Can Trump Supporters Legally Shoot Left-Wing “Antifa” Attackers?
According to The Blaze, a group of President Donald Trump’s supporters attempting a political march barely made it two blocks before they were violently attacked by left wing radical associated with the so-called “Antifa”or “anti-fascist” movement in Berkeley, California on Saturday, as reported by Bearing Arms.
The confrontation occurred on a day when Americans across the country held peaceful demonstrations in support of President Donald Trump, free speech and America.
According to the Los Angeles Times, the pro-Trump demonstrators participating in the “March 4 Trump” rally began marching at 2 p.m. PST Saturday at the Martin Luther King Jr. Civic Center Park. Just several blocks up the road, they were met by counter-protesters dressed in masks and black clothing who began the confrontation.
Photos and videos posted to Twitter and other social media showed fistfights, shouting matches, people being beat with sticks and signs, people pulling hair and some counter-protesters pepper-spraying the pro-Trump marchers, including an elderly man.
I was then asked on Twitter whether the sort of violent attacks leftists keep committing against President Trump’s supporters during protests could justify the use of deadly force.
@bob_owens would you agree that 3-4 people beating one person is justification for lethal self defense and/or 3rd party defense?
— Michael Stone (@michael_stone2) March 6, 2017
Violence has started at #March4Trump rally in #berkeley – couldn't see who threw first punch. pic.twitter.com/kqP39CUoWw
— Aaron Davis (@BaronBavis) March 4, 2017
Melee in #Berkeley: #Trump supporters and #protestors fighting in the streets of #Berkeley today. pic.twitter.com/J2dUWHTFLq
— Oakland Photo Vault (@BlackKangoPhoto) March 5, 2017
I also saw numerous videos and still photos from other social media posts that suggested the outbreaks of violence shown here were fairly representative of the clash.
Both sides came to this incident prepared for a fight. Heavy wooden tool handles were thinly disguised as protest signs, when they were clearly brought as clubs. Protestors on both sides also went shopping at “Shields R Us.” Many wore padding, eye protection, and were clearly aware they were walking into a situation where the probability of mutual combat melees breaking out was high.
#pastelbloc shields and V for Victory shields at #March4Trump in #berkeley pic.twitter.com/99SvWTDvqY
— Aaron Davis (@BaronBavis) March 4, 2017
California is a mess. However, here in Missouri — or any other state with “Shall Issue” Concealed/Carry Licenses — anyone with reasonable fear of injury from an assailant has every right to use violent force against his attackers. I will DEFINITELY do so if I am attacked, and I will do so with a smile on my face and a song n my heart…
Put some lead in their attacking ass. Self defense is a God given right, not a right granted by the government.