Tough Targets: When Criminals Face Armed Resistance from Citizens

Published on February 9, 2012
Duration: 9:20

This video discusses a study examining instances of armed citizens facing criminals, highlighting that armed resistance often deters criminal activity. It contrasts the low perceived frequency of defensive gun uses by some academics with the numerous real-world accounts gathered from news sources. The study also touches on the impact of campus carry policies on crime rates.

Quick Summary

A study examined armed citizens confronting criminals, finding that the mere discovery of a victim's ability to shoot back often deters attackers. This research, drawing from thousands of news accounts, suggests defensive gun uses are far more common than some academic claims, and campus carry policies have shown correlations with crime rate changes.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Armed Resistance Study
  2. 00:15Academic Debate on Defensive Gun Uses
  3. 01:11Methodology: Gathering News Accounts
  4. 02:00The Armed Citizen File: Real-Life Accounts
  5. 02:32Deterrence by Discovery: Criminals Backing Down
  6. 02:53Case Study: Home Invasion in College Park, GA
  7. 03:54Consequences Without Armed Defense
  8. 04:02Campus Carry and Crime Rates
  9. 04:26Colorado Case Study: CSU vs. CU
  10. 05:07Drivers of Campus Carry Movements
  11. 06:00Recent History of Campus Firearm Bans
  12. 06:31The Delusion of 'No Weapons' Rules
  13. 06:55Key Takeaways for the Public
  14. 07:32Typical Scenarios of Defensive Gun Use
  15. 07:57Media Coverage of Defensive Gun Use
  16. 08:26Case Study: Blanchard, OK Home Defense
  17. 08:47Overall Frequency of Defensive Gun Uses
  18. 09:03Accessing the Study and Data

Frequently Asked Questions

What did the NRA study reveal about armed citizens facing criminals?

The NRA study found that armed citizens often deter criminals. Many incidents involved criminals retreating simply upon realizing the victim was armed, without any shots being fired. This challenges claims that defensive gun uses are rare.

How does campus carry affect crime rates according to the study?

In Colorado, the study observed that crime rates decreased at Colorado State University after concealed carry was permitted. Conversely, crime rates increased at the University of Colorado after firearms were banned on campus.

Why are defensive gun uses often underreported by the media?

The media tends to underreport defensive gun use incidents unless there's a significant dramatic or human-interest element. This lack of consistent coverage contributes to a public perception that these events are infrequent.

What is the primary takeaway regarding the responsible use of firearms?

The study suggests that the majority of American gun owners are responsible and demonstrate good judgment when using firearms for self-defense. These are typically situations where individuals face clear threats, like home invasions.

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