Washington Gun Law President William Kirk addressed the viral video showing an elderly man surrounded by a mob of angry pro-Palestinian protestors who began damaging his vehicle. This incident raises a frequent question Kirk has received in the last few days: How should one respond when an aggressive crowd besieges their vehicle?

Kirk provides a legal framework around self-defense laws and when a driver can and cannot use lethal force when surrounded by far-left Antifa-style rioters: 

Legal Standpoint:

Understanding of self-defense laws is crucial.

Key principles of self-defense:

Force can be used in self-defense if it is necessary, reasonable, and proportional.

Lethal force can only be used under specific conditions (imminent threat of death, serious injury, etc.).

Driving into or over individuals can be considered deadly force.

Defending property:

Cannot use lethal force solely to defend property.

Physical threats to individuals inside the car can justify the use of force.