By Pat Culverhouse
When Ryan Barnette talks about self defense, there’s one critical piece of advice he always delivers to his audience.
“The best self defense encounter is one that never happens. Every fight you avoid is one you’ve won. But remember: avoid what you can, but defeat what you cannot,” Barnette told members of the Minden Lions Club.
Barnette, a veteran law enforcement officer and owner of the company Nine and One Tactical, has conducted hundreds of classes on conceal and carry, plus instructions in the safe handling of firearms.
For Lions members, he discussed personal defense and legal issues surrounding conceal and carry laws, including the constitutional change in Louisiana that affects conceal/carry.
“Previously, a person had to be 21 in order to obtain a conceal or carry permit. Under the new Louisiana law passed July 4, 2024, the age was changed to 18,” Barnette said. “It’s just my opinion, but I’m OK with that because we can sign up our 18-year-olds to fight in the military. If they can carry overseas, they can carry here.”
Individuals can still obtain a conceal/carry permit, and Barnette said there are benefits to doing so.
“You will receive training from a certified trainer and that’s good,” he said. “Plus, if you have a permit, you do not have to go through a background check to purchase a firearm. Your information is already on record.”
One of the biggest questions asked is when is it legal to use a firearm in defense of one’s self…when lethal force may be used that could cause serious bodily injury or death. Barnette said three factors legally constitute use of such force.
“Ability, intent and opportunity must be present at the same time for legally using lethal force,” he said. “If the bad actor has the ability to harm, the intent and the opportunity, then you can defend yourself.”
Barnette said it’s the responsibility of good persons to play by the rules. “It’s what separates from the bad actors.”
And, he added, a gun is only a tool, and it’s a good tool in the hands of a good person.
A second question often asked is how will a person know it’s time to act in self defense.
“Ask yourself in the moment you draw a weapon to defend yourself or another person, whose life am I about to save? If you can’t answer, it’s not the time to pull the weapon,” Barnette said.
But once a decision is made to fight back, Barnette said individuals should stay in the fight until they’re sure the fight is over.
“Reholster your firearm reluctantly. Make sure there’s not another threat,” he said. “Bad guys usually operate in pairs or groups. And, you may want to get away from that area.”
If action has been taken, individuals should follow a definite protocol, Barnette said.
“Call 911 immediately. Do it yourself. Don’t let someone else describe what has happened to you,” he said. “Describe yourself, describe the bad actor, request police and EMT and secure your firearm. And when police arrive, have nothing in your hands. Empty is a good sign to law enforcement that you are not a danger.”
When police arrive on a scene, Barnette said there are things a person can expect.
“Understand that an investigation is going to take place,” he said. “Follow law enforcement’s every command. The law has to find the facts. There’s a good chance you will not immediately be going home.”
Barnette said it’s incumbent on everyone to know the law before they go into the public with a firearm. Individuals also need to understand that caution should always be exercised.
“It’s our responsibility to know the law and to avoid unnecessary confrontations,” he said. “Do not intentionally put yourself in a dangerous situation.”