Backers, opponents square off over proposed changes to MN self-defense law

Vigorous debate in Minnesota House committee today on a bill to change Minnesota laws on when a person can kill someone in self-defense. Scott Rausch with the N-R-A supports the move.  Rausch says, “There’s a fundamental right for an individual to defend his or her life, family, property and the well-being of others, no matter where that person has a lawful right to be.”  Dakota County Attorney James Backstrom opposes the bill and asked lawmakers, “Do we really want to presume that a homeowner has the right to shoot and kill an unarmed teenager who sneaks into their garage to steal a bicycle?” Backstrom says current law already allows someone to kill another in self-defense if it’s reasonable under the circumstances.