They may also be illegal in some jurisdictions. Florida Man Shot and Killed After Driving Truck Toward Armed Homeowner Who Had Fired Warning Shots - USA Carry
The conflict began when 47-year-old Marcus Blicker followed and swerved at two vehicles driven by a neighbor’s son and his friend as they passed his house. Feeling threatened, the son called his father, who then emerged from the house with a rifle as Blicker pulled into the driveway, shouting threats. The father, in an attempt to deter Blicker, fired warning shots into the air. However, Blicker did not retreat; instead, he reversed momentarily before accelerating his truck directly toward the armed homeowner and another bystander.
So. Firing warning shots did not stop the confrontation. It doesn't end there.
Firing warning shots is not considered an effective method of de-escalation in a self-defense scenario. Legally, the discharge of a firearm is treated as the use of deadly force, whether aimed at a person or fired into the air.
If you're going to fire a weapon, it had better be because you are trying to stop an imminent threat, not convince someone you're serious.
Reckless discharge of a firearm. No one knows where the bullet will come down.
ReplyDeleteEven shooting into the dirt, where you can be reasonably sure that there will be no ricochet, can be illegal in some jurisdictions. If you have time for warning shots, then you didn't face an imminent threat. If you draw a gun it only be because you have no other choice than to defend yourself.
DeleteThat said, you are completely correct. Shooting guns into the air is certainly a bad idea