By Christina Delia

In the late evening Tuesday, May the 22nd 80-year-old Tuolumne California man whose name hasn’t been released shot and injured 29-year-old Bryce Lawrence.

A noise was heard next door in his unoccupied rental unit, the elderly man and his wife armed themselves and went next door to investigate the noise. After entering the residence, the landlord of the unit claimed he was in fear for his life when he encountered Lawrence then shooting him in the torso. Lawrence was accompanied by 24-year-old Bryanna Ireland who was later booked on suspicion of burglary.

It is still unclear what type of firearm was used, and the investigation is still ongoing. However, this is California and regardless of what firearm has used the laws in this state aren’t very gun friendly.

I would hope those of you who own firearms are familiar with the laws of the state you reside in as well as others you might travel to. Not only do most states have “duty to retreat” laws which require you to attempt to flee before using deadly force. But only a few states support “castle doctrine” that allows you to defend your home and your belongings.

All laws aside, as a 2nd amendment supporter and gun advocate the first thing I learned from my concealed carry course was that drawing a weapon should only happen if your life is at stake. The second thing I learned was that you must be willing to follow through, which in turn may come with consequences. Especially if my so-called “attacker” lived.

Kudos to the old man for having the fortitude to go into an unoccupied residence and do what had to be done, but what legal reparations will this elderly man face for his decision to shoot Lawrence as he attempted to burglarize his property?

Would you have done the same?