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CHICAGO — A woman legally carrying a firearm shot and killed a man who was violently trying to break into a West Side apartment early Saturday morning, according to Chicago police. The incident, which took place just before 7 a.m. in the East Garfield Park neighborhood, highlights the critical role armed citizens can play in protecting innocent lives—especially when the system fails to keep repeat offenders off the streets.
Armed Family Member Steps In
According to multiple reports, a 33-year-old man was attempting to force his way into an apartment on the 3400 block of West Monroe Street. He was reportedly kicking the back door and threatening a woman and her children inside. The resident called 911 and also reached out to a family member—a 28-year-old woman with a valid Concealed Carry License (CCL)—who arrived on the scene quickly.
Sources told WGN-TV that the man escalated the situation by breaking a bedroom window and shouting threats to kill the family inside. The CCL holder, faced with a direct threat to her family’s lives, fired her weapon, hitting the suspect multiple times.
Suspect Had Long Criminal History
The man was taken to Mt. Sinai Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Authorities have not yet released his name publicly, but they should. Sources confirmed he had a long history with law enforcement.
According to arrest records reviewed by WGN, the man had been arrested 64 times since 2009, with 11 convictions—including multiple cases of domestic battery, criminal trespass, and aggravated battery of a peace officer. Notably, nearly two dozen of his arrests were for violating protective orders or domestic violence.
Just weeks before this incident, the same man was arrested at the exact same address for domestic battery and property damage. A judge initially denied him pretrial release, but a second judge later reversed that decision and allowed him to go free with conditions.
Police Call Shooting “Domestic-Related”
Chicago police have classified the shooting as “domestic-related,” and say the investigation is ongoing. The CCL holder was taken in for questioning but has not been charged.
Neighbors said they were shocked by the event but expressed sympathy for the family. “I can only imagine how her kids were feeling and everything when this was going on. This is really scary,” said Emonie, a nearby resident, speaking to WGN.
Commentary: A Clear Case of Defensive Gun Use
Pro-Second Amendment voices online were quick to label the shooting a clear-cut case of defensive gun use. The account @DailyDGU, which tracks lawful self-defense incidents, posted:
“A woman with a concealed carry permit came to the defense of a family member and her children, fatally shooting a man with a lengthy criminal history who broke into the relative’s home while threatening to kill the whole family.”
The reality is this: without a legally armed citizen, this story could have ended very differently. Despite dozens of past run-ins with the law, the suspect was allowed back onto the streets—only to return to the same home where he had previously been arrested.
In the absence of real consequences from the criminal justice system, it was a responsibly armed citizen who made the difference. This case underscores why law-abiding citizens continue to choose to carry—because when seconds count, help is often minutes away.
You hear about the lawyers, and how they are to blame, and to a degree that’s true. I must tell you in my opinion it’s the prosecutors, and judges that are to blame! After all what is a judge, but a lawyer in a black robe. From what I can see prosecutors are lazy, they tend to err on the side of the perp. Also there are way to many judges that are nothing more than bleeding heart libs.
Hallelujah and pass the popcorn!!!!!!
Our hero should be given tax free status for life, a new gun, 10,000 rounds of ammo and the keys to the city from a grateful populace.
Good shot and thanks!!!
I’m starting to think these judges are releasing these perps so that law abiding citizens can eliminate them rather than incarcerating them. Maybe we have their intent wrong …
This habitual criminal is dead BECAUSE this stupid judge released him back onto the streets. HE should be held criminally responsible on this death. Immediately once he is disbarred and debenched.
20 years ago, they probably would have arrested her!
64 arrests, 11 convictions and still on the streets? Prosecutors would rather make a plea deal with a criminal that committed a murder, giving them a no effort win, than there being a dead criminal, with no one to prosecute. As it was in Chicago I am surprised that she wasn’t arrested for criminal self-defense.
she did what the CONSTITUTION requires
how were her groupings and was it center mass?
The woman should be given a medal and cash award. Fu&*ing Chicago. The cops should not have taken her into custody. I bet they confiscated her gun.