Armed Americans fight back: Inside 2025’s most gripping self-defense shootings across the US

Throughout 2025, many instances of Americans exercising their right to bear arms to protect themselves, their families and their property made headlines across the country. 

As of Dec. 23, the U.S. had seen 14,249 gun-related deaths and 25,606 injuries since the start of the year, according to the Gun Violence Archive. 

Of those instances, 1,119 shootings were deemed to be in self-defense, with many cases going unprosecuted due to various laws throughout the country permitting the use of guns in life-threatening situations.