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Virginia Home Invasion: The Importance of Accessible Firearms

    Importance of accessible firearms
    Michael Hatcher, left, discusses the attack with Rockingham County Sheriff Bryan Hutcheson. Still image taken from video. (Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office)

    The tragic home invasion in Harrisonburg, Virginia, on August 3, 2025, serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of accessible firearms. In this incident, 62-year-old Holly Hatcher was fatally stabbed by 41-year-old Kevin Moses Walker. Moses entered the home armed with a large knife in what authorities describe as a “completely random” attack. Her husband, 65-year-old Michael Hatcher, retrieved a handgun from his vehicle and fatally shot Walker in the driveway after a physical altercation.

    While Michael Hatcher’s actions were legally justified under Virginia’s self-defense laws, the fact that he had to retrieve his firearm from a vehicle during the chaos of a home invasion highlights a critical issue: the accessibility of firearms during emergencies. In this case, the time it took to access the firearm may have been a factor in the tragic outcome.

    This incident underscores the importance of having firearms securely stored yet easily accessible within the home. Safe storage solutions, such as biometric or keypad gun safes, can provide quick access while ensuring safety, especially in households with children or visitors.

    For those considering firearm ownership for self-defense, it’s crucial to evaluate the balance between security and accessibility. Consulting with local law enforcement or firearms instructors can provide guidance tailored to individual circumstances and legal requirements.

    For more details on the incident, you can read the full article here: Fox News.


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