RALEIGH, NC — Senate Bill 50, titled Freedom to Carry NC, continues to advance in the North Carolina House. On June 3, 2025, the bill was reported favorably and re-referred to the House Rules, Calendar, and Operations Committee after narrowly clearing the House Judiciary 2 Committee earlier that day by a 6–5 vote.

The legislation would allow law-abiding U.S. citizens 18 and older to carry concealed handguns without a permit, while preserving the existing concealed handgun permit system for those who want it for reciprocity or personal preference. The bill also increases penalties for certain firearm-related crimes and establishes a scholarship fund for children of first responders who are killed or disabled in the line of duty.

During the committee hearing, supporters pointed to longstanding efforts to bring constitutional carry to the state. Rep. Carson Smith (R-Pender) stated, “I appreciate y’all bringing this before us, and there’s been a willingness in the House for the past several years to make this happen.” Sen. Danny Britt (R-Robeson), one of the bill’s sponsors, explained that, “a lot of things change around here from session to session… we believe now that this is necessary to get this done,” according to reporting by The Carolina Journal.

Opposition to the bill remains strong, particularly among Democrats who voiced concerns over public safety. Rep. Deb Butler (D-New Hanover) said, “I don’t understand why in the world we would do this… For the life of me, I don’t understand it, and I certainly cannot support the bill.”

The bill has drawn support from gun rights organizations like Grass Roots NC, while groups advocating for stricter gun control, such as Moms Demand Action, continue to oppose the measure.

Constitutional carry simply recognizes the right of law-abiding citizens to defend themselves without being forced to obtain government permission to exercise a constitutional right. With 29 other states already enacting similar laws, North Carolina would be aligning itself with the majority of the country. Criminals, by nature, do not follow permitting requirements, leaving law-abiding citizens at a disadvantage when forced to navigate unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles. This bill removes that barrier for responsible gun owners while maintaining strong penalties for those who misuse firearms.

Governor Josh Stein has indicated he is likely to veto the bill if it reaches his desk. Speaking to reporters, Stein said, “My standard reviewing any piece of legislation is, will this make us safer? If it doesn’t make us safer – and the previous version certainly did not – I cannot support it,” The Carolina Journal reported.

Contrary to Governor Stein’s concerns, this bill would enhance public safety by allowing more law-abiding citizens to carry concealed and be prepared to defend themselves and others if faced with a threat. When responsible individuals are armed, it serves as a deterrent to criminals who prefer unarmed victims. Expanding legal concealed carry ensures that more citizens have the ability to respond immediately in dangerous situations, rather than waiting for law enforcement to arrive.

Senate Bill 50 now awaits consideration in the House Rules Committee. If it clears that stage, it will move to the House floor for two additional votes. After passing the House, the bill would head to Governor Stein for final consideration.

Overriding a potential veto will be challenging. Senate Republicans hold a supermajority, but House Republicans are one seat short. Any override effort will require full attendance and some bipartisan support to meet the required three-fifths majority in both chambers.

If ultimately enacted, the law would take effect December 1, 2025, making North Carolina the 30th state to adopt constitutional carry.

Read the original story: North Carolina’s ‘Freedom to Carry NC’ Bill Advances in House, Faces Possible Veto

LAS VEGAS, NV — A simple ATM stop nearly turned deadly for 22-year-old Bryson Chen, who was shot and robbed for $40 while withdrawing cash late at night. The shooting occurred March 10 on North Las Vegas Boulevard near Cheyenne Avenue, according to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD).

Chen was driving home from work when he pulled over to withdraw $40 for gas. As he made the transaction, a suspect approached him from behind, pulled a gun, and demanded money. “In the corner of my eye, I see the person walking up behind me, and that’s when he pulled out the gun,” Chen told KLAS 8 News Now.

Chen tossed his wallet and the cash toward the suspect, but the gunman fired anyway, striking Chen in the abdomen. The bullet passed through his body, requiring two surgeries. Fortunately, Chen survived.

LVMPD is still searching for the suspect, described as a Black male, 16-20 years old, 5’8” to 5’10”, with dreadlocks and glasses. He was last seen wearing black pants with a red bandana in his back pocket and a black hoodie.

This incident is one of several unsolved shooting cases being handled by LVMPD’s Violent Gun Crime Unit.

Carrying a firearm is one part of personal protection, but equally important is avoiding high-risk situations when possible. Visiting a standalone ATM late at night, alone, creates vulnerabilities. There are often safer alternatives:

• Use drive-thru ATMs during daytime hours.
• Get cashback while shopping at stores.
• Avoid making cash withdrawals when alone after dark.

Bad actors exploit predictable behaviors. Situational awareness and risk management help reduce exposure to threats before they occur.

Incidents like this reinforce why many choose to carry firearms for personal defense. But carrying is only part of the equation. Avoiding dangerous situations in the first place is always safer than having to respond to a violent threat. A better plan would have been getting cash earlier, using other withdrawal methods, or delaying the withdrawal until a safer time.

LVMPD asks anyone with information to contact their Violent Gun Crime Unit at (702) 828-7815 or Crime Stoppers at 702-385-5555 or online at crimestoppersofnv.com.

Read the original story: Las Vegas Man Shot and Robbed for $40 at ATM — Why Situational Awareness Matters

LAS VEGAS, NV — What began as a minor fender bender quickly escalated into a fatal self-defense shooting Monday evening on the westbound 215 Beltway near Jones Boulevard, according to Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD).

Police say the incident started when one driver rear-ended another vehicle. The driver who caused the accident got out of his car to check on the other motorist and assess the situation.

As he approached, the other driver unexpectedly jumped out of his vehicle armed with a knife and immediately began chasing him. The unarmed driver ran around his car several times attempting to evade the armed attacker before managing to re-enter his vehicle, where he retrieved a firearm.

The knife-wielding suspect then began stabbing the tires and slashing at the vehicle while the armed driver exited and ordered him to back away. The suspect then lunged toward him with the knife, prompting the man to fire multiple shots and strike the attacker.

The shooter remained at the scene and reportedly attempted to render aid until emergency responders arrived. Despite these efforts, the suspect was pronounced dead on scene.

The man who fired the shots cooperated fully with police at the scene and, based on available information, has since been released after speaking with investigators.

In a press conference, police stated they believe this was a self-defense shooting, which appears consistent with the details currently available. No other individuals or vehicles were struck by gunfire.

This incident offers several important reminders for armed citizens. First, the defender was forced to return to his vehicle to retrieve his firearm. Fortunately, he was able to access it in time, but carrying on-body greatly reduces response time during a sudden life-threatening attack. A vehicle is not a holster, and a gun stored in the glovebox or mounted inside the car may not always be reachable when seconds count.

Additionally, while the attempt to render aid reflects a willingness to help, it may not always be the safest course of action when dealing with a potentially still-dangerous attacker. The primary focus should always be ensuring personal safety until law enforcement secures the scene.

Read the original story: Las Vegas Driver Shoots Knife-Wielding Attacker After Rear-End Road Rage Incident Turns Violent

CHICAGO, IL — A road rage incident escalated into gunfire Tuesday night on Chicago’s Northwest Side, resulting in a car crashing into an apartment building but causing no injuries, according to Chicago police.

The confrontation took place around 9:45 p.m. in the 7700 block of West Belmont Avenue in the Dunning neighborhood. Authorities say a 23-year-old man was driving eastbound on Belmont Avenue when he became involved in an apparent road rage incident with the driver of a white Honda sedan traveling in the same direction.

According to police reports, the driver of the Honda produced a firearm and began shooting at the 23-year-old. The targeted driver, who holds a valid concealed carry license, returned fire with his own weapon in self-defense.

Amid the exchange of gunfire, the suspect lost control of the vehicle, crashing into a nearby apartment building. The crash caused property damage but no injuries were reported. Following the collision, the suspect fled the scene on foot and remains at large.

The suspect’s vehicle was left at the scene, riddled with bullet holes. Area Five detectives are currently investigating the incident, and no arrests have been made.

Surveillance footage from a family living in the building captured the sounds of gunfire, while witnesses recorded parts of the incident on their cell phones. One video shows a man exiting the crashed Honda and running away.

This incident underscores the importance of staying calm in traffic disputes. Road rage situations can escalate quickly and unpredictably, especially when firearms are involved. As outlined in our article on road rage prevention, it is always best to avoid confrontation and disengage from aggressive drivers whenever possible. Carrying a firearm for self-defense is a serious responsibility, and situational awareness can be key in avoiding life-threatening encounters.

Read the original story: Chicago Concealed Carrier Fires Back in Road Rage Shootout, Suspect Crashes Into Apartment Building and Flees on Foot

INDIANAPOLIS, IN — A mother shot a convicted child molester multiple times after allegedly catching him attempting to sexually assault her 12-year-old daughter inside a hotel room, according to court documents and police reports.

The incident occurred on May 24 at the Baymont Inn located on Eagle View Drive on the west side of Indianapolis. As reported by WIBC, the mother had briefly left her daughter in a hotel room with 34-year-old Bruce Pierce while she went to her vehicle. When she returned, she discovered Pierce on top of her daughter, attempting to remove her clothing.

According to WTHR, the girl’s grandmother told police that Pierce had been communicating with the 12-year-old online and over the phone prior to the incident. She also stated that Pierce had tried to convince the girl to run away with him. That night, the grandmother, the victim, and her sister went to the hotel to look for the mother. After the mother and one daughter went to the car to move belongings, the 12-year-old, who was reportedly feeling sick, stayed behind in the hotel room with Pierce.

Court documents state that when the mother returned to the room, she heard her daughter saying “No, no, no” and saw Pierce pinning the girl to the bed while ripping her clothes. The mother then drew her firearm and shot Pierce multiple times. The child told police that Pierce had grabbed her arms, pinned them to the bed, and ripped her tank top and underwear before her mother entered the room. Pierce was reportedly armed during the incident, and the child was struck by Pierce’s gun, leading her to be taken to Riley Hospital for Children for evaluation.

Following the shooting, Pierce was transported to Eskenazi Hospital in critical condition. According to FOX59, Pierce remains hospitalized. An active warrant has been issued for his arrest on charges including attempted rape, attempted child molestation, unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon, and confinement of a victim under 14 years of age.

Court records confirm that Pierce had previous child molestation convictions from 2016 in Hendricks and Morgan counties, where he was sentenced to eight years in prison.

In situations like this, where an immediate and credible threat of serious bodily harm or death is present, the use of defensive force is legally justified. The mother’s quick actions prevented severe harm to her daughter. This case highlights the importance of being prepared to act decisively when confronted with a direct threat to the safety of oneself or others.

Read the original story: Mother Shoots Convicted Child Molester During Attack on Daughter in Indianapolis Hotel

LAS VEGAS, NV — A man who was openly carrying a firearm was fatally shot with his own weapon after an erratic individual attempted to disarm him during a violent encounter at an AutoZone on East Charleston Boulevard.

On May 23, 2025, at approximately 4:48 p.m., Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officers responded to a report of a shooting inside a business in the 1200 block of East Charleston Boulevard. Officers arrived to find a man suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite life-saving efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to police, the victim was standing in line to pay for items while openly carrying a firearm when 36-year-old Kyle Capucci entered the store behaving erratically. After a brief interaction with an employee, Capucci lunged for the victim’s firearm. A physical struggle followed, during which Capucci managed to gain control of the weapon and fatally shoot the victim. He fled the scene, leaving the firearm behind.

Responding officers located Capucci about a block away and arrested him without incident. He has been booked into the Clark County Detention Center on a charge of Open Murder with a Deadly Weapon.

The Clark County Coroner’s Office will release the victim’s identity and official cause of death. LVMPD continues to investigate and encourages anyone with information to contact their Homicide Section or Crime Stoppers of Nevada.

This tragic incident highlights a serious risk associated with open carry. While I strongly support the legal right to open carry—without question—it’s not how I personally choose to carry. I don’t want anyone, including criminals, to know I have a gun. Concealed carry gives me the element of surprise and keeps me from becoming a target, as sadly happened here. This is a stark reminder that situational awareness and discretion are vital components of personal defense.

Read the original story: Open Carrier Shot With His Own Gun After Suspect Grabs Weapon Inside Las Vegas AutoZone

WASHINGTON, DC — The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) announced a major policy shift on Friday, rolling back its controversial “zero-tolerance” stance toward Federal Firearm Licensees (FFLs) during compliance inspections. The updated national policy aims to promote fairness, consistency, and a renewed emphasis on public safety while respecting the rights of lawful gun dealers.

Replacing the 2021 Enhanced Regulatory Enforcement policy, the new guidance instructs ATF investigators to use discretion in evaluating inspection results, distinguishing between clerical errors and willful misconduct. This marks a significant departure from the prior policy, which critics say often led to license revocations over minor mistakes.

“This update is about getting it right and making sure we’re focused on public safety,” said ATF Acting Director Daniel Driscoll. “Under the previous policy, some licensees were being penalized for simple mistakes such as forgetting to put their license number on forms. This new guidance gives our investigators the discretion to tell the difference between an honest mistake and a real threat to public safety.”

Under the revised policy, investigators are instructed to consider mitigating factors such as self-reporting, corrective actions taken by the licensee, and overall compliance history. Rather than an automatic revocation for any violation, the policy now provides a framework that includes education, warnings, or administrative action only when appropriate.

Key changes include:

• Contextual Enforcement: Focus on serious, willful violations, while addressing minor or clerical issues with corrective guidance.
• No Presumed Revocation: The policy eliminates the assumption of revocation for first-time or unintentional violations.
• Public-Safety Focus: Greater emphasis on whether a licensee poses an actual threat to public safety or contributes to violent crime.
• Defined Standards: Clearer definitions of legal terms like “willful” and “knowing” along with standardized timelines for reviews and enforcement.
• Proactive Engagement: Encouragement of early intervention and collaboration with compliant FFLs, while maintaining strict oversight of repeat offenders.

The update underscores a more balanced approach to industry oversight, reflecting a shift toward partnering with rather than penalizing responsible dealers. ATF maintains that its inspections remain a crucial tool in preventing illegal firearms trafficking by identifying patterns of concern such as straw purchases and missing inventory.

This policy adjustment appears to be a step toward restoring trust between federal regulators and the lawful gun industry. For many FFLs, the previous enforcement approach created uncertainty and fear of losing their livelihood over what were often administrative oversights.

The change affirms that law-abiding gun dealers are not adversaries, but allies in the broader mission of enhancing public safety and protecting constitutional rights.

Read the original story: FFLs Can Make an Honest Mistake Now: ATF Replaces Biden’s ‘Zero Tolerance’ Policy

FORT MYERS, FL — A chaotic scene turned into a self-defense incident Sunday night after a man allegedly drove his car into a crowd of people, prompting two bystanders to open fire to stop the attack.

According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began with a verbal dispute in the 2000 block of Maravilla Circle. Authorities say 54-year-old Eduardo Lando-Matamoro of Hialeah escalated the situation by intentionally driving his vehicle into a group gathered in a driveway, striking three individuals.

In response, two witnesses drew firearms and shot at Lando-Matamoro, hitting him in the shoulder. Despite his injury, Lando-Matamoro attempted to flee the scene. One of the armed witnesses, identified in surveillance footage by a teal blue shirt, physically subdued the suspect and held him until deputies arrived.

Deputies quickly took Lando-Matamoro into custody. Two victims and the suspect were transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. After being treated, Lando-Matamoro was arrested on three counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.

Sheriff Carmine Marceno commended the swift and courageous actions of the armed witness, stating, “Their quick actions made a real difference.”

Using a vehicle as a weapon can legally qualify as the use of deadly force, and in this case, the armed witnesses’ decision to respond with their firearms appears to be justified under Florida law. When facing an immediate threat of serious bodily harm or death, such as a vehicle attack, the law allows for the use of deadly force in self-defense.

Read the original story: Florida Man Rams Car Into Crowd Before Armed Bystanders Shoot and Detain Him