The shooting of a Buffalo, NY man, who had fully complied with the robber’s demands, shows once again that complying doesn’t guarantee a crime victim’s safety:
A Buffalo man walking near Cornwall and East Ferry Street late Friday was shot in the right hip by a robber after he handed over $20, Buffalo police said. Timothy Harris was listed in serious condition Saturday in Erie County Medical Center. Harris informed police that a man wearing a black coat and mask pointed a handgun at his head about 11 p. m. The bandit told Harris to get on the ground, then fired two shots. He then ordered the victim to “give me your money.” After Harris handed over $20, the bandit shot him in the hip and fled west through yards.
Sadly, this sort of situation where a criminal harms a cooperative victim is nothing new. To name a few examples, this bakery owner’s wife, this homeowner, and this deli owner were all shot by criminals who became disappointed and violent upon learning that their victims had little or no money to hand over. Indeed, even having money is no guarantee that the criminal won’t open fire just for fun, as this woman learned. Trying to run from a robber can be equally unsuccessful, as this man and this other man each learned when they were shot in the back.
Fighting back against robbers, however, can be quite effective as a means of reducing the risk of injury. This pregnant woman used a gun to defend herself, her unborn child, her toddler, and her husband from an armed robber, and suffered no harm. This armed barber shot an armed criminal who threatened him and his son, saving their lives. This armed pet shop clerk shot an armed robber who threatened a fellow employee’s life, as well as his own life, preventing them both from being stabbed. This armed pizza delivery man defended himself against 3 armed robbers, and walked away unharmed. This armed citizen stopped a bank robber, while this armed Israeli citizen stopped a terrorist, suffering no harm themselves. This motel clerk was also able to stop an armed robber and ensure that neither a fellow employee, or a nearby mother and baby were harmed. While I could provide more examples, the point should be apparent: armed self defense works.