Beulah Montgomery, had just turned 60 the day before, when she was approached by 7 young punks playing Knock Out.  One of them hit her and a second was attempting to hit her, so she reached for her gun.  She fired 5 times and two of the young men fell down dead.  One was hit in the stomach and one in the chest.  The other five ran off after finding out their elderly victim was less than helpless.   Montgomery had been mugged before and started carrying a gun for protection.  The move paid off.

“All I could feel was pain and I said to myself I had made it to 60 and I wanted to at least see 61.  Then I started praying and I asked the Lord to guide my hands.”

Beulah is a member of the neighborhood watch (uh oh, I can see an Al Sharpton moment coming on) and says that she always carries a gun now after being robbed once before:

 ”It’s a shame you can’t walk through your own neighborhood where you are supposed to feel safe without being assaulted and mistreated.  I purchased the gun hoping I would never have to use it, but I’m glad to still be in the land of the living.”

Police have not yet charged Montgomery with anything, but she was detained and then released.  Montgomery has no prior arrests.

Why not carry a side arm of TEAR GAS so no one ends up dead? 

actual tear gas is illegal in some states, I believe.  pepper spray could be another possibility...but this is america..."because second amendment"

Because Murica!

I'm excited to see someone with the name Beulah making the news.  Good for her.

I think that IF you choose to arm yourself then you should just go all the way and pack a legal firearm and learn how to use it.  Or the most powerful weapon you can afford.  And also accept the consequences of taking a life by mistake or perhaps when it wasn't necessary.

Likewise, if you're stupid enough to boost cars, break into homes or try to knock out strangers on the street then, ooops, serves you right if the old dame is packing heat--bang, your dead.  Dem's the real world consequences.

One might get lucky and be able to pull pepper spray or a taser out of a purse or pocket, but I don't think 7 young punks would be running from pepper spray and tasers are only good for one shot.  You are more likely going to piss off serious malcontents than deter them and then you bear the brunt of that escalated situation.

Personally, I've lived and worked in some of the most violent schools, neighborhoods and countries and I don't carry anything defensive but for my wits and intelligence.  Obviously I travel very light... and run fast.