Wisconsin Man Shoots Robber in Texas

Map from usacarry.com

It was only a couple of decades ago that crossing state lines left most law abiding people effectively disarmed.   That started changing as the "shall issue" concealed carry firearms reform swept through the country.  I particularly remember how criminals were targeting people with rental cars in Florida, because they could be fairly certain that the people were from out of state, and thus effectively disarmed.

Florida responded by changing there law to allow for interstate reciprocity, and to allow non-residents to obtain Florida concealed carry permits.   Florida permits are now one of the most popular for those who wish to obtain an out of state permit.  The state stopped giving rental cars a distinctive license plate.   Out of state victimization dropped.

 Most other states followed  Florida's lead.   Now a majority of states recognize permits from a majority of other states.  This makes it easier for people carrying guns to stop crime.   The event related below occurred in Texas.   From ksat.com:

The man who shot the robbery suspect was also there when officers arrived. He told police he was in town from Wisconsin to pick up a motorcycle from a shop nearby that had been purchased by an out of town buyer.

 He said he pulled into the parking lot a couple of buildings down from the shop and was approached by the robbery suspect who told him to get out of the truck. The robbery suspect also said he was a police officer.

(snip)

The man was taken in for questioning, but police at the scene said he was not expected to face charges.

Note the felonious use of a false claim to be a law enforcement officer.   It is not uncommon.  The armed citizen wasn't buying any.  

There are still a few states that heavily restrict a citizen's right to defend themselves.   They are mostly concentrated on the coasts; California, Hawaii, and that cluster of  Northeastern seaboard states; New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Delaware, Maryland, Connecticut and the District of Columbia.

 Other states still have varying restrictions on reciprocity, but the pressures are building for a national recognition of the right to carry.   Such a bill has the votes in the Senate and the House, but has been thwarted by Harry Reid, Senate Majority leader, and the current administration.

©2014 by Dean Weingarten: Permission to share is granted when this notice is included.
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