Philadelphia Gun Store Owner Shoots and Kills Looter In Attempted Break-In

He says the man had tried to break into his store on three straight nights.

By Richard Moorhead – 6/3/2020

A South Philadelphia gun store owner shot and killed a man who had broke into his store early Tuesday morning.

He’s recounting seeing three men using bolt cutters to cut through the padlock locking the fence to the building containing Firing Line Inc. on surveillance camera. After the three men broke into a back window and entered the first floor of the building, the store’s 67-year owner retrieved his Bushmaster M4 AR 15-style rifle, later firing one shot at the group of three men when they made their way upstairs. The store’s owner had realized that the burglars were armed, and fired at the men.

One looter was killed from the shot, and the other two fled.

Philadelphia Police Inspector Scott Smalls is describing the incident as a clear cut example of self defense. After questioning of the gun store owner and review of surveillance camera footage, he won’t face any criminal charges for defending his shop.