Why do you carry a gun?

Anyone who owns a gun for self defense needs to think about what situations they are willing to use it.  Did you hear about the recent tragedy when a CrossFit gym owner was killed in Texas? 

Mr. Antell, a CrossFit gym owner, apparently witnessed Mr. Bradden, a soldier, having an argument with his wife and then shooting at her feet!  Mr. Bradden's wife then went into her place of work for help and Mr. Antell decided to step-in.  When he got his handgun and asked Mr. Bradden to drop his, Mr. Bradden killed the gym owner.  It is commendable that Mr. Antell wanted to prevent an additional crime from taking place - maybe even prevent this man from murdering his wife. However, the decision to get involved cost him his life.

Observations:
1.  Protect yourself, not others.
I understand the desire for the victim to protect the woman that he saw getting shot at.  When carrying a gun, it is easy to imagine yourself protecting others and stopping the bad guys.  However, it is important to remember your primary responsibility is to protect yourself and your loved ones.  The police are paid to protect everyone else.  Mr. Antell should have taken his wife a safe distance away and then called 911.  

2. Don't escalate.
He retrieved his pistol from his vehicle - this was opportunity to escape.  Based on the facts we know, it appears Mr. Bradden's wife was safely inside the store.  At this point, the crime may have been over.   If this situation had turned out differently and instead of having his gun slapped away, Mr. Antell instead had to shoot and kill Mr. Bradden, he may have been charged with a crime by basically picking a fight.

3.  Keep your distance.
The article says Mr. Bradden knocked the handgun away from Mr. Antell.  Once he decided to get involved, Mr. Antell should have kept his distance from the bad guy and used his truck for cover.  As a trained shooter, distance is your friend.  
This incident is a good