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Comment by why_at | Hacker News Reader

I know only an average amount about guns/gun laws (which is to say, not very much), but this seems pretty off to me.

If someone is going to attack me with a knife, but then I draw a gun and they run away, surely that's not illegal because I didn't shoot them.

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It'll all come down to:

1. Could you have reasonably escaped?

2. Could you have reasonably de-escalated (or were you the one who escalated to get here)?

3. Can you convince a jury (and the cops) that your life was in danger? If there are no witnesses, this is tough. Typically you're allowed to use deadly force only if you fear loss of life/limb. Yes, yes, plenty of cases where juries ruled in favor of the shooter when there was clearly no risk of loss of life/limb.

4. Do you have the relevant insurance to cover your legal defense costs? If not, you'll likely make a plea deal with the prosecutor even if you were clearly in the right.

I would say if the guy lunged at you with a knife and you drew your gun and he ran away, you'll be fine if there are witnesses.

Search "brandishing laws"

I'm familiar with the idea of "brandishing" being illegal, but I looked it up anyway. I found https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Menacing which says "Self-defense is often explicitly given as an exception."

It seems like then it would be legal to draw a gun without firing if it was in self defense? I have a hard time believing that there are any cases where shooting someone in self defense would be legal, but scaring them away wouldn't.

"There are various situations in which brandishing a firearm may occur. For instance, pulling out a gun during an argument or altercation with another person could be considered brandishing. Additionally, waving or gesturing with a firearm in a manner that suggests aggression or hostility towards others may also constitute brandishing. It is crucial to understand that even if no shots are fired, and no physical harm is inflicted, the mere act of displaying a weapon in such circumstances can lead to serious legal consequences."

Source: https://www.dischleylaw.com/blog/2024/june/understanding-the...

This is not exactly what you’re referencing but I bring it up to show just how complicated things can be: Minnesota recently ruled that you do not have the right to use deadly force if you have the opportunity to escape.

And this is the crucial bit, quoting the article: “The court decided the principle also applies to people who merely use the threat of force — meaning one cannot pull a weapon in self-defense if there are other means to escape, even if the person is threatening them with death or bodily harm.”

https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/minnesota/news/minnesota-supreme...

That's pretty standard in non-"stand your ground" states (with the possible exception of your own home).

The whole point of "stand your ground" is that you do not have the responsibility to escape.

But again, there's no distinction between brandishing and shooting. The Minnesota law applies both to brandishing and to shooting.

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