- California's Assembly Bill (AB) 1333 limits lethal force in self-defense outside the home, requiring retreat if possible, which critics say undermines self-defense rights.
- The bill removes justifiable homicide for defending property or preventing felonies, potentially criminalizing such actions.
- Supported by gun-control groups to curb "vigilante violence," critics argue AB 1333 prioritizes criminals over victims and could worsen crime.
- Opponents warn the bill may erode the Castle Doctrine, leaving citizens defenseless despite claims it doesn't affect home protection.
- Critics say AB 1333 reflects a trend of favoring criminals over victims, endangering law-abiding citizens and ignoring root causes of crime.
California's crime crisis continues to spiral out of control thanks to its soft-on-crime policies, and a new bill introduced in the California State Assembly could further embolden criminals.
Assembly Bill (AB) 1333, proposed by Assemblyman Rick Chavez Zbur (D-District 51), punishes law-abiding citizens for defending themselves against violent criminals under the guise of curbing "vigilantism." But a closer look reveals that the proposal threatens to strip Californians of their fundamental right to self-defense. Instead of addressing the root causes of this lawlessness, the bill leaves Californians vulnerable to the very criminals who roam the streets with impunity.
The misguided piece of legislation introduced last month seeks to restrict the use of lethal force in self-defense scenarios, particularly outside the home. The bill would eliminate justifiable homicide in cases where individuals defend their property or attempt to prevent a felony. It also mandates that Californians retreat from danger if they can do so "with complete safety" before using force likely to cause death or great bodily injury.
Zbur insists his bill doesn't intend to undermine the Castle Doctrine, which allows individuals to use deadly force to protect their homes. "AB 1333 was never intended to limit a crime victim's right to defend themselves, their families, or their homes," the state lawmaker told the Epoch Times in an email.
AB 1333 has drawn support from gun-control groups like Everytown for Gun Safety. The group claims that the bill will prevent "vigilante violence" by requiring individuals to de-escalate or disengage from conflicts outside their homes.
Critics argue, however, that the bill forces victims to prioritize the safety of violent criminals over their own. They also point out that AB 1333 ignores the realities of violent encounters, ultimately pointing out that it will only exacerbate California's crime problem.
AB 1333 could leave Californians DEFENSELESS
As expected, the proposal was met with widespread criticism. Conservative Latino advocacy group LEXIT warned that AB 1333 "would eviscerate the "Castle Doctrine" and would criminalize Californians protecting their property. California Republican Assembly Communications Director Craig DeLuz meanwhile remarked that the bill "puts [victims] in a situation where they could potentially hesitate, and it could cost them or someone they love their lives."
Assemblyman Tom Lackey (R-District 34) called AB 1333 a "complete assault on self-defense," noting that "the misguided energy behind this proposal is beyond comprehension." He added: "Imagine this: A violent criminal breaks into your home, and you have to second-guess whether defending your family is 'justifiable.'"
Orange County Supervisor Don Wagner echoed these concerns, calling AB 1333 "utterly tone-deaf" and "horrific on its face" during a March 5 appearance on the KRLA 870 program "The Morning Answer." He warned that the bill would force victims to retreat until "literally your back is against the wall and you can no longer retreat."
Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco likewise condemned the bill, noting that the state government in Sacramento has already "tied the hands of law enforcement" and is now targeting citizens' ability to protect themselves. "It is time we stand up to this insanity," he said.
Despite promises to amend AB 1333 as it moves moves through the legislative process, the fundamental issue remains: California's crime problem stems from policies that prioritize criminals over victims. AB 1333 is yet another example of this flawed approach, threatening to leave law-abiding citizens defenseless in the face of rising violence. (Related: Armed civilians save lives and reduce the number killed in mass shootings ... Citizens can respond in 10 seconds (cops take 10 minutes).)
The right to self-defense is a cornerstone of individual liberty. Instead of punishing victims, California lawmakers should focus on holding criminals accountable and restoring safety to the Golden State. Until then, bills like AB 1333 will only deepen the crisis – leaving Californians to fend for themselves in a state that increasingly sides with lawbreakers over law-abiding citizens.
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