be a prosecuting attorney I think. I believe him.

[@Wild_Bill57]

In Polk County Florida, my sheriff, GRADY JUDD has already warned them, my job is to prove he’s not a liar, but like he says, if you give up peacefully, glad to deal with it that way. I live alone, in a double wide with only with exits at one end, so their way in is my way out.

[@thatrandomguyish8739]

I’m in Orlando.. Judd is the truth!!!! And funny as H3ll 🤣

[@f.f.s.d.o.a.7294]

Is there a second way out in case of a fire?

[@jeffreypinder9398]

Great video. Tough situation. Racking a 1911 or a 12 gauge pump should be enough of a deterrent but who knows. We have 3 cats, 10 years old that sleeps upstairs either in our room or in the hallway by the stairs that is always aware of everything is big enough to make noise that wakes me up. A 6 year old cat that is afraid of everything and will run away from any noise whether the basement or front door. Then we have the 3 year Norwegian Forest cat who fears nothing. My state has the Castle Doctrine but we are still supposed to attempt to retreat...which is total BS at 2am. I have motion lights in my house for nighttime movement which I can see when our daughter that lives in the basement comes up for snack time.

[@pzkw6759]

Imho, yelling out to the intruder(s) is akin to a squad of soldiers yelling out to the enemy that they are walking into an ambush. Besides that, the intruder(s) now know your approximate location within the house. Why afford them that luxury?

[@SplashOfOrange]

Given proper Castle Doctrine I am not required to provide verbal warning to someone who enters my home illegally and appears aggressive. That said, knowing that most bad guys are looking for easy prey, I think I would announce (shout, yell, aggressively, with authority -- not like I'm having a pleasant conversation) something simple -- "I have a gun". I actually rehearse this in my drills because I want it to be as close to 2nd nature as possible for a scenario I hope I'm never actually in. I don't want to shoot anyone, I hope they turn tail and leave, but if they don't leave immediately after that warning I think I will have cleared any legal complications. That said, any announcement whatsoever is secondary and only to protect myself because that's the crazy litigious world we live in. I feel no obligation to announce my gun and not being able to do so isn't going to stop me from defending. If the situation calls for stealth, no problem, I'll take the shot sans announcement and take my chances that the situation will in fact vindicate my actions.

[@loquat44-40]

You could yell: I have a gun, please help me make my day.

[@JesusistheonetrueGod]

What if they say "so what?"

[@loquat44-40]

@@JesusistheonetrueGod I guess they find out exactly what is what.

[@WarriorSoul357]

"Alexa. Play Dirty Harry, Do you feel lucky Clip over kitchen speakers."

[@SplashOfOrange]

@@JesusistheonetrueGod as stated, then it's time to defend the castle/home, whatever that looks like under the circumstances. No problem.

[@CaptainRudy4021]

I've heard stories of armed home owners would announce that they're armed, and the intruder(s) would rush them. Makes you wonder if it's worth it.

[@jeremywills9303]

The only warning they are getting from me is when their central nervous system says "ouch" after they've forced my hand and left me no other choice. If a home invader does not understand the sound of a 12 gauge shotgun going click clack maybe they need to not be breaking into houses and get a real job like the rest of us.

[@bigaarmory100]

Defend your family, defend yourself and defend your home. Shoot to eliminate the threat then there is no “alternate story” to the defensive shooting.

[@Kragatar]

What I hate about the law is that it literally tells you "keep thievery profitable". If people were taught to get after a thief regardless of danger, thievery would be a much less appealing profession. As it stands, thieves know that even if the house is occupied and armed, 95% of the time they will walk away scott free with a nice load of money and valuables, and if they do get hurt, they walk away with enough lawsuit money to live on for life. The law rewards crime and punishes justice.

[@MrTheDif]

From a purely tactical viewpoint, no, you don't give a warning. From a legal standpoint? You mileage may vary depending on your state/county/city.

[@MultiPurposeReviewer]

This is the more detailed version of "If you hear a home invader, do you rack the shotgun pump, or have one loaded already?" I also seem to recall reading 4 general rules for home invaders if you do have to shoot: 1. Never shoot them in the back. 2. Never shoot them after they're on the ground. 3. Never shoot them while they're in a doorway to the house. 4. If you have to shoot them, make sure they're gone. They can't testify against you if they aren't around anymore.

[@MultiPurposeReviewer]

@@twentyfifthdui4717 I agree with your logic, but whether the justice system agrees is going to depend on where you live. I live in a very liberal city that neuters the police and makes the criminals into victims; if I were to shoot a home invader as they're running away from me (regardless of why), I fully believe that would work against me, because "he was running away, so he wasn't a threat to you. Why did you shoot him?" Like I said, I agree with you, but unfortunately, some places see more value in the criminal.

[@jfupton1763]

​@@MultiPurposeRevieweryeppers, unfortunately the rights of the criminals uphold in certain districts. Still cannot hesitate to defend yourself and loved ones.

[@firstcynic92]

If someone broke your window they weren't needing help.

[@DrVaneaton1]

The best fight is the one you don't have.

[@USCCAOfficial]

10000000%

[@lifebreath77]

A good weapon light that you know how to use on any home defense firearm. Threat ID, stay hidden until needed, can temporarily blind and startle threat can move tactically if need by using intermittently. Train with someone who’s well qualified!

[@Unsavouryflint]

I get it, he's a lawyer, but it sounds like he's combining castle with duty to retreat.

[@howardrichburg2398]

If you neutralized the threat to room temp, you could just say you announced you had a gun.

[@ChadBoss-qr4hl]

Or just say it anyway. How would they know you're lying?

[@mickeyglenn8936]

In Michigan it's tough, because our castle doctrine , states that it is for self preservation of your life and life of others Not property. And we have seen in Michigan, the prosecutor in blue counties go for the totality of circumstances, and they have prosecuted those HO who shot first instead of either hiding or calling 911 . Wayne county is a perfect example.

[@justsomeguyontheinternet5331]

In Texas, we can use deadly force in defense of property at all times, and in response to "criminal mischief" and night. And it doesn't say I can't be all "lights out, NODS down" and go for it. But if you're in a commie county, you're milage my vary

[@epickett63]

But if someone is in your house uninvited and unwanted, I'd submit your life IS in danger. The legal representation in Michigan I talked to said you aren't even required to determine if an intruder is armed before you can use deadly force. Now, if someone is stealing your car, you're just SOL for using deadly force.

[@GatorsRock01]

If somebody illegally entered your home there is no further question. I agree with turn on the lights, announce you're armed then take it from there...

[@alhorn2664]

The best thing is to only let them know when the gun goes bang, and hope for the best from the local persecutor.

[@flyoverkid55]

The only indication the intruder will have that I'm armed is a muzzle flash and bang! as he's taking rounds. I live in a State where the law supports home defenders, the State A.G. understands that home invaders aren't delivering hot meals to the infirm.

[@r.f.pennington746]

In law enforcement, we never cleared a room solo. Minimum two, better is three. I still hold to that today. Next point: when kids were still little-ish, lived in a two story Victorian home with a basement. We were upstairs, but kids upstairs, main floor and oldest in the basement. Hit me one night while trying to fall asleep that this was a logistical/tactical nightmare if the house ever got invaded. Had some really, really upset kiddos when that got corrected. Would like to hear from other experiences, but for mine most single-invaders were usually drunk or high and looking for a quick scout through the medicine cabinet. Most plural-invaders were a bit more prepared and looking for big ticket items. These professional thieves, as noted, knew all the right things to say and do in preparation for maybe getting caught.

[@zero5374]

Always have a positive identification of a threat. You don't want to atf your own dog. Room clearing is extremely risky even if you know how, and should be a last resort. Take the lazy way, don't do more then you need to. Barricades and barriers to entry are amazing.

[@randyrstevens4403]

NO, they didn't warn you of thier invasion, why would you warn them that you have a weapon.

[@justindudenhefer4261]

I think the most important thing that was said, 'Know the laws in your jurisdiction'. Understand they are talking in generalities and cannot be specific, the videos would be two hours long.

[@easttexassplendor9670]

what about a pump shotgun that racks when the alarm trips? There is about to be a product on the market which is like a ringphone with a 12g pump attached to it

[@jimwetzel1635]

My inclination is "no." That's giving tactical information to the enemy.

[@jimwetzel1635]

Of course, I didn't know the alternative presented was to be silent. The preferred alternative, in my mind, is: "I know you're there. Police have been called. Get out of my house."

[@BigDaddySwingingMeat]

@@jimwetzel1635 The preferred alternative in your scenario also gives tactical information to the enemy. Also, there could be more than one intruder in your house and you've now given your location to anyone within earshot. Not a good idea.

[@fredziffel3443]

Nope... he/she/they broke into a home with criminal intent, KNOWING the homeowner is likely armed (welcome to America). This leads one to believe the intruder is PREPARED to use DEADLY FORCE. I ask any vet : wherever your deployment... did you shout out to the enemy? "Hey, I'm over here and I'm armed ! Come any closer and I'll shoot !" Not there, not in my home.

[@MikeNoyes]

Does your advice change for people living in rural areas where law enforcement response times are not measured in minutes?

[@Wyzevibez]

Why do criminals have more rights than law abiding citizens??

[@jaye4111]

You’ll know I’m armed when you hear the sound of my gun going off, and the round hitting your body.

[@davidbrattain1446]

We have always had motion alarms in the house. If someone breaks in and sets off the alarm that is enough warning in my book. If they persist after that, then my next line of defense would be to shoot.

[@Michael-st1hl]

Short answer, NO, you always want to have the element of surprise. Same as you never advertise your a CCL holder. Personally, a home invader scenario has already been firmly established in my mind. One foot in and my magazine becomes much lighter. That simple. It’s my God given right to defend myself and family, no need to twist yourself in a pretzel about it folks.

[@garymartin6987]

Any unidentified intruder will know I'm armed the moment a large hole appears in their chest. They've broken in and are now on my turf. What happens happens.

[@leonharris1329]

Every home invader should be met with overpowering resistance and at the least extended jail time.

[@nickgibb4687]

they dont get to ask that

[@thomthompson9217]

Whether to announce or not is completely dependent on 1)the location of one’s residence in relation to the availability of police services. 2)The likelihood or unlikelihood of ANY friend or family member breaching our deadlocked doors and alarm system.(all other family member live at least 1700 miles away and are clearly aware of our remote location and scenario training plan). 3)We have an imposing K9 as a primary warning 4) Seconds count in such a situation so We have trained to use lethal force to all who would move further into our home to breach our safe room doors. Though We live in a constitutional carry state and exercise that right 24/7, we also remain current in the state and municipal laws regarding use of force. If we were living in a metro or suburban area, and other family members lived close to us our security plan would be markedly different. However, we would never voluntarily abandon the rural lifestyle; especially after first hand experience living in a repressive leftist state. With a large dog, a video surveillance system and entry alarms signs stating our property is posted are also in plain view.

[@michaelmaultsby895]

What about saying, “I am armed and have called the police”?

[@CombatVeteranUSNAVY]

Better!

[@ghost307]

Loudly load the gun and say in a clear voice "You need to leave my house". That click will do all the talking for you.

[@vincentalessi1307]

Okay so the bad guy(s) say they don't have bad intentions. Then just call the police and wait. Never engage any bad guys on your own, wait for help or wait for the bad guys to try to get you, and defend with as much force as required to stop the threat.

[@MrTheDif]

While you're waiting, they maybe be hunting you down. "Never engage on your own" is terrible blanket advice. Sometimes you must.

[@emkay952]

By definition a "bad guy" would have bad intentions, otherwise they'd be good guys and not be breaking into houses.

[@Kyle-sr6jm]

Easy to say. But if you have kids, are you going to let an intruder run free in your house while you wait for cops?

[@BruceCross]

They can't plausibly claim they have no bad intentions after they've broken into your house. Their behavior indicates they're lying.

[@glasshalffull2930]

I’ve got a security system/two armed guards that protect the house 24/7. Of course they’re armed with teeth, but they are incredibly vigilant and work for room and board. There won’t be any lying quietly as they’ll take the fight to the intruder.

[@newenglandrider3189]

For legal reasons you always tell the police after the fact that you did indeed announce you were armed.

[@MrTheDif]

If you've got a ring camera or something, they will get that and then accuse you of lying and then you're screwed.

[@MrTheDif]

@@svbarryduckworth628 True. But if you have your own system, it may or may not have been working on that day and no one can say otherwise.

[@MrTheDif]

@@svbarryduckworth628 Hopefully they don't seize the recordings on the scene. But yeah, you'd better be REAL sure. Likely not worth the risk though.

[@joejoyce5966]

Don't talk to police ,go to hospital and call a lawyer

[@GladIfoundthis]

​@@joejoyce5966This is the best advice.

[@dcerame]

Not one word... He surprised me. It would be rude to not reciprocate...

[@MatthewsTrueShow]

The only thing they "MIGHT" here is the click off of the safety of the shotgun/AR

[@dogsnmotorcycles]

Home invader will figure it out when the bullet hits the bone...

[@TheRcquint2004]

🛑Wait a minute. "Byron Smith" had a very famous case! He was a quiet, upstanding, vet that had 2 kids breaking into his home repeatedly. It was Thanksgiving and he correctly presumed that if he moved his truck, they would assume that he was not home and take advantage of that. He installed cameras to prove who the culprits were from the previous break in. He laid in wait, and as predicted they came back for the easy score. I was absolutely floored when he was convicted and sentenced to life! The prosecution used all of this elderly man's precautions against him. He successfully argued that it was entrapment. After watching that gavel-to-gavel coverage, my faith in our legal system became jaded. Listen to the incident: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJm4n2iZh691mLs

[@MrTheDif]

In this case, I would have to agree, it was murder. Enticement is not the way to take care of the problem. He could have watched them remotely and called the police. Or, he could have just taken care of it and not told anyone.

[@WheelgunsOnWheels]

I mean that’s premeditated AF. He should have improved the outdoor lighting, had motion triggered lighting, clearly posted alarm protection and an audible alarm. If he had the time and forethought to set the trap and await their execution he had time for the above mentioned measures. No one would be dead and no one would be in prison besides the burglars.

[@michaelfurst7017]

I have 2 Belgian Malinois dogs who are kind of protective. I’m pretty sure that would be enough to create a disincentive to do anything but run like hell by an intruder. I’m absolutely sure they would clear the rooms pretty quickly. I think it would a better bet to also announce that I’m armed in an effort to drive away an intruders. If that somehow didn’t work and an intruder kept coming, I’m guessing using using firearms would be fully justified.

[@turgityfarms3752]

I'm of the lay low, and ambush mentality. Next is disposal. I would never involve authorities.

[@horustwohawks]

Different situation, but perhaps relevant... I'm gonna keep this short.., I faced an uncertain situation at the other side of the front door, being prompted by knocking in the middle of the night by men calling themselves 'the police' saying they had been called there. I was already alarmed and armed, and (through the door) I let them know (in so many words) ...I had not called the police, that their presence was alarming (I could tell the court I was in fear of my life and giving fair warning...), I was armed and ready to defend myself if they took any untoward actions, and that I was calling the police (to confirm), ...as well as some other things while they pressed to confront me from the other side of the door and I took cover. POINT IS, circumstance and discretion informs policy and judgment... this was not the only time I was ever confronted "through the front door" by strangers. In some of those situations, but not all because not all are the same, I felt it helpful to my safety to make a declaration. You may run into a situation where you are better off judging what's best. BEST THING: train, discuss & exercise scenarios for creating brain~muscle memory, be prepared to think on your feet. (That's what how we did it in racing school/community, and it saved lives.)

[@phenamenol]

Most of the times the criminals assume the house is empty of humans … I envy you guys in the USA who have the right to carry and defend yourselves because the sound of that Glock 20 or 29 10mm going boom will make that would be robber rethink his life choices even if he is not hit …personally why should I advertise my presence plus tell the criminal I am armed ? hell no .. he knew the chance he was taking when he broke in so he has to face the music …and I did warn him .. wasn’t my door locked ? This is simply saying that the homeowner should shoot to kill …officer I warned him three times …Nam Jamaica

[@saul2571]

I like the Bible's view on this. Exodus 22:2 If a thief be found breaking in, and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him.

[@christophermitchell7925]

“I surrender”…”GET OUT!!!” “My buddy needs help”…”THIS ISN’T THE ER! TAKE HIM THERE OR CALL 911 LIKE I JUST DID!” The goal of home defense is to defend your home, yourself and your family from violence and the threat of death. I understand that when someone invades your home it violates your safety and security, along with your piece of mind, but hunting down a home invader or invaders is a bad idea, even in a state with strong castle doctrine laws. That said, there are situations where it’s not only warranted, but necessary, such as if your family isn’t all together in the same part of the home. However I’m also not willing to just sit idly by and wait the 10-15 minutes (or longer) for the police to show up. I’m going to arm myself, take up a defensive position, announce my presence and the fact that I’m armed, and that the police have been notified and are on their way. In all honesty I don’t want a home invader to be able to flee without being arrested. He’s just going to do the same thing to someone else if he isn’t captured. If he runs, I’m not legally allowed to use deadly force to stop him, but if he doesn’t I can hold him until police arrive. If he’s armed, and I feel my family and I are threatened, I can and will use the tools at my disposal to eliminate that threat.

[@thijshagenbeek6554]

When you're home is being broken into or actually invaded the propper way to announce your displeasure aswell as the fact you are very well aware of your constitutional rights is to shoot first and ask questions later.

[@stevel6220]

I think a better question is: If someone is still outside your home and trying to break in, do you shout a warning through the door or confront them via the ring doorbell or something like that?

[@harleyvulcancobra4.619]

No! I don’t know if he’s armed so I blast away! If it’s dark to say something gives my position away!😎A person must not wait to see if the intruder is going to shoot first! If the intruder shoots first you may not get a shot off in time! Your life is at risk and your family! If kids are in the house you can’t start talking and give them a chance to shoot first,I mean you don’t know if the intruder is a cold blooded murderer or not!

[@tylerkern9685]

If it is to my tactical advantage the only works I give him about a weapon is "I am willing to defend myself/family"

[@kronosbot5]

I am under no obligation to give any preference whatsoever to someone who has already violated the law. Breaking and entering into someone else's home, they have no idea what other laws you might be willing to cross. They are obligated to give themselves and their families the preference in every conceivable contingency. To offer a criminal any chance to harm yourself or your family is irresponsible at best and does not bear consideration in the face of preferable alternatives. The only person who could have a legitimate grievance regarding such appropriate treatment of a home invader would be the criminal in question; and if they were treated appropriately, then they will not be in any state fit to offer said grievance.

[@andredapice1364]

You discussed a 2 story scenario. What is your suggestion on a single story 1 family home with 3 bedrooms within 25 + ft of the front and rear doors.

[@chrisclark5204]

I see a problem when they say turn on the lights. If you are in an upstairs bedroom, you are not going to be able to turn on lights in your living room, kitchen, family room, office.

[@Fenril76]

Great advice both ways. I guess when the time comes, let’s see how I will react.

[@BernardoLora1]

Question: I saw someone with a sign at their door that read "Never mind the dog, beware of the owner" and it had a drawing with a hand pointing a firearm. Is that a good idea?

[@The_Rob_D]

This is another question I’ve never even contemplated. The exact moment I KNOW this is a grown person, that person is done, call the ME. If it’s a child or smaller person, well, if that smaller person has a gun and shoots me, my wife would put that individual down. Regardless, that bad guy lost.

[@tlkswthhnds1]

I live in Ga,I would surprise him the way he surprised me,except mine will be a little louder than his entry.

[@jas8256]

Yes I do …. I also know my house like the back of my hand … I know which way they will be coming at me … Stand Your Ground Laws in place … Castle Doctrine in place …

[@JIP411]

Don't ambush the bad guy? The bad guy is ambushing the homeowner.

[@kennedymcgovern5413]

"Turn on the lights?" Really? There is an expression we used to use in the military: "When they are in range, so are you." Why would you give them an easier shot? You know they are there. You know your house. You know how wide that hallway is, and how wide that doorway is. They know none of this, unless you turn on the lights so they can SEE. Why would you ever decide to give up your advantages like that? Come on, man.

[@paulis7319]

Some LED lights use such little power that it's stupid to keep your house dark at night. In fact, it's smart to keep all your rooms lit brighter than your bedroom so you can see the intruder(s) before they see you. The only reason I have a powerful light on my rifle is so I can see out in the pasture for cows and horses if I need to shoot a dangerous animal on my property at night.

[@VAPrepper757]

I told the guy that came into my back door that scared my wife in our kitchen to "Get the F out" with my sidearm pointed @ him and let him choose what path in his next seconds to figure it out! Was only in back doorway and claimed he was looking for Corey and told him i did not give a F - No Trespassing signs clearly visible all around my fenced in yard as well as back door and we were not his last in my neighborhood he was caught a month later trespassing in a neighbors back yard in middle of night and arrested!

[@sgt.grinch3299]

Not possible in the layout of my home. My Master Bedroom is on the main floor. The others are upstairs and downstairs. I’m not waiting to clear and purge my home from criminals. He who waits suffers the consequences.

[@markc2786]

I have had several cops tell me that if I ever find myself in a situation such as this to make sure there is only one version of the story to be told. That is why I will never have video cameras in or around my house. They are just something for the trash DA to use against you.

[@jonedwards2107]

I have outdoor cameras, those are always on. I have indoor cameras, they are on only when I am not home. I have been burglarized. I am a decent shooter, but if I have to shoot, it will be multiple shots, so the police will probably be removing a body. Don’t ever want it to happen.

[@epickett63]

Interesting point to consider...

[@Ratlins9]

Just remember, if the home invader is shot multiple times and doesn’t survive, then it’s only your story.

[@NissanSkylineVR30]

My opinion: everyone upstairs, announce it. You upstairs and kids downstairs, don’t announce and go clear rooms. You better hope you have gun training. Single floor house - well - you announce it behind the door if awake. If asleep and single floor and they broke in already, then you know what to do.