Will Grigg?s Liberty Minute

March 13, 2009

When innocent citizens are the subject of a paramilitary police raid at the wrong address, are they required to submit to what amounts to a criminal assault under the color of state authority?

Justin Chilton of Murfreesboro, Tennessee was recently awakened at 3:00 a.m. by a persistent pounding on the door. A decorated Iraq vet, Justin answered the door holding his gun. Police stormed into the house and arrested Justin and his father, Roger. They were thrown face-down, handcuffed, and struck with the butt of a rifle.

The raid took place at the wrong address. Justin and his Father were needlessly subjected to an armed assault and physical violence. And yet they were charged with resisting arrest and aggravated assault.

In principle, a police officer who enters a home without a proper warrant or probable cause is no different from any other armed intruder, and should be treated as such.

Let us take back the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free.