If folks only get their news from mainstream, national media outlets, it's easy for them to have the false impression that defensive gun uses are incredibly rare in this country. Even on the low end of estimates there are about 70,000 defensive gun uses each year, and some research indicates the number is actually in the millions. The presence of the gun in the hand of the armed citizen is enough to de-escalate the situation. At least the local news is paying attention, and hopefully we'll learn more about the suspect and the armed citizens in the days ahead. AdvertisementEditor's Note: Do you appreciate Bearing Arms's reporting on armed citizens and defensive gun uses?