Latest news with #CastleDoctrine
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Oklahoma law sees changes for using weapons to protect property
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — An Oklahoma law now makes it legally clear you can point or intimidate an individual with a weapon if you are defending your home, private property, or business. Governor Kevin Stitt signed House Bill 2818 on Thursday, which went into effect immediately. Oklahoma already has 'stand your ground' laws when it comes to protecting your life, but language in the bill now expands to your property as well. HB2818-ENRDownload 'What this bill does is provide some clarity for where the Castle Doctrine is applied, and in this statute, thankfully signed by the governor two days ago, expands that boundary of our castle doctrine up to the edge of your property,' said Rep. Jay Steagall (R-Yukon), who authored the bill in an interview over the phone with News 4 Friday. Lawmakers agree on Oklahoma budget, could see income tax cut Steagall said it's an effort that's been in the works for years, and was tentatively dubbed the 'Private Property Protection Act.' During debate on the Oklahoma House floor in March, Steagall used Oklahoma's constitutional right to bear arms in reference to the law's justification. He said the bill was drafted with help from the Oklahoma Second Amendment Association, but at the time said he hadn't spoken with any law enforcement agencies or District Attorney's offices about potential implications of the bill. 'I think what the statute does is provide clarity for the court systems to help them determine what the actual boundary line is when it comes to our Castle Doctrine,' said Steagall. Steagall faced hard questioning from Democrats in March, who questioned responsibilities for gun owners, how Oklahoma minors could interpret the law, and instances across the country where innocent people have been shot for knocking on doors or stepping into yards. News 4 spoke with Rep. Michelle McCane (D-Tulsa) Friday, who voted against the bill. 'I don't think that a threat to your person and a threat to your property are the same type of thing,' said McCane. McCane said Steagall never provided testimonial from Oklahomans who would benefit from the law, and that she was also troubled by Steagall saying he hadn't met with agencies who would potentially have to deal with the aftermath. 'It was just a punishment bill,' said McCane. 'I'd like to try to avoid just adding on punishments without having the conversations about all of the people and ways that it might have a negative impact.' Steagall argued Oklahomans will still be in trouble for pointing a weapon as a joke or even out of anger, like in cases of road rage. He sees the opposition as blatantly targeting constitutional rights. 'Those that do not support our self-defense rights are going to push back against the bill like this in many ways, but our charge as elected officials is simple and that's to support and obey and defend the constitution, which is actually what this bill does,' said Steagall. McCane said she doesn't see the issue as one side versus the other, arguing Democrats in Oklahoma have weapons as well. 'I think that this idea that people that are Democrats or are more on the left don't like guns is bizarre,' said McCane. Steagall says even with the law given the go-ahead, he's always going to encourage Oklahomans who think they or their property is in danger to call police first. He argues there are rare instances though where that just can't happen fast enough. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
New Oklahoma law changes how guns can be used to protect property: What 'defensive display' means
Oklahomans can now legally point a firearm or other weapon at someone if they are defending their home, private property or business under a new law signed by Gov. Kevin Stitt. Existing state law allows people to point weapons in self defense, but House Bill 2818 expands the justified "defensive display of a firearm or other deadly weapon" to include defense of property. The new law took effect immediately after Stitt signed it on Thursday, May 16. During debate on the House floor, Democratic lawmakers questioned the law's author, state Rep. Jay Steagall, on responsibilities of a gun owner and whether Oklahoma youths would interpret the law to allow flashing a weapon as an acceptable response to fear of confrontation. Steagall replied that the bill still penalizes those who point a firearm "for purposes of whimsy, humor, or prank, or in anger." "We don't have any control over the way someone else perceives something. There's not a way for me to legislate that," Steagall said during a presentation in March. "But what we can do is provide a clear definition of what's lawful and what's not lawful when it comes to the display or the pointing of a firearm." More: Bill allowing firearms in municipal buildings in certain situations heads to Stitt's desk According to the new law, defensive display of a firearm includes the following: Verbally informing another person that you possess a firearm or have one available – "I've got a gun" Exposing or displaying the weapon in a manner where a reasonable person would understand that it's meant to protect against unlawful force Placing your hand on a firearm while it's "in a pocket, purse, holster, sling scabbard, case or other means of containment or transport This is the latest law to expand gun rights in Oklahoma, a state known for its permissive rules on the ownership, carrying and use of firearms. Another proposed law recently sent to the governor's desk for his approval would allow elected municipal officials and judges with a valid firearm license to carry concealed guns in buildings leased or owned by their city, if a policy is approved by the city council. In the United States, most states follow some version of the Castle Doctrine, which allows the use of deadly force in self defense. According to an analysis by FindLaw, however, state laws vary when it comes to which locations or specific situations allow someone to claim their use of force was justified. The National Conference of State Legislatures notes that Oklahoma is one of 28 states where the person claiming self defense has no duty to attempt retreat before firing their weapon. It's also one of just 10 states that allow that person to "stand their ground." In 2019, Stitt signed legislation on the "constitutional carry" of handguns. The measure loosened the state's gun laws, allowing most adults to carry a loaded, concealed firearm without a permit. After that law went into effect, the average number of gun deaths per month increased nearly 20% compared to the 10 years before the new law went into effect, a period in which the population grew just over 6%, according to a 2022 analysis by The Oklahoman. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: New law HB 2818 lets Oklahomans point guns to protect property
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Yahoo
Evansville police investigating fatal Sweetser Avenue shooting
EVANSVILLE — One person was shot and killed Tuesday during what Evansville police described as an attempted burglary. The fatal shooting comes after a 911 caller in the 3000 block of Sweetser Avenue reported discovering several intruders inside their home just after 1:45 p.m., according to Evansville Police Department spokesman Sgt. Anthony Aussieker. "Additional information came in saying a subject inside the home had actually shot one of the people," Aussieker said. "The person told an officer on scene they heard a noise, went to investigate and saw three people inside their home." Evansville police have not publicly identified the person who was shot. As of 2:30 p.m., Aussieker said investigators were still searching for two other suspects, who reportedly fled on foot. Aussieker said they were reported to have been wearing all-black clothing and gloves. The person who fired the shots has cooperated with investigators, police said. The authorities have not released their name. Detectives were still working Tuesday afternoon to determine whether any of the alleged intruders were armed. "We are a Castle Doctrine state, so you are allowed to use that type of force to protect your home, but that's part of the investigation," Aussieker said. The shooting prompted all available EPD units to rush to Sweetser Avenue, where more than a dozen law enforcement vehicles and officers were still on scene as of 3 p.m. Nearby schools Fairlawn Elementary, Caze Elementary and Fairlawn Middle School went into "secure mode," Evansville Vanderburgh School Corp. spokesman Jason Woebkenberg said. "This means instructional activities continue, but no one is able to enter or leave the building," he said. Dismissal at McGary had been delayed until police gave EVSC the may be contacted at This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: Evansville police investigate fatal shooting
