[xrp]

Why would a homeowner answer the door packing?

Well...you have been on Free Republic only a month and a half.

The person who was killed was knocking and running [on doors] at 12:30am. Would you answer the door unarmed?

[Half Vast Conspiracy]

Well...you have been on Free Republic only a month and a half.

What does that add to the conversation?

[Honcho]

The person who was killed was knocking and running [on doors] at 12:30am. Would you answer the door unarmed?

Myself when I don't know who's on the other side and I'm afraid that it might be someone who would want to hurt my family, I DON'T ANSWER THE DOOR or here's one for you; I ASK WHO IT IS. I never answer the door packing.

[TankerKC]

Well...you have been on Free Republic only a year and a half.

I guess that is a substitute for a real point.

[MineralMan]

"The person who was killed was knocking and running [on doors] at 12:30am. Would you answer the door unarmed?"

I do not answer the door at all at 12:30 AM. I arm my self, then shout, "Who is it?" If an answer is not forthcoming, I call 911 and remain armed in a defensible location. If it's a neighbor, they identify themselves and I come to their assistance. That's the only situation that has ever been the case when someone has knocked on my door late at night. I can think of others, where the Police or Fire department might be knocking late. In all of those cases, my demand for identification would be answered.

I don't go to the door, armed, then open it. That's just stupid.

[Zevonismymuse]

Would you answer the door unarmed?

I don't answer a door unless I think it is safe to do so. If I suspected a danger outside I would leave the deadbolt on and call 911. If I felt I was in danger I might get out a loaded gun while I waited for the police to arrive. I cannot imagine unlocking my door if I thought the situation required being armed.