Recently in Aurora, Colorado a home invasion took place which resulted in both the intruder and the homeowner dead. It all started when the homeowner heard a crash. He then called 911 to report a break in. The police were only a block away. As the homeowner proceeded down the hallway of his home he is greeted by the intruder. The homeowner shot and killed him.
Meanwhile, as the police arrive at the scene they hear the gunfire. Fearing for the safety of the homeowner, the police officers rush into the home. They confront the individual still holding a gun. Not aware that this was the home occupant, the police officer shot and killed the homeowner.
Now there has been a lot of speculation as to what actually took place. All of the details have not been released. But many are already convicting the police officers in the media. It is a sad time when public opinion and news media can determine the fate of those involved in a situation such as this, even before all the details are confirmed.
The responsibility of owning a gun for personal defense is a big one. And it can be a dangerous one. The situation above is tragic. A man only trying to protect himself and family is shot and killed. Most will want to blame police. But remember none of this would have happened if the intruder had not broke into the home. So ultimately, the blame should be place where it is due. On the intruder.
In critical situations police must make life and death situations in a matter of seconds. They are dispatched to a home invasion. When they arrive on scene they hear gunshots. Now the stress level increases. As they enter the home they encountered a man with a gun.
Did they identify themselves? What was the lighting like in the home? Did the homeowner point the gun at the officers? Did the officers tell him to drop the gun? Was the homeowner’s hearing impaired after firing the gun without ear protection? These questions and many more must be answered before the truth will be known as to what really occurred.
It is not my place or anyone’s to judge before all the facts are known. Public opinion and the media have no right the convict a person of a negligence or of a crime. This is and always has been reserved for the court system.
Instead of judging a situation before the facts are known, let’s pray for the families of the victims and the police officers that were involved.
Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven;
Luke 6:37