Graves Introduces National Castle Doctrine to Congress

This week, U.S. Representative Sam Graves, Missouri 6th District, joined Congressman Jason Smith in introducing the American Family and Private Property Defense Act, which ensures federal law protects the right of every American to defend their families, their homes, and their property. H.R. 7716 comes after St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kimberly M. Gardner filed charges against Mark and Patricia McCloskey on Monday.

Representative Graves introduced the American Family and Private Property Defense Act

“Every American should feel safe in their own home. We shouldn’t live in fear of mobs or intruders threatening our lives, our families, or our property,” states Graves. “This bill ensures Americans have the right to defend themselves and their families. It is the law of the land in Missouri and it should be everywhere,” said Graves.

The “law of the land” Graves is referring to is Missouri’s Castle Doctrine. The doctrine is a self-defense law allows someone to use physical force when they believe it’s necessary to stop what they think is “stealing, property damage or tampering in any degree.”

Missouri’s law gives individuals protecting their property more leeway compared to many states and permits the use of deadly force in cases where the person believes they or others are at risk of death, serious injury or other crime, according to Findlaw.com.

“With radicals in Washington threatening to defund the police and rogue prosecutors threatening homeowners with prosecution, we’re left with fewer and fewer options to defend ourselves, our loved ones, and our property. This bill ensures every American’s fundamental right to be secure in their own home is protected by federal law,” states Graves.

The American Family and Private Property Defense Act prevents U.S. citizens from being prosecuted for using force to protect themselves, another person, or private property against intruders. Under this legislation, Americans can use force without first retreating from intruders.

KPGZ News - Brian Watts contributed to this report