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KENT, WA — A homeowner opened fire on multiple armed intruders who forced their way into a Star Lake neighborhood residence early Monday morning, striking one suspect multiple times.

The shooting happened just before 3 a.m. when several armed individuals entered the home, according to Kent Police. The homeowner returned fire, hitting one of the suspects, who was transported to Harbor View Medical Center with life-threatening injuries.

The remaining suspects fled the scene on foot before officers arrived. Between 10 and 12 police units responded to the initial call, and a Federal Way Police canine unit was brought in to track the suspects who escaped.

Investigators with the Kent Police crime scene unit remained at the home more than five hours after the incident. As of the latest update, no other suspects were reported in custody.

The home sits near Evergreen Middle School and Star Lake Elementary, and the early morning response unfolded as buses began their routes through the neighborhood. Police continued speaking with the family at the residence throughout the morning.

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For armed citizens, this incident underscores why home defense planning matters before a threat ever materializes. Multiple armed attackers entering a home in the middle of the night is one of the most dangerous scenarios a person can face, and the homeowner’s ability to respond likely prevented a far worse outcome for the family inside.

The Second Amendment protects exactly this kind of lawful self-defense. The right to keep and bear arms is a fundamental civil right, and the ability of a private citizen to defend themselves and their loved ones inside their own home stands at the core of that protection. When a person is confronted by armed intruders forcing entry in the dead of night, the law and the Constitution recognize their right to meet that imminent threat with effective force.

Building a sound home defense mindset includes more than firearm choice. It means understanding entry points, having a plan for family members, training under stress, and knowing the legal framework for the use of force in your state.