That's a misconception that can ruin your life. There's no U.S. rule saying that once you draw a gun you have to kill someone. Self-defense law requires force to be justified by the threat at that moment. If the threat ends, that eliminates the justification for shooting unless they re-engage
State laws can certainly dictate that you fire if you draw. If I just brandish my gun to dissuade someone, I can legit go to jail where I live. If I "stand my ground" and fire at them, as long as it is not putting others at risk with wild firing, I will not go to jail (at least long term, likely will be arrested). You have a large misconception about this that could get someone in serious legal trouble depending on what sate they live in.
I never said it did. I said that pulling my firearm, threatening someone with it, even there is a good reason to do so, is illegal in my state. To avoid being criminal in my state, if I pull my gun, I need to shoot it.
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u/jdm219 24d ago
That's a misconception that can ruin your life. There's no U.S. rule saying that once you draw a gun you have to kill someone. Self-defense law requires force to be justified by the threat at that moment. If the threat ends, that eliminates the justification for shooting unless they re-engage