Brandishing a weapon doesn't look good and is illegal in most cases.
But if you see someone lighting a Molotov cocktail I would think shooting it would be justified. I consider a Molotov cocktail to be the equivalent of a shotgun pointed at you. It's a highly deadly weapon
Under most state laws, brandishing is illegal, but you have a right to defend yourself, others, and your property if you have not engaged them in any way...this includes neutralizing someone who is throwing an incendiary device from the street into your property.
Get the proper mindset (serious as a heart attack) and get a plan of action together, practice, have your family practice and...do not play with these assholes. It may seem like the right thing to do -- to scare them off, and most people will do this because they don't want to hurt others. However, by doing so you are taking away some of your best defense, both legally and literally by giving them time/opportunity to react to you (thereby possibly making yourself a victim).
Oh, and another important thing: be the one to call the cops first!
So, at the first inkling of trouble:
turn off your lights and have your loved ones take cover in a predetermined safe area (including potentially safe exit options) and call the police (address, problem, identify yourself and that you have a weapon, what to do next)
ready your defense and take concealment/cover; recognize any possible witnesses -- have more than one option for defense (multiple weapons and ammo) -- make sure you have the right type for the situation
deal with the problem, if it comes; gather the locations of any evidence in the eventuality
clear your house; check up on your loved ones and guests (have a safety word, make sure they know it -- because hopefully they are armed as well if the bad guys happen to get through you); repeat Step 2 and 3 if possible; not a bad idea to call the police again if needed
comply with the police if/when they show up
have your lawyer and any legal defense on speed dial because you're still going to need them
While certainly not perfect, this is the order at my house (and I'm open for suggestions). Make your own order that best suits you and practice.
Brandishing a weapon doesn't look good and is illegal in most cases.
But if you see someone lighting a Molotov cocktail I would think shooting it would be justified. I consider a Molotov cocktail to be the equivalent of a shotgun pointed at you. It's a highly deadly weapon
Under most state laws, brandishing is illegal, but you have a right to defend yourself, others, and your property if you have not engaged them in any way...this includes neutralizing someone who is throwing an incendiary device from the street into your property.
Get the proper mindset (serious as a heart attack) and get a plan of action together, practice, have your family practice and...do not play with these assholes. It may seem like the right thing to do -- to scare them off, and most people will do this because they don't want to hurt others. However, by doing so you are taking away some of your best defense, both legally and literally by giving them time/opportunity to react to you (thereby possibly making yourself a victim).
Oh, and another important thing: be the one to call the cops first!
So, at the first inkling of trouble:
Exactly this.
Call the fuzz, lay low but strapped, be calm, and only engage if its a matter of life and death.
pro tip: never shoot anyone in the back or anyone wounded on the ground. bad mojo.
someone throws a rock through your window - be cool. no problem.
someone is on your porch saying they are gonna eat your dog - be cool. whatever.
Someone kicks in your front door - LETS GOOOOO