NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — A bill that would have allowed Tennesseans to use deadly force to defend their property could be reintroduced this upcoming legislative session following reports of looting from flood victims in East Tennessee.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office arrested eight men on Sept. 28 for allegedly looting flood-ravaged structures. Deputies charged some of the men with burglary and others with aggravated burglary “for breaking into occupied structures,” the social media post said .
According to the sheriff’s office, the men were released from jail after posting their bonds, which a judge lowered from $20,000 to $1,000 during their first court appearance Sept. 30.
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John Harris, the executive director of the Tennessee Firearms Association believes theft victims should be armed with the power to protect their personal and real property.
However, under the current law, unless in self-defense, people are prohibited from using deadly force to stop their property from being stolen or when making a citizen’s arrest, even if they don’t pull the trigger.