I thought the acid test for shooting someone in your house was if you felt like your life was in imminent danger – shooting them in the back doesn't sound like the shooter was in imminent danger.

Annie Kate
Birmingham AL

Although I think Clark's comment was a little distasteful, it is not entirely incorrect. I would never question Mr McCain's patriotism or love of his country. He should be admired for his service to his country and we should be grateful to ALL service men and women past and present. However, his comment has some truth to it. Being in the military and serving the country although admirable, DOESN'T make anyone qualified for the office of President of the United States. What makes a person qualified is their ability to make good decisions regardless of outside pressure from corporations and lobbyists. Intelligence as well as common sense. Strength of convictions as well as ability to admit mistakes and willingness to listen to those who know more than you do.

I think he was wrong for shooting those men, he was right when he called 911, after he was told not to shoot them and when he did, he crossed the line. I feel the only way shooting them was justifiable was if they were threatening his life in any way and it doesn't appear that was the case. No if, ands or buts about it, he was wrong and he needs to pay for what he did.

The man was in the mood for a killing, so that is what he did. Sounds like a lynching. He was judge, jury, and elocutionist. Is that still the American way?

the blood of those he murdered is going to hunt him for the rest of his life.

What when I think about it, it sounds like a set up to me. Of course, you sit by the door and watch your neighbors house, just in case robbers come – You conveniently have a weapon, loaded and ready. Just to cover your rear end you call 911 then you go shoot. From the sound of the call and the sound of the activity, it all sounded fake. How can he have a phone to his ear, and go run and catch these men, we didn't hear them say a word. I could have been a hit. They could have already been dead, and it could have been a set up. Come by, get this stuff, then you shoot them in the back. I don't buy this story at all. If these guys were criminals, they still had the right to a fair trial. We never heard their side of the story, did we.

This is all to familiar to me, its the American way indeed. I thought those days were long gone. They must have been Black.

I think what Mr. Horn did was right in shooting the two burglars. They were committing a crime and even though it wasn't his house but his neighbors, he had the right to defend it. One of the two burglars already was in trouble with cocaine dealings and on top of that – both of them were illegals so obviously they don't have any regard for our laws. Too bad for the burglars they paid with their life for their criminal acts.

He did the right thing. End of story.

I don't think he was justified. He went out there looking to harm someone.

Horn is a true American, I would have done the same thing.

first oj now horn sad

COMPLETELY JUSTIFIED!! This is a fantastic example of what SHOULD BE DONE to these CRIMINALS!!! Stealing my or my neighbors stuff? Blam Blam your dead!!

I think he did the right thing, man. I'd do the same thing.

This is not a "justified killing," this was a taped pre-meditated murder. There is no possible way you can justify what this man has done. He shot two people on someone else's lawn. They had not approached him. Even on the phone you only heard Horne's gun, the other two had nothing. The two guys were shot in the back, so how can you say he was being threatened. Like I said this is just plain murder.

I am very pleased with the outcome of the hearing. I am glad that somone actually used a kind of force that needs to be dusted off and be made more available to the media more often.

Do you really want to waste time on this crap when our country is in such bad shape.

I am sick and tired of the public and the legal system constantly erring on the side of the criminal. What this man did was brave and admirable. No more ACLU nonsense defending criminal activity and trying to convince America to give rights to law breakers and strip the right to defense from the rest of us that abide by the law.

The old man was looking to shot someone. Should have been convicted of murder.

Yes, I believe that he did the right thing. If that would have been myself i would have done the same thing! He was protecting the neighbors house! GET over it they shoudn't have been stealing!

At what point was he in danger? Shooting people just to make a point is unhumane.

Should he have killed? Probably not, especially not in the back. Should they have broken in? Definitely not. Why are we more concerned about criminals' rights than honest people's rights?

He was justified in killing these criminals. If they came across as threatning to him he had every right to shoot them. He also gave them fair warning not to run untill the police arrived and they chose to flee.

2 less bad people in the world and hundreds of innocent victims spared being robbed or even worse...

Joe Horn belongs in jail for murder

I wonder if the GJ would have indicted if the deceased had been two white boys, sons of a prominent Texas citizen? Hmmmmmmmmmmnnnnn

I don't think the killings were justified, this ruling will lead to many more people getting shot off what people percieve, and as the death penalty has shown us, no one is a 100%.

need more people like him
thank god he lived in Texas
otherwise things might be different

wow just heard they were illegals !!!!!!

I believe he was justified, although a simple shot in the leg would have sufficed instead of killing them.

I think due process was accomplished. A grand jury found no evidence for an indictment, therefore we must lay this issue to rest.

Were the two men illegal aliens? I guess I better tell my neighbor he can shoot anyone burglarizing my house.

The castle doctrine allows people to use lethal force to protect their property, and in texas the property of others. In many states the castle doctrine laws bars wrongful death or damages suits against people defending their properties.

Fortunate or not, anyone that lives in Houston or Harris County knows full well that if you are breaking into a residence that you might encounter lethal force. The jurors here live up to that stance.

Joe horn did the right thing and so would I.
Criminals need to get the message because law enforcement & government can't get it through to them.

The media should spend as much time talking about the burgarlars and the fact that while this grandfather is lucky to escape unharmed, he's no criminal. Glad it didnt turn out like Bernie Getz in NYC. God Bless Texas.

I think it is time to rid the streets of people who threaten the security of a neighborhood. God Bless Texas! if we had more justice like this we may rid our country of the errogance and escalation of aggresive criminals.

I wish we had that inAustralia
The law is an ass there

He is an honest man, he couldn't let something wrong happen.

This is a crying shame. Perhaps this guy should stay in his house for the rest of his life. If he steps into my yard, I'm gonna let 'em fly.....

Joe did the right thing. If you are going to break the law you deserve the consequences of those actions.

I feel he had every right to protect himself and his neighbors. He and his neighbor were the victims, not the illegal immigrants that were stealing and trespassing.

He shot them in the BACK...c'mon!!!

This was definitly justified. Has nothing to do with Race. I have a 1 year old child at home and if somebody comes to my residence to cause harm you better beileve I'll protect my family in any way possible and make sure they don't come back

This is ridiculos! This gun-tooting hillbilly should be thrown in jail. Can anyone argue that this is justified. He went after them and shoot them in the back. MURDER!

He was protecting his neighbour's property as well as himself. The law in Texas is that you can use leathal force if you are threatened on your property. I agree with Horn's actions.
Kill or be killed.

Chalk one up for the good guy!!

Hasn't it occured to anyone that no one is blogging on this one because it is patently offensive? Please.

Re: John Horn

It's this tragic display of injustice that makes me ashamed to be a Texan. He had no right to take these lives, my God, he shot them in the back!

How can someone claim they were in danger, if the victims were shot in the back? The fact that the victims were illegal immigrants, doesn't make it any easier to get justice. There's justice, and then there's "Just Us"

How crazy is this law? What year is this when a man can kill people at will and get away with it? Maybe it's the Californian in me talking, but this is absurd! Why do we have a police force trained to shoot as a last resort if the untrained common man can kill based on a feeling?

I think our country is getting too soft on our rights to use force to protect ourselves, or our neighbors. In the old days, a matter such as this would never be as big a deal as some people make it now. It comes down to common sense; you commit a crime; you better be prepared for any consequences that may occur.

Well...how many more have to die for Americans to realize they live in the most dangerous westernized nation in the world? The proliferation of weapons coupled with the media's incessant desire for ratings thru airing violence is going to tear this nation apart. FEAR is not the way a country should handle itself. But the US has no way out of this...check your history...We're in Rome...350 AD...God Bless America...we sure do need it...The Bill of Rights never guaranteed anyone the right to murder someone..did it?

I live in Memphis and am sick and tired of people pursuing crime instead of working like I do. I would shoot first and ask questions later. Strike that, I would ask no questions.........

No one has the right to shoot another human being, regardless of circumstances, regardless of Texas law. This man should go the way of everyone else who defends the lawlessness of Texas–this uncivilized, ruthless and corrupt state–away. We do not want these people in our country. In our United States of America.

America is a wonderful place where if I have a gun and can go shoot two illegal immigrants without any consequences. I am a black international student. I'll be sre to walk with my papers and not look too suspicous or I might get shot in the back

This is why I have an issue with gun ownership!!! Horn was not in danger, why did he have to get involved? He did his duty and that was to call the police, that is it, period. What he did was plain murder. These men were shot in the back!!! Where was there weapon? How was Horn threatened? Horn is just plain wrong.

Joe Horn was right for shooting those men. They were robbing someone and shouldn't have been. If you want to take this chance of robbing someone, then face the consequences.

If this had happened in any other state or country, this would be murder. I live in Canada, and here peoples lives are placed in higher regard than a persons property. Property can be replaced, lives can't.

He absolutely did the right thing! Get over it LIBERALS!

I think crooks may stay out of Mr Horn's neighborhood from now on.

Yes, I think he did the right thing. First, the two guys should have not been their in the first place, second, their intentions were to steal, third and the two guys where illegally in the country...and what about wanting to come to this country for a better life..is stealing from our American citizens a better life....I am behind Mr. Clark

It's pre-meditated murder. He told the 911 operator that he was going to kill them, and then he did. I'd love to know what the grand jury was thinking. The victims, now dead, had not been tried and convicted. We are a nation of laws. Law enforcement officials should be allowed to do their jobs. The smart thing would have been to take a picture of those guys, or their vehicle, to provide to the local authorities. A license plate number would have been great.

Let's get real people, two thieves died in the commission of their crime. Anywhere but Texas would have protected them. We shouldn't devise the law in such a way that we render ourselves obtuse. Criminals should never be protected!

Horn's actions are a disturbing example of vigilante justice. It is sad that a legal loophole justified this murder.

joe horn is doing more to prevent crime than our legal system

You're darn right Mr. Horn had a right to shoot those 2 men. He was protecting property. No matter whose property it was, the 2 men were stealing and deserved whatever they got. Both of the men were illegal immigrants anyway. Who cares. No big deal. You won't see a tear in my beer over the 2 intruders. Way to go Mr. Horn. More people should take action like this, and then maybe people will think twice when trying to rip people off. Maybe the crime rate will go down.

He shot them in the back! They were running away, their backs to him, how can that be self defense. It was murder.

Justice was served. He ought to get a medal.

Houston

A man uses deadly force to protect property and is acting within the law and doesn't get prosecuted. Good for him. I think maybe some more of this needs to happen to curb some of the crime in this country. You certainly can't count on the Police to help you.

absolutely justified. And I think he did it right – he got on 911, told them what was happening and why he was doing what he was doing. The law upholds it and he did it right.

You trespass on anyone's property, it's your butt.. and you run the risk of whatever happens.

That's just common sense!

And, that's why we're allowed to bear arms. For protection.

He is Justified. if the criminals lived past that incident, who knows how many people the would have murdered. More so who knows how many people they had already murdered. Apparently most justice systems aren't the solution we think they are, How many offenders are repeat offenders in prison right now? Everyone get a gun kill any criminal and you won't believe how low crime rates will be in three months!!!

Coming on another person's property especially after watching them just loot someone else's house is enough reason to stop these guys from trying to do the same to your house.

He did the right thing...

Horn's a hero!
The country HAS changed JEFF! We're tired of being murdered by criminals!

clarke is a demlib with no thought process what soever.

Was Mr. Horrn actually being threatened? Doesn't the law say if you are being THREATENED? The men were shot in the back. Why not just shoot them in the leg and wait for police? Did the men have guns?

If a few brave people can reduce the workload of the policeand the courtsystem by shooting criminals, I don't sleep any worse at night because of it. In fact, Id love to have him as my neighbor. I'd sure feel safer!

100% Justified. These men were in his property. Under Texas Law, you have the right to protect yourself (shoot a criminal element) if that person is at your property.

This is a lesson for those criminals out there... you will be shot!!! pain and simple!!!

God Bless this Man!!! And BTW, I am also an immigrant!!!!

as sad as it is, Yes Mr. Horn had the right to shoot...although he could have used a smaller gun and not a shot gun, and aim at the legs...

thanks!

Yes! A man who tries to deter or stop a crime, and is protecting his or another's property or person should not be indicted or charged. He was willing to put himself on the line to stop a crime. He was a brave man.

I feel the killing was justified and it sends a message that deadbeats need to GET A JOB!
I am a black female Texan! All of the protestors should go home and protest something worthwhile such as Drug-Dealers in the neighborhoods.

Joe Horn did the right thing. In addition, the evidence also proves so.

How was this man in danger. He was in his house, armed with a shotgun and went outside and shot 2 people in the back. If that's legal in Texas, I'm glad I don't live there.

well, i don't think it was justified because he shot them in the backs and could've as easily shot them in the leg just to slow them down. He shot them like they were deers.

Justified.

Yes he was justified. Arm the citizenry – more guns, less crime.

Only in Texas!! Or maybe Arizona?? Give 'em all back to Mexico!!

Though shall not kill!

joe horn did the right thing i dont see why all the noise is stealing in any form right ?i dont think so if some one was in that house i am sure they would have killed him
sam

Also...oneother thing....Since when does a burglar get the death penalty? Just answer that one simple question for me...Thanks everyone...

Yes sir , Mr. Horn was right to kill those burglars maybe more burglars well think of changing professions now

Yes...Justified. Were the "illegal immigrants" justified to break into someones house? I would do the same for my neighbor in the Great State of Texas!

The robbers got what they deserved.
More of this and the crime rate will take dive.

This is another example of the miscarriage of justice.

It amazing to me that anyone would make light of it as if these two men's lives meant nothing.

Things like this definately make me want to leave this country and never return. Of course Joe Horn is a criminal whether he is in jail or not. What he did was shameful.

There are 3 rules that cops have to follow when we are going to use our weapons...Intent, capability and opportunity...and all 3 have to be present...So when they turned there back to him he lost all those precondition...he should be in jail...and the tapes dont help

WOW, if they were looting the house and he called the cops he should have just let the cops handle it, this guy actually tells the operator if he wants to bet him if he can shoot them or not. I would rather see them burn in prison for their crime than for someone to go out and shoot them in the back. He should have been atleast punished in some way or the other, it looked more like he was eager to use his shotgun, and he took advantage of his rights.

I believe that Mr horn was justified to shoot , If i would 've be in his shoes i would done the samething we got let these criminals know we going to protect ourselves and out property at any cost.

I'm sorry, I am a black man and this case to me was not about race. Anyone who come into my property without my concent in the middle of the night will be shot. This is what we call protecting my life and the people I love.

I'm no lawyer, no leftist, and no radical-but shooting a man who is fleeing, in the back, is pure cowardice. The man who shot Jesse James, shot him in the back, and was eventually put out his misery. Redneck nonsense.

It was cold-blooded calculated murder. There is nothing to prove that either man was breaking in the neighbors property. For all we know, this guy saw two latinos outside, and murdered them, despite being told (although without much force) by the 911 operator, not to.

OF COURSE HE HAS THE RIGHT! You step on my property and your getting 2 in the back or front. How dare someone defend someones right to steal another persons property. Whats wrong with these people who are marching for these thieves? A homeowner has a right to defend himself, even if they are outside of his door. Would you like someone breaking into your daughters window while shes asleep? Its too bad 2 had to learn their lesson the hard way. Dont Mess with TEXANS........

Joe Horn for Sheriff !!! I love the guy!!!

It was justified. Plain and simple. If he had not done anything, then they would have most likely killed him too in order to get away without any witnesses to report them. What he did was the right thing to do.

Wherever they were shot is irrelavant. Where they were located when shot is what is important. They were obviously on the wrong side of the fence.

There are too many criminals taking advantage of laws that are not being enforced. Living near Philadelphia and reading about police being shot daily makes you think that the criminal mind has no preference when picking a victim. If its time to steal or cause bodily harm and I have the right to carry a weapon then the decision of the criminal becomes much harder to make.
If there had been someone carrying a handgun at Va Tech there may not have been so many poor defenseless children killed aimlessly.

Anderson

I do not believe that he was justified........... This opens up a window for this to be repeated. I wonder if the children and families of those men are really ok with the decision?????..

This is a case of murder. I lived in Texas for 3 years and learned Texans are still in the "Wild West" mindset.

I think this act was barbaric.... and in my view makes Mr. Horn a murderer. He could simply have fired in the air or better yet wait for the police to arrive. The only justification in shooting directly at these common thieves would be if he was directly threatened and obviously from his 911 call he instigated the confrontation.

Just so so sad,

These men were not even threatening him. He had no right to take their lives. No matter how many homes they robbed. He should not have been allowed to get away with this. I feel like, if these men were white, they would still be alive.
Just so so sad.

Kill or be killed? Live by the gun or die by the gun? The two men shot were criminals/illegals and Americans need to be able to defend their country and neighbors.and family...if we wait for violent terrorism to strike us then we will die as innocent victims, on the other hand, if we strike down criminal, violent, terroristic activity expediently, we will send a message to criminals to reconsider committing crimes against us.

I think it is about time true justice is served to people who break the law. The courts take to long and the criminals have the upper hand in "justice'. I respect what Joe Horn did. It WILL send a message to criminals looking for the easy score. Wasn't so easy for them. I just wish California had laws similar to Texas.

I think the situation is have been handled completely different due to the fact the he was instructed not to shoot anyone and he did. Also the if any materials were taken they could have been replaced it's just materials, not saying the intruders were right. With all due respect Americans that believe that families of the intruders should not seek justice is wrong regardless or not if they were Americans.

I think that it was jusifiable,he did what he should had done protecting his fellow amer icans, who knows what they were going to do. I think that if we had more american's like this the world would be a safer place!

I think he did the right thing.Mr Cooper seems to think its ok to break into someones home what if it was his.

Moreover... haven't we had enough of the Texas way of doing things? Geez...

This guy is a Texas yahoo and a killer...the two 'victims' are a couple dirt bags who were breaking into someone's home...
bottom line...one day there will be a case of some kid who lost his key and "breaking into" a house...he shouldn't have to worry about some neighbor shooting him. If a neighbor wants to be responsible...diall 911...call the police...that is it.
cut out the yahoo routine and whipping out the shotgun.

I think Joe did the right thing and we need more like him. There are more and more Thugs in this world and they need to be numbered.

mr. horn did us all a favor in killing those 2 thugs.

So much for the cowboy code:

"The Cowboy must never shoot first, hit a smaller man, or take unfair advantage."

The answer according to me is to amend the gun laws the country has.
The gun lobby is so strong that it has become one of the biggest challenges to our society to try and curtail how one can own a gun

If guns were not that easily available we would have fewer incidents of all sorts.

Joe Horn is a Murderer. What the heck is wrong in Texas?

He did the right thing. If he had left it to the "law", those theives would be out and about robbing and threatening the lives of others.
People need to protect themselves without fear that the law will not stand by them when they do.

The liberal media always sides with the criminals.

Only in a crazy, trigger-happy, cowboy-loving country is this issue even been debated.....for the rest of the world, this man should be behind bars. No law could possibly condone something like this...and if such a law exists, it is simply archaic, wrong and reflecting the sinister and dark dimension of America. This, most likely racist, guy was just waiting the opportunity to shoot someone...he probably researched the loophole in the law beforehand. I am not surpised, though, that this law exist in the home state of that idiot president of your Bush.

This is double murder, plain and simple. He wasn't defending himself and the police were on the scene. Cannot believe this is happening here, looks like there are 2 Americas. I think this would reinforce latent suspicions in all immigrants and people of color that they cannot seek equal protection under the law

I think Mr. Horn did the right thing. It's sad that people don't agree with it. I am from a city and I don't see anything wrong with defending your home, or a neighbor's home for that matter. Hopefully career thieves will see this story and think twice before they make the decision to continue on that path.

He had every right to shoot them!!! A message needs to be sent to these dopers that law abiding citizens are sick of being taken advantage of. It is up to the people to take care of ourselves, not the police dept. Lets be honest, how many times has the police dept actually stopped a crime in progress, NOT VERY OFTEN!!! It is up to the people to govern ourselves!!!

I feel like Mr Horn is in the wrong for the simple fact he shot the men in the back. I don't see how someone can be a threat to you if thier back is turned. In my opinion, it is a cowardly thing to do.

Since when does property have more value than human life. I did't hear that they left the house with any stolen property. I feel this is racially motivate, just another incident were a minorites life has no value.

I wish Joe Horn was my neighbor.

Do you believe the killings were justified or not?

Yep, weather our flawed judicial system agreed with me or not.

I think that is ridiculous, firstly i understand the Castle Law, but from the sounds of the phone call he personally was definatley not threatened and the men were not on his property. He completley ignored the advice from the trained 911 operator.
I am an Australian and already despise the American gun laws, but to see now that people can get away with obvious murder like that, not only sickens me but angers me greatly.
Why can't somebody fix this??

I think all states should alow the same laws to b past if i was him i wouldve done the same two to the chest and one to the head god bless the right to bare arms..................................................................

If only more people protected their personal property, and that of their neighbors, the country would likely be in much better shape. This act is likely more effective as a deterrent than our legal system ever thought of being. Enough is enough. Defending the criminal has become obscene, just look at Ramos and Compion. They should be given awards, not sitting in prison.

Didn't anyone hear the man say he believed he might get killed during the robbery? Of course, he was justified in the killings. He has very likely saved lives in the long run.

Anderson,

This killing shouldn't have been justified. Shooting to kill by a civilian should be justified only and if only it is for self defense.
It is sad this guy is set free and it is like sending a message to gun owners , "it is ok to kill an immigrant!"

Getachew

I would have done the same thing. I say good for Joe Horn! They were out of line for sure! If we don't protect ourselves, who will?

I was thrilled to see he was not charged, this is one for the good guys. Criminals need to know that there actions can and should be stopped. I would have personally tried to scare them into surrender and I dont know the specifics about what they did when confronted but removing two more criminals from the planet is always a good thing. We dont need to feed and house them only to let them go after a few years to start their crimes over again. I currently live in Japan where crime is hard to find, too bad we cant say the same for the US.

I think he did the wright thing. Maybe his house was next.
Sending a mesage, let the next thief know what kand happen!

Yes, Mr. Horn was justified. It truly is a great day in America when justice is rendered. Law abiding citizen 1 – Criminals Dead 0!

The Supreme Court affrimed the right for law abiding citizens to keep and bear arms and Joe Horn is found not guilty; it is a great week for the Constitution and the rights of free, law abiding citizens of America.

Praise the Lord!

Yes. He was justified. People need to think TWICE before they criminalize homes – he was simply doing what he was asked to do – protect property.
Illegals need to know they live by the rules of our country while they are here....and our citizens have a right to bear arms for protection.

I think he dis what was right, though he really should have recorded the break in rather than intervene. If someone wants to come to this country and then disrespect our laws and property, they deserve the outcome that comes to them.

This man did the right thing, in my opinion, he was protecting his neighbors and you never know what could have happened in that house, they were invading his space, and it's about time we all stick together and start to help eachother out, start being nice to one another, so this kind of tragedy does not have to happen again, don't take other peoples stuff, come on now, we are all human and we are all the same.

This country need to go back to the way things were done back in the 1800s. I am tired of being the victim and live in a middle class neighborhood that is under attack by these types of thugs.
The police show up, make a report and that is it. The police are under staff and have no budget.
Nice shot Joe

While I would have preferred that burglars had permanent damage to their legs, rather than killed. Their deaths will serve as a reminder to other people commiting an illegal act that you do the crime you may serve the time or worse pay with your life.

This is just another example of how dollars are valued more than human life in this sick society. It seems like every day brings a new way in which this country disgusts anyone with a sense of decency. What happened to the America that I knew?

If I had neighbors like that I wouldn't have to pay ADT security sytems!!

I live in Texas also...and if you threaten me, my family or my property or that of my neighbors I'll shoot you too. We look out for each other down here

Joe Horn was absolutely right to defend himself and his neighbors. Americans are sick and tired of being victims of every jerk who wants to attack and intimidate us. Those men had no right to be where they were. Go, Joe Horn!!!!!

This guy was clearly trigger happy. He is a Murderer plain as day. These guys were thieves but they did not deserve to die like that. Shot in the back by a cowardly man.

Thank you sir.Robbers beware.Tired of being robbed.

the texan man in the shooting was doing something that maor americans need to be doing , protecting your property and your neighbors against these criminals if they were stealing they should be stopped if the fact that he told them to stop and they were shot in the back they may have been illegal aliens that don't speak or understand english, in that case they should not even be in this country maybe the citizens of america need to start taking back this nation like this man did protect yourself and your neighbor!

I totally support Mr. Horn's choice to fire. He wouldn't have been indicted if he were dead. Also these guys robbed his neighbors house. If I was his neighbor I would have to thank him because where I come from your neighbor could see a stranger raping your sister and might not even talk to the police. So i think he did the right thing and I'd live next door to him any day

The 911 tape shows that he had a clear intention to kill the men regardless of the threat they posed. He may have gotten off due to an atrocious Texas law, but what he did was morally reprehensible. I believe the law needs to be changed to ensure that deadly force can only be used for self-defense.

I totally agree with Pete

Joe Horn is definitely a hero. He was protecting his neighbors property and he did a good job. Every red blooded American should wish for a neighbor like Joe Horn. Thank You Joe Horn. I only wish you were my neighbor.

While I believe in the right to bear arms, I also believe in the right for local and federal governments to restrain the use of those arms. What Mr. Horn should have done was enact "citizens arrest" and held them at gunpoint until the police showed up. That way, justice would have been served without anyone being killed.

No, it was not justified. He himself said they came out with a bag of something. A bag! What could possibly be so valuable in that bag that the two men deserved death. Jewellery? A video game? A movie? Let them have it! Who does he think he is? What does he think gives him the right to take a human life? He was given fair warning not to shoot, and it's common sense. He could have simply tried to scare them with a gun, but even that is ridiculous. I'm a fourteen year old Greek-Canadian and I know better.

Crime is a deadly occupation......

Mr. Horn just took this as an opportunity to try the new law that had been put in place and abused what the law was meant to enforce. He'd been waiting for the opportunity and he got away with cold blooded murder.

why bother paying for police forces at all....why not just let everyone fend for themselves...you know, eye for an eye kind of stuff... i wonder how that would work??

I do believe the man had the right to shoot , do I believe that he could have stopped them without Killing them though, yes I do. Maybe just maybe it will make the next person think before they break into someones house, I don't think he had to waste the third shot though.

oh god the race card is so old. yes it is still around, but damn this had nothing to do with it.

Thank god I am Canadian.
Thats all I can say, how can someone take another's life just like that. Could he not of shot them in the legs, anywhere to debilitate them, rather than kill them! This is absolutely disgusting. In no way am I saying stealing is right, it is completely wrong, but how is it legal in a society to make materials more valuable than life. I can't even comprehend the notion of "my property" is more important than life itself. I bet this man is completely against abortion as well.. Oh the hypocrisy.

Has anyone checked to see what the legislative intent language was when they voted to pass the law. I will bet that they thought If crime had more consequences attached we would certainly have less criminals. It's just human nature.

God bless the common sense of the state of Texas.

I wish I had neighbors like Mr. Horn.

People in this country, reguardless of race, age, religion are just plain tired of being of being victims. The fact that both men shot were already criminals (a.k.a illegally in America) and they were in the commission of another crime seems to have nothing to do with it.

It saddens me greatly that liberal idiots in America would have let these criminals go on unpunished. The two men in question would have probably escalated into murder and or rape at some point.

Thank you MR. HORN. You are a true American hero.

I think we need more Mr. Horn's in this country. I hope if a neighbor caught some low life breaking into my home they would do the same. Why spend taxpayer money on a trial for a slap on the wrist? And if they are sentenced, we're spending taxpayer funds to keep them.
People like this have no place in a decent society.

What if there had been a woman alone in the house they were robbing? How would they have brutalized her after breaking in?

we have a right to defend ourselves and our property. obviously our police cannot be everywhere to defend us. our government has failed to keep the illegals out so we must take care of ourselves. we just recently had another home invasion in phoenix by former mexican military personnel. not that i would shoot a guy in the back but i wasn't there. solve the illegal immigration problem and we would solve alot of our problems.

Yes, he was justified. The burglars were in the wrong. They could of killed or hurt some innocent person in the home they were burglarizing. Besides, the police cannot be in ALL places. Citizens need to look out for each other!!

This is an absolute outrage Joe Horn is a murderer.

Based on what I heard on the 9-11 tape, Clark had the intention to kill the men regardless of their crime. This was a planned killing – I did not feel there was enough evidence that the 2 men threatened Clark in any manner. In addition, the men were shot in the back – it's a bit hard to threaten someone when you are facing him/her. So, what's next? If anyone is allowed to kill anyone that they feel "threatens" him/her, are we going to allow killing people that go door-to-door selling cookies? What about Jehovah's witnesses? This man almost seemed racist to me – so if a black boy or Hispanic girl is knocking on my neighbor's door or walking in the neighborhood, is shooting them justified if I am white? This decision by the grand jury sickens me because it just feeds the hate in this country and the fear mongers that want to continue the "invisible" segregation in this country. Were the two men innocent? Absolutely not – but did they deserve to die for breaking and entering? If that's the case, then I hope that American teenagers are listening. You might die for that dare.

Youm know if his neighbors were at home I could understand. But they weren't and he had already called the cops, who were on the way. His words about the change in the law suggests a scary forthought to his actions. He sounded quite happy to go out and use his hunting skills on people.

I live in Texas right near Pasadena where this incident occurred. I am horrified that this man has been allowed to take away two individuals lives like they were dogs in the street. I do not condone at all the fact that the men were stealing and they should have been punished, but the punishment they received does not fit the crime. If the situation had been reversed and the man pulling the trigger was Hispanic or Black and the thieves had been white, there is no doubt in my mind that charges would have been brought against the shooter, and it definately would not have taken this long.

It's about time that someone can protect their own home and that of their neighbors without being punished . I'm really sick of our "justice" system that gives all of the rights to the criminals. It defys common sense. Of COURSE that man was right to do what he did. I wish he was MY neighbor.

folks like me watching a few seconds or minutes of selective info about the shooting cannot make a rational judgement about this man's guilt or innocence. That's what juries are for.

This is unbelievable! America likes to pride itself on being civil, especially when compared to some non-western countries....but how in a country like this can a grand jury really allow this man to go free!? Lets not pretend that the fact that the victims were illegal aliens did not play a role in the decision. It's appalling, and anyone who played a role in the decision making should feel really ashamed and should take some time examine their motivation for letting this man go free. They may have been illegal aliens and criminals, but they were human who could have been made to pay by other means. This is just wrong any way you take it.

Anderson missed the most important part of Clark's comments. When Clark pointed out that the large squadron that McCain lead was "not a war time squadron". This is clearly an attempt to diminish McCain's military record. That's the comment that offended me. I'm disappointed that Anderson did not point this out on the show when James Carvell said that "there was nothing to apologize for". Come on Anderson, did you even view the entire interview?

Mr. Horn was completely justified in what he did. In fact he should be congradulated for getting involved. The recent Supreme Court decision on the 2nd ammendment also justifies Mr. Horn's action as justifiable!

The USA has more than 2.5 million violent crimes every year. The police are incapable of protecting indviduals. That is a unfortunate fact. These individuals have every right in the world to protect themselves. Criminals should expect die if they commit a violent crime. Too often we hear about the poor criminal that died while commiting a crime. Joe Horn deserves a big thankyou!

Thank you Joe Horn. People like you are why criminals should be more nervous and the rest of us less so. Right on brother !!

He was absolutely justified in shooting two buglars, I would do the same!

How many people are robbed everyday? How many get away with it everyday? How many people are found guilty of robbing your house and get out of prison to do it again and again? How many people never recover items that are handed down through the familes for generations? It is about time the victim has some rights. If you are injured or killed in THE PROCESS OF BREAKING THE LAW so be it. It is an easy fix: DON'T BREAK THE LAW! It works, the crimminals should try it!

I am deeply sickened in listening to this 911 tape. Mr. Horn sounded as though he was just waiting for an opportunity to shoot someone because he knew he could. If law enforcement has to use equal force, then why don't homeowners. Just because the law may allow it, doesn't mean it's always the right thing to do. They were just taking someone's STUFF! Mr. Horn should have stayed in his home and locked his door and stayed on the phone with the dispatcher. Had they then broke into his home...different story.

To all the people out there who use the argument, "It was just a robbery.", or "no one was in immediate danger." Then if God forbid anyone ever comes to rob your house or you see a robbery in progress, then just go and ask if they need any help. You people need to quit making excuses for others who make poor decisions. Those men were responsible for their own actions, and had to know what they were doing was very dangerous and risky buisness.

I don't believe for one minute that he thought , he was in danger. Sounds like a pretty clear case of premeditated murder. He was on his phone with 911 and law enforcement was on their way. This is a sign to all the people registered to carry hand guns that they can say that they felt threatened and get away with murder. The guys were wrong to break into someone's home, but does that give us the right to be judge, jury and carry out the verdict.. God have mercy on our souls.

The grand jury who had ALL the facts said he did not commit a crime. I wonder what you, who judge with just a few facts and automatically think that someone who uses a gun is guilty, would do if you thought your family is threatened. Maybe if your lucky a neighbor will have a gun and rescue you. But no, you wouldn't want that, guns are bad.

I hope I am never in a situation like Joe Horn was in. But, if I ever am in that situation, I hope I have the courage to do the right thing. Joe Horn is a shining example of right winning over wrong. The criminals paid the ultimate price for their wrong doing. this part is sad for their friends and families. But, had the two burglars been anywhere else in the world that evening, Joe Horn would not have shot them!

Joe Horn should recieve a medal. He can move into my neighborhood at his earliest possible convenience.

It sounds like citizen induced capital punnishment for a crime other than murder. Didn't the supreme court just rule that capital punnishment was unconstitutional if the crime did not include taking a life earlier this month in a case which the crime was child rape. So how can it follow that it is legal to shoot 2 people in that back for robbing a neighbors house when it was clear that the shooter's life was not in danger. What happens the next time when the neighbor had given premission for the items to be taken from the house. This will certainly make the repo-man's life more exciting!

I think Mr. Horn was quite justified in his actions. WAKE-UP America! It seems that we are just walking around with our heads in the clouds. I think America would be a much safer place if we were all more observant about our surroundings, and held people accountable.

Continuing with the last...the founding fathers recognized the 2nd amendment as an individual right for self-defense. Too many times it is only mentioned in terms of hunting. During the course of elections, the 2nd amendment is frequently only referenced in terms of hunting. It is not only about hunting. Similarly, the first amendment is not only about free speech in certain circumstances, but all circumstances. Protection from illegal search and seizures is not just for some searches, but all, etc.

What has not been discussed is the civil ramifications of Mr. Horn's actions. Although the Grand Jury chose not to indict him, he will probably be sued in civil court by the families of the decedents for wrongful death. He will likely lose everything he owns and be destitute before it is all over. The sadest part of this story is the death of the burglars, but it is also sad that Mr. Horn's neighbor's belongings were probably covered by insurance. Mr. Horn used very poor judgment and will pay in more ways than one.

Kimberly
Austin, Texas

I think Mr Horn was totally wrong for shooting two men in the back. He had called the police, they told him not to go outside they were on the way. Mr Horn knew the law and he took advantage of that law and got away with murder, but who cares they were just illegals right.

I live houston. My mother was shot to death gunpoint by a black man trying to steal 50 dollars. He is still at large. I do not condemn Joe Horn.

o.k
i am a business owner in florida .
if tomorrow , someone going to shoplift in my store – can i chop his hands off ? ? ?
thats too much to take the law to yourself .
leave it to the cops . thats why we have law enforcement . . . !

Absolutely! Two less criminals if you ask me. Crime shouldn’t pay, and in this case it didn’t. If there was more people like Joe Horn criminals would re-think their profession. Good shooting Joe, but I would have taken those criminals out in 2 shots. Your neighbor owes you a beer.

Clearly the jury decided he was within his legal right according to Texas law, which represents the will of the people. And it would seem that the people of Texas still believe robbery warrants the death penalty. Pretty extreme. Either the law should be rewritten or criminals should consider the job hazard.

He shot these two men in the back. How did he feel threatened by two men who were running away? The 911 call lasted for several minutes., so this is nothing less than premeditated, calculated murder. He was certainly not in any immediate danger- He just wanted to kill these men

Their were no signs that the shooters life was in danger, Deadly force must only be used against Deadly Force. This guyshould face Murder charges or at least Man Slaughter. Texas residents are too gun happy, this shooter, had allready made up his mine to kill these two suspects, and that my friends, is Preimeditated Murder.

I have two questions: Since Mr. Horn stated to the dispatcher that he's going to kill them, isn't that premeditated murder? Also, Mr. Horn can be heard warning the men that if they move they're dead. Did these guys speak and/or understand English?

pete – you bring up Mr. Horn's consicese, did it ever occur to you that had he not shot the men it would haunt him that he had passed up the opportunity for doing the right thing for the easy thing.

mokio – If this was al a big conspiracy then why would he have called the police, had he killed them with out calling the police that would have given him greater range in the story he "made up." If your going to be paraniod be better at it.

Anderson, i was born and raised in Texas. However, you have more rights as a landowner in Colorado ( have land there ) than in Texas.

In 1994, i called the police to report crack dealers whom were dealing crack to children 10 an under as well as adults. They would NOT respond to the call what-so-ever. So, i called TWO private investigators, who said they couldn't do anything, because it is a police matter.

I did take a shotgun and confront them.

Two weeks later, the dealers came into a truck stop and started threatening me. I pulled a pistol on them.

Now, here's the kicker! The police charged me with three felony counts of Terroristic Threat. Arrested me three different times, in which i had to bail out three different times.

After having to move, get a new place to live, pay three times to bail out of jail, pay an attorney $1500 dollars, pay another $1000 for the fine (after plea bargaining).

This man is extremely fortunate. The criminal has more rights than an upright citizen in that state as well as in too many others. We can't even protect the children!!!

He was asked by neighbors to look out for their property, period .They came onto his property. As far as I am concerned (as a victim of two break ins into my home) he couldnt have more justified in his actions. When is this country going to stop defending the criminals and start defending the victims. I am beginnig to feel less and less like a patriot when people who feel that they can make entry into ones home and take what an american has put their sweat, blood and ambition into acquiring and take what they have. Thieves can make entry clean you out of your valuables prized posessions aqnd heirlooms in a matter of minutes because they know how ineffective police are regarding these situations. Primarily because they chose to live a thiefs life instead of that of that of the working man. They dont pay taxes since they obviously dont work and dont want to. I think that pawn shops should be abolished as well. They provide a steady corse of income for thieves and make money off of other peoples misery. Hey Joe have you ever considered moving to Arizona? DONT FORGET YOUR 12 GAUGE.

Interesting case but I kind of wonder about the 911 call and what the operator had in mind. We only got bits and pieces. I was wondering why did it take the police so long to get to Horns house. I kind of wonder if it had ben the 911 operators home would he have acted a little different. I read the other comments and I would suggest to the people who made some of the interesting remarks take a look at Texas law. Was he justified? I don't know! I was not there.

i don't care what it is, everything happens for a reason.
Those were just plain bad men, and they were doing bad
deeds,which i believe will catch up with you. mr. horn warned those
men not to move while he was holding a shot gun at them! and they still approched him in his yared! If there a family or
someone vonerable was in the home when they went to burglarize it
i don't think those men would have gave anyone a warning that they were about to rob the place, Did Mr. Horn
have the right to protect his neighbors property? yes. the neighnors asked him to. Does Texas law back him up? yes. people need to
stop being so narrow minded and bigoted by calling it something
its not(race, a set up or whatever) and just see they were just bad men. that someone does not have to be afraid of anymore.

Since when has the death penalty applied to burglary? I am embarrassed that our legal system would allow this man to get away with murder! The two men deserved to go to jail for burglary not to die. I would be surprised if Mr. Horn knew they had any issue with cocaine or whether or not they were in this country legally when he pulled the trigger, he intended to KILL them the moment he picked up his gun. Everyone will be held accountable for his/her choices one day!

Anderson,
Am I allowed to go around shooting people that I think are breaking the law? Are people not innocent until proven guilty? If someone were a threat to this man, why would he have to shoot them in the back? Did the shooter interrogate these men first, or did he assume the worst and kill them? By finding this man innocent, is Texas basically condoning its citizens to go on shooting rampages against those assumed to be breaking the law?

Disgusted citizen

I don't know if the killings were justified or not because I was not on the Grand Jury and not privy to all of the evidence presented. However, if the law in Texas allows you to defend yourself and your property, and if the Grand Jury found him to be doing that, then Mr. Horn had the right to shoot them. I'm sure he will remember this day for the rest of his life.