Man defending against assault = Angry shopper

[SewTexas]

yeh....I worded that badly....no, our "job" isn't to de-escalate the situation....however, walking into a fight when you're carrying a gun is stupid, sorry.

[HankB]

Since the person who pulled the gun isn't in jail, I'd say there was plenty of evidence that the "line cutter" was the aggressor who initiated physical force.

...from the local reports, the "puncher" was cutting in line, but the "gun guy" then started pushing him back....

Again, pushing back against someone who deliberately pushes you first - initiating unprovoked physical force - isn't being aggressive, it's being defensive.

After being physically assaulted the CHL was well within his legal rights to defend himself. Remember a fist can be just as deadly as a gun.

And in these circumstances, it seems the police agreed as well.

By the way, did anyone notice this little line in the story:

A manager gave him a store voucher, the report says.

[joelamosobadiah]

Since the person who pulled the gun isn't in jail, I'd say there was plenty of evidence that the "line cutter" was the aggressor who initiated physical force.

...from the local reports, the "puncher" was cutting in line, but the "gun guy" then started pushing him back....

Again, pushing back against someone who deliberately pushes you first - initiating unprovoked physical force - isn't being aggressive, it's being defensive.

After being physically assaulted the CHL was well within his legal rights to defend himself. Remember a fist can be just as deadly as a gun.

And in these circumstances, it seems the police agreed as well.

By the way, did anyone notice this little line in the story:

A manager gave him a store voucher, the report says.

I notice that. Good for that store manager! At first I was disappointed he was asked to leave the store then I thought if it was me I'd want to leave the store at that point anyway. Too much attention drawn to myself and family after that.

[barstoolguru]

paul harvey would have said "and now you know why they call it black friday"

"your the guy with the gun"...."It's the last one but you can have it mister"

[Bob in Big D]

It sounds like the line cutter was joining his mother who was already in line. The CHL says a few words to him then the line cutter punched him. Just speculating, but I think the CHL may have escalated it and got punched in the face. Yes, he is ok drawing his weapon, but if he had shot the line cutter it may have turned out different.
People holding places in line is not uncommon and probably should have been ignored by the CHL.