Month of headlines about mass murders masks fact that guns are used to PROTECT lives every day

Lost in headlines about several mass murders around the country is the fact that law-abiding gun owners use firearms to protect themselves or loved ones every single day, with little to no attention from the establishment media.

For example, here in Ohio, on March 1, WEWS (ABC Cleveland) reported that a homeowner who had already scared off a would-be thief who had attempted to steal his ATV was forced to defend himself with a firearm when the man returned and attempted to enter his home. One life was protected. Coverage by WEWS totaled 8 sentences.

On March 25, WTVG (ABC Toledo) reported that an Ohio concealed handgun license (CHL) -holder was forced to use his gun to defend himself and his two children during a road rage incident. Three lives were protected. Coverage by WTVG totaled 12 sentences.

On March 27, Columbus Police said an Ohio concealed handgun license-holder was able to use his gun to protect his own life when a person punched him and reached for something in his waistband. One life was protected. Coverage by WSYX (ABC Columbus) totaled three sentences.

On March 29, Cincinnati police said two men got into a fight outside of the residence on 7th Street and that a man was shot in self-defense. One life was protected. Coverage by WXIX (Fox Cincinnati) totaled six sentences.

The fact is, many, many incidents where firearms are used in self-defense don't result in ANY news coverage, because shots aren't fired. Depending on what statistic is believed, guns are used in self-defense approximately 100,000 (NCVS data), or up to 2 million times per year.

With so little attention given to incidents where firearms are used to save lives, while a single illegal use of a gun may be given thousands of lengthy stories for many days in a row across the nation, is it any wonder that many people view firearms ownership negatively?

Chad D. Baus served as Buckeye Firearms Association Secretary from 2013-2019, and continues to serve on the Board of Directors. He is co-founder of BFA-PAC, and served as its Vice Chairman for 15 years. He is the editor of BuckeyeFirearms.org, which received the Outdoor Writers of Ohio 2013 Supporting Member Award for Best Website, and is also an NRA-certified firearms instructor.