CNN Tries and Fails – Again – to Make Florida’s Stand Your Ground Law Controversial

It’s hard for some not to pity CNN. The beleaguered “news” network doesn’t even have its former captive audience in airports any more. But despite it’s long, steep decline, they refuse to learn from their mistakes which is why I have no sympathy for them at all. Their reporting remains as slanted as it’s ever been.

Take, for instance, their reporting of a case out of Florida where prosecutors cleared an elderly 79-year-old man of charges after he shot and killed his neighbor’s son. The shooting was determined to have been a lawful case of self-defense, but CNN has, in effect, announced that “Florida’s stand your ground law let this guy get away with murder!” The network has been demonizing the law for years, going back to the Trayvon Martin case.

This time, it took CNN six paragraphs to explain the real reason for the case’s dismissal after salting the report with all manner of inflammatory opinion and sometimes outright falsehoods designed to attack not only the victim but also Florida’s stand your ground law.

A Florida court has dismissed charges against a 79-year-old man who invoked a controversial self-defense law after fatally shooting his neighbor’s adult son as he trimmed tree limbs — and threatened him — from the defendant’s side of a shared fence.

The only people who see “Stand Your Ground” laws as controversial are those who opposed your right – and my right – to self-defense.

The case drew attention as another seemingly ordinary misunderstanding between neighbors turned deadly in a nation with more guns than people. It also shined a fresh spotlight on Florida’s controversial “Stand Your Ground” law, which like others across US states lets people respond to threats with potentially lethal force and no fear of criminal prosecution; such measures have been linked to increased homicide rates.

If the number of guns had anything at all to do with crime, Chicago should be the safest place in the nation given the relative scarcity of gun owners. Instead, the Windy City leads the nation with (checks notes) 611 homicides in 2024.  That’s more than New York City and LA combined. In Illinois as a whole, less than 20% of the population have FOID cards.

By contrast, in Alabama, 27% of adults have carry licenses.  Not even the roughest cities in that state hold a candle to Chicago-style violent crime and murder. Right next door to Chicago, over 23% of Indiana’s adults have carry licenses even though by law they’re no longer needed. For some reason, East Chicago doesn’t have Chicago-style violent crime. Neither does Indy. Or anywhere else in the Hoosier State.

A Volusia County Court judge ruled Friday that Edward Druzolowski, is immune from prosecution after asserting a claim of self-defense, court records show. The defendant argued he felt threatened by his neighbor’s son, who was known to have a criminal history and a reputation for violence, according to court documents.

Now we’re getting somewhere . . .

The victim, Brian Ford, 42, was trimming tree branches on September 17, 2023, along the fence separating his parents’ property in DeLeon Springs, Florida, from Druzolowski’s. Believing Ford was cutting from his own side, Druzolowski had initially not intervened. But, after his wife told him that Ford was on their side of the fence, Druzolowski armed himself with a gun and went outside to ask Ford to leave the property.

That seems reasonable. “Sir, would you please remove yourself from my property?” Knowing Mr. Ford’s history of crime and violence, Mr. K. armed himself. After all, as a frail 79-year-old man, he knew he would be no match for the young, violent neighbor.

Ford, who was with his 8-year-old son, reacted aggressively when confronted, court documents revealed. The two men exchanged words, and Ford reportedly threatened the defendant with a chainsaw, prompting Druzolowski to draw the firearm. Ford allegedly continued to advance toward Druzolowski despite being warned to stop, and the defendant fired his weapon, fatally wounding Ford.

So Ford threatened the old man with a chainsaw — while holding one — and advanced on the old man. He continued to advance after old man presented his pistol. Did Mr. Ford think the old man was bluffing? That Mr. D. didn’t have the stones to shoot? Was he thinking at all?

Bullies tend to bully. But Mr. Ford bullied the wrong old man that particular day. Mr. Druzolowski shot him dead right there in front of Ford’s 8-year-old son, the poor kid.

In his defense, Druzolowski cited his age, physical frailty due to osteoporosis and the size difference between him and Ford. The court found Druzolowski’s use of force was reasonable given Ford’s aggressive behavior and violent reputation. Additionally, the victim’s own young son reportedly told police his father had threatened the defendant during the confrontation.

If you bring a chainsaw to a gunfight, you’re likely going to wind up taking a long dirt nap. It its report, the failing news network closed with this bit of sensationalism to energize the few readers who remain . . .

The ruling has renewed debate over the use of Florida’s divisive law, with proponents arguing it protects individuals in self-defense situations, and critics contending it can lead to unjust outcomes in cases involving questionable circumstances.

Prove it. Show us the headlines that this righteous defensive gun use has “renewed debate” to any degree at all in Florida over stand your ground. Or even that the law is “divisive.” We’ll be waiting.