Proposed Changes to Missouri’s Self-Defense Laws Trigger Fiery Debate

JEFFERSON CITY, MO (Missourinet) A Missouri bill aims to change the state’s self-defense laws. Current law requires citizens to prove they reasonably believed physical or deadly force was needed to protect themselves or another person. A Missouri House committee is considering a bill that would instead allow any use of physical or deadly force to be presumed as self-defense. Representative Hannah Kelly, a Republican from southern Missouri’s Mountain Grove, supports the legislation.

On the flip side, Representative Keri Ingle, a Democrat from Kansas City, says the proposal would lead to the Wild West and vigilante justice.