Defensive Gun Uses By People Legally Carrying Guns: 24 Cases During November 2025

May 31, 2026 | Defensive Gun Use

Saint Paul, Minnesota, November 1, 2025 (FOX 9)

St. Paul police were called around 11:45 p.m. on Saturday for reports of the shooting inside the St. Paul Saloon near the intersection of Hudson Road and Earl Street…

Police learned that the suspect walked into the bar and shot the victim, and the victim, who was carrying a gun himself, then chased the shooter out of the bar himself. Officers say the victim fired several shots at the gunman as he ran away. Police searched the area for the suspect but were unable to locate him…

Howard Thompson, “Man shot in St. Paul bar chased, fired back at gunman,” FOX 9, November 2, 2025.

Heidelberg, Mississippi, November 2, 2025 (AP News)

One of the monkeys that escaped last week after a truck overturned on a Mississippi highway was shot and killed early Sunday by a woman who says she feared for the safety of her children.

Jessica Bond Ferguson said she was alerted early Sunday by her 16-year-old son who said he thought he had seen a monkey running in the yard outside their home near Heidelberg, Mississippi. She got out of bed, grabbed her firearm and her cellphone and stepped outside where she saw the monkey about 60 feet (18 meters) away.

Bond Ferguson said she and other residents had been warned that the escaped monkeys carried diseases so she fired her gun…

Mike Schneider, “Mississippi woman kills escaped monkey fearing for her children’s safety,” AP News, November 3, 2025.

Jacksonville, Florida, November 3, 2025 (ActionNewsJax.com; First Coast News)

A Jacksonville man was arrested for murder Wednesday for his alleged role in an 2025 armed robbery-gone-wrong, and police didn’t have to try too hard to find him — he was already behind bars…

According to JSO, District 3 Patrol officers responded to an attempted armed robbery at a business on Baymeadows Road last November. When officers arrived, they found 32-year-old Rhoderius Simmons with a gunshot wound in the parking lot. He died from his injury.

JSO says Homicide Unit detectives learned that 45-year-old Damon Thomas and Simmons entered the business with the intent to rob the owner. Both Simmons and Thomas fired gunshots, with the owner firing back. Thomas reportedly drove from the area…

ActionNewsJax.com News Staff, “Convicted felon arrested in deadly Baymeadows Road robbery attempt, JSO says,” ActionNewsJax.com, March 4, 2026.
Kiley Miller, “Jacksonville man charged with murder for alleged role in hookah lounge shooting,” First Coast News, March 5, 2026.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, November 4, 2025 (6abc Action News)

The shooting happened after 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the corner of 18th and Huntingdon streets in North Philadelphia.

Moments earlier, surveillance footage obtained by Action News showed a man and woman arguing near the 2600 block of Bouvier Street. Police believe they were fighting over a parking spot. It escalated quickly into a shootout, which moved up the block. The man eventually fired towards the corner store…

Police haven’t released a description of the suspect, but they believe he was driving a dark colored sedan. The woman involved in the fight is cooperating with police. She handed over her weapon. There’s no word yet on whether she’ll face any charges.

6abc Digital Staff and Elizabeth Worthington, “Video shows chaotic moments before 12-year-old boy hit by stray bullet inside store,” 6abc Action News, November 5, 2025.

Kansas City, Missouri, November 5, 2025 (The Kansas City Star)

Video surveillance cited in court documents captured three people walking and reacting to shots being fired at them from a gray hatchback vehicle that stopped at an intersection, and them returning fire. One of the victims told police that they were walking from his house to a nearby gas station when the shooting occurred. The three then ran back home and got a ride to the hospital…

Noelle Alviz-Gransee, “Kansas City man faces charges connected with shooting that injured two,” The Kansas City Star, December 4, 2025.

Mobile, Alabama, November 6, 2025 (WKRG)

According to the release, officers responded to a shooting at 154 Hemley Ave., just before 3 p.m. Thursday…

During the investigation, officers learned that one of the males allegedly shot the other one, who then returned fire, hitting the alleged shooter…

Theresa Grundman, “Mobile police arrest suspect in Hemley Avenue shooting, release new details,” WKRG, November 7, 2025.

Seattle, Washington, November 9, 2025 (KOMO News)

Seattle police are investigating an attempted armed carjacking in the Belltown-Queen Anne area that resulted in a legally armed victim shooting two suspects early Sunday morning.

The incident unfolded around 3:30 a.m. on the 2200 block of 1st Avenue…

According to police, the victim had parked his sports car along 1st Avenue when a white sedan with four masked occupants approached. After a brief exchange, two men armed with guns attempted to steal the sports car.

Fearing for his safety, the victim fired multiple rounds, hitting one of the suspects…

KOMO News Staff, “Licensed gun owner shoots would-be thieves trying to carjack him in Belltown,” KOMO News, November 10, 2025.

Wesley Chapel, Florida, November 13, 2025 (Tampa Bay 28)

Deputies responded to Sierra Center Boulevard in Wesley Chapel around 6 p.m. Thursday for a shooting investigation.

A person over the age of 65 fired a gun after a juvenile allegedly struck the victim in the head, PCSO said. No one was stuck by the bullet, deputies said.

The juvenile fled and was later arrested, according to PCSO.

Amanda Boettcher, “Person fires gun at juvenile after being hit in head Wesley Chapel shopping center, juvenile arrested: PCSO,” Tampa Bay 28, November 14, 2025.

Madera, California, November 13, 2025 (GV Wire)

Multiple suspects wearing black clothing and masks smashed display cases and stole high-value jewelry during a robbery at a store on Country Club Drive Thursday evening, Madera police said…

Police said the store owner retrieved a firearm and fired at the suspects as they ran from the business. The suspects got into a dark-colored sedan and fled…

Anthony W. Haddad, “Madera Jewelry Store Robbed, Owner Fires Shots,” GV Wire, November 14, 2025.

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, November 14, 2025 (NEWS 9)

According to police, the suspect, 59-year-old Kenneth Thompson, came into the store around 1 a.m. and attempted to use a counterfeit bill.

The clerk refused to accept the bill, which is when police say Thompson allegedly jumped over the counter and attacked the woman. He was then shot by the employee.

Thompson then reportedly fled the store, before calling police about 30 minutes later, reporting he had been shot. Authorities found him blocks from the first scene and he was taken to the hospital…

Christian Hans and Jarred Burk, “Oklahoma City police investigating after shooting suspect calls police,” NEWS 9, November 14, 2025.

Lithonia, Georgia, November 17, 2025 (Atlanta News First)

At about 7:30 p.m., officers were called to the Circle K at 6429 Covington Highway, where they found Tristyn Mays dead of a gunshot wound. They also discovered a second man shot behind the gas station on Cove Lane…

Police believe Mays tried to rob the second man, leading to the two men shooting at each other. Mays died at the scene, while the other man ran away. The other man will not face any charges, according to DeKalb County police…

Atlanta News First staff, “19-year-old shot to death trying to rob man at Lithonia gas station, police say,” Atlanta News First, November 18, 2025.

Riverdale, Georgia, November 17, 2025 (WSBTV.com)

South Fulton police blocked off a crime scene across two streets after a shootout between the homeowner and car break-in suspect…

Davis said she heard her dog barking around 6 a.m. and went outside. She found her car broken into and glove compartment open. She went back inside and told her parents to look at their home security video…

Her father then went outside with the suspect still in the area.

“He did find him and next thing you know the man emptied a clip out on my father.”

Davis said her father shot back, but the suspect got away. One mother, who was fearful for her two kids, heard more than a dozen shots…

WSBTV.com News Staff, “Man shot confronting suspect breaking into cars in South Fulton neighborhood,” WSBTV.com, November 17, 2025.

Berkeley, Missouri, November 19, 2025 (First Alert 4)

The incident occurred around 8:24 p.m. in the 4400 block of Eminence. Police say they found a 24-year-old man with a gunshot wound to his head…

According to court documents, officers spoke to witnesses who said Quinn had been communicating with a man about buying a 2011 White Dodge Challenger.

When the man and Quinn were looking for the car title, Quinn pulled out a gun and pointed it at the man.

He demanded the title and car keys. At that moment, other individuals, including the 24-year-old man, pulled their guns and pointed them at the man.

The man began to run down Eminence at which point Quinn and the other individuals started to fire shots at the man.

The man returned fire, hitting the 24-year-old man in the head…

First Alert 4 Staff, “Man shot, killed in Berkeley, Mo., man charged,” First Alert 4, November 20, 2025.

Raleigh, North Carolina, November 22, 2025 (CBS 17)

According to the Wake County Sheriff’s Office, 39-year-old Corey Hansen was shot on Nov. 22 just before 9 a.m. on Knightdale Boulevard near Old Milburnie Road. He was taken to the hospital with life threatening injuries, where he later died.

During the investigation, according to the sheriff’s office, witnesses told deputies that they saw a vehicle crash and a physical altercation between two men that led to Hansen being shot.

The sheriff’s office, having consulted with the Wake County District Attorney’s Office, said the shooting was determined to be self-defense as of Friday…

Matthew Sockol, “Deadly Wake County road rage shooting believed to be self-defense, deputies say,” CBS 17, December 12, 2025.

Kankakee, Illinois, November 23, 2025 (Shaw Local)

It was about 10:25 p.m. Nov. 23 when Kankakee police responded to a business parking lot in the 900 block of East Court Street following reports of multiple gunshots…

The video showed Smith and the two people he was with entering the business. Smith then noticed a Buick with three people inside pull up to the front of the business, according to a police report.

Smith exited the business, removed a gun from his waistband, aimed at the driver’s side of the Buick and fired.

The driver of the Buick returned fire, hitting Smith several times before the vehicle left the parking lot…

The state’s attorney’s office concluded that the shooting of Smith was an act of self-defense.

Lee Provost, “Kankakee shooting death ruled self-defense, no charges filed,” Shaw Local, December 5, 2025.

Salt Lake City, Utah, November 25, 2025 (FOX 13 Salt Lake City)

The Murray Police Department said two men attempted to rob Sierra-West Jewelers at 6190 S. State Street when shots were fired by the assistant store manager, who fought off the suspects…

Almost immediately after entering the store, Moore saw the man pull out a gun and pushed him backwards. The other suspect was wearing a wig as a disguise, with Moore saying they were speaking a foreign language as the suspects forced him and a coworker to the floor and tried to tie them up.

The suspects are then seen trying to tie up the employees before Moore fights them off and takes out his own gun…

Moore fired his gun at the suspects, striking one, and forcing both to flee the store…

Jeremy Tombs, “Shots fired during robbery attempt at Murray jewelry store,” FOX 13 Salt Lake City, November 25, 2025.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, November 25, 2025 (WMBF)

Officers with the Myrtle Beach Police Department responded Nov. 25 to the 500 block of Piedmont Avenue near Highway 17 Bypass for a disturbance…

The victims said that Walsh was trespassing at a nearby used car dealership, Competition Cars, armed with a large machete, according to the police report.

Walsh set off Competition Cars’ burglary alarm, which caused him to panic and run toward ABC Mobile, where the victims were working on the front fence, the report said.

Walsh ran at the victims with the machete in hand, which made them fear for their lives, the report said.

According to the report, Walsh got 4 to 5 feet from one of the victims and held the machete in a “ready” position as if he were going to attack.

That is when one of the victims pulled out a concealed-carry gun, as Walsh dropped the machete, the report said.

After dropping it, Walsh quickly tried to grab the machete, but the victim then fired a shot in an “unknown direction,” and Walsh dropped it again, according to the documents.

This time, the victim was able to kick the machete away and hold Walsh at gunpoint while one of the ABC Mobile managers called police, the report said…

WMBF News Staff, “Victim held suspect at gunpoint to stop machete attack in Myrtle Beach, report says,” WMBF, December 1, 2025.

Jacksonville, Florida, November 25, 2025 (WOKV)

JSO was called to MBC Liquors on Atlantic Blvd. around 11:00 pm Tuesday and says a customer got into an argument with the clerk.

The argument became physical between the customer, clerk, and the store owner.

The clerk left but then returned and, according to police, pulled a gun and fired it at the clerk.

The store owner then fired his own weapon at the suspect, striking him multiple times…

Rich Jones, “Double shooting at Jax liquor store, volunteer officer shot at,” WOKV, November 26, 2025.

Great Falls, Montana, November 28, 2025 (KRTV)

It happened on Friday, November 28, 2025 just before 11 p.m.; the two people who were shot were taken to Benefis Health System for treatment; the severity of their injuries has not been disclosed.

According to court documents, one of the victims told police that she and the other victim were driving and noticed a white vehicle following them; she said that there were two people in the white vehicle, and identified one of the them as “Johnny.”

Near the intersection of Central Avenue West and Third Street NW, “Johnny” got out of the white vehicle holding a gun and approached the victim’s car.

The victim told police that she and the other victim got out of their vehicle – each with a gun – and she shot toward “Johnny” at least two times…

O’Neal has been charged with felony assault with a weapon.

As of Monday, December 1, 2025, we are not aware of any criminal charges involving any of the other people involved…

MTN News, “Two people shot in Great Falls; suspect charged,” KRTV, December 1, 2025.

Spring, Texas, November 28, 2025 (ABC13 Houston News)

Two men were shot and killed after another man said they followed him to a neighborhood in the Spring area, according to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies said the shooter told them he acted in self-defense in the shooting Friday night in the 22100 block of Greengate Drive…

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office said the shooter reported that the men had followed his car for a while and tried to block him when he reached the neighborhood.

Deputies reported that everyone got out of their vehicles, and the shooter said the men started kicking him and his car…

HCSO said no charges have been filed, and the shooter is not in custody. The case is still under investigation and will be reviewed by the District Attorney’s office.

Brianna Willis, “2 men killed after shooter claims he acted in self-defense while being followed, HCSO says,” ABC13 Houston News, November 29, 2025.

Marion, Indiana, November 29, 2025 (FOX59.com)

The boy told investigators he was in a car at the intersection of West 2nd Street and Hill Street when the shooting took place. The boy heard gunshots in the area and noticed one glass window of the car he was in shattered. He also told police he felt something strike his head.

The driver of the car tried to speed off, but the road conditions prevented the car from moving initially. The driver then got out of the car and proceeded to shoot in the direction where the shots came from, police said…

Investigators say they located two juvenile males who were brought in for questioning. A 16-year-old boy was eventually arrested and charged with attempted murder…

Austin Hanson and Justin Powell, “Juvenile injured, 16-year-old in custody after Marion shooting,” FOX59.com, November 30, 2025.

Kalamazoo, Michigan, November 30, 2025 (News Channel 3)

A 60-year-old man returning a borrowed ladder to a residence near Douglas Avenue and Paterson Street said a 49-year-old man approached him, told him to leave then hit him with a snow shovel, according to Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety (KDPS) officers.

The 60-year-old used his legally owned and registered handgun to fire two rounds, hitting the 49-year-old once. He then called 911 and waited for officers to arrive…

Video obtained by detectives appears to support the 60-year-old’s story and officers did not arrest him…

Ivy S. Fowler, “One hospitalized after assault involving a snow shovel turned into a nonfatal shooting,” News Channel 3, December 1, 2025.

San Antonio, Texas, November 30, 2025 (KSAT)

The shooting happened around noon Sunday in the 9600 block of Culebra Road.

An SAPD sergeant at the scene told KSAT that the vehicle owner saw Juarez trying to break into his vehicle.

The sergeant said that the owner fired at Juarez. He and the vehicle were struck by gunfire…

Police said the vehicle owner is not facing charges at this time, but the owner refused to cooperate with the investigation…

Everett Allen, “SAPD: Man arrested after he was shot, stole vehicle on far West Side,” KSAT, December 1, 2025.

Columbia, South Carolina, November 30, 2025 (WLTX)

Deputies responded to a call of a shooting around 6 p.m. Sunday in the Kelford Drive and Anwood Drive area, just off Trotter Road in lower Richland County. The victim was able to tell deputies via 911 that he had been shot and was driving himself to the hospital. Deputies were able to locate the victim and provide aid until EMS arrived and transport the victim to the hospital for treatment…

Benjamin and Moultrie allegedly led the victim to believe they were making an online purchase. Instead of a transaction of goods, the suspects attempted to rob the victim at gunpoint and then shot at the victim. Although hit by gunfire, the victim returned gunfire in defense, striking both Benjamin and Moultrie…

WLTX Staff, “Weekend shooting leads to suspects facing multiple charges in Richland County,” WLTX, December 1, 2025.

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