Is Self-Defense Legal in Massachusetts?

Surely this is a sign of End Times, or something. Self-defense plea upheld in Springfield deadly shooting

The Hampden District Attorney’s Office announced Tuesday that no charges will be filed in connection with a deadly shooting in Springfield after investigators determined the involved individual acted in lawful self-defense.

According to Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni, the investigation into the July 5 shooting found that the incident began with a dispute on social media involving 35-year-old Robert Murchison of Springfield.

Robert Murchison did not survive.

A Massachusetts District Attorney makes a determination of lawful self-defense in less than a month. I'm flabbergasted. It was actually less than a week. The incident took place on the 5th, and the first article on self-defense being upheld was published on 9 July. (Though it didn't end up in my news searches until more recently.)

Springfield, which is the county seat of Hampden County, is about a 90 mile drive west of downtown Boston.

For a Massachusetts DA to move this fast, the evidence must be overwhelming.

According to the DA’s Office, investigators reviewed statements from those involved, an independent eyewitness account, Ring camera footage, 911 recordings, physical evidence collected at the scene, and text messages and social media communications exchanged before the incident.

Hat tip to AmmoLand News: Armed Wife Fires One Shot to Save Husband From Gunman at Massachusetts Home

A Firearm Made the Difference

This case presents another straightforward example of why the right to keep and bear arms includes the ability to protect not only yourself but also the people you love.

The woman did not go looking for a confrontation. According to investigators, the confrontation came to her home. She did not initiate the physical altercation, and she did not introduce a firearm into the dispute. She acted only after an armed man allegedly pointed a handgun at her husband and pursued him.