EDITORIAL: Second Amendment saves family from intruders

For those who continue to question why the Second Amendment holds such a high level of importance, a June 30 incident should have provided a more than adequate answer. The episode once again proved that criminals have no problem obtaining guns, and that the only sure defense is for law-abiding citizens to be armed, as well.

As reported by the Review-Journal’s Colton Lochhead, Tarneshia Harris and Willie M. Pro forced their way into a Las Vegas home around 9 a.m. that day, creating a harrowing scene that ultimately ended with both intruders being shot and Pro later dying. The intruders first used a ruse to gain entry, with Harris knocking on the door, telling the 12-year-old boy who answered that her car had broken down and asking to use the phone. The boy agreed, but then started to close the door. Harris pushed through and put him and a friend in a headlock, according to the Metro arrest report.

At that point, Pro, armed with a .22-caliber pistol, came in the front door, pointed his handgun at the boy and told him to be quiet. The man then turned and went to a bedroom where the boy’s 23-year-old brother was sleeping, kicking in the door and pointing his gun at the 23-year-old, who retrieved a .40-caliber pistol he kept next to his bed. The two exchanged fire, with the 23-year-old hitting Pro at least once. Pro retreated to the front door, where the 23-year-old shot him again, and Pro dropped his gun and ran out of the house.

The 23-year-old then went down a hallway, saw Harris fighting with his mother and shot Harris, forcing her to flee. As the 23-year-old then went to retrieve an AK-47 style rifle, police said Harris and Pro drove off to North Vista Hospital, where Pro was pronounced dead. Harris was transferred to University Medical Center in critical condition. None of the family members were injured.

A key component of the Second Amendment is the ability to defend oneself, family and property, all three of which were done in this incident. What saved that family against armed intruders is that they too were armed — with guns and with a core ideal contained within the Bill of Rights.

Not surprisingly, Pro and Harris had long criminal records, including convictions for burglary and robbery, and Pro’s handgun had previously been reported stolen. This home invasion in broad daylight was terrifying, to be sure. But again, bad guys will always find ways to get guns. Prepare accordingly.