St. Clair County State's Attorney Robert Haida, whose office filed the charge, said in a prepared statement: "I commend the shop clerk for what is clearly a legal act of self-defense." He added, "This type of defensive action is allowed by law-abiding citizens when violent, unlawful acts are perpetrated against them." [More]I'd argue with the word "allowed," and maybe substitute "applauded" or some such, but the rest of the sentiment is good.
And as for charging the accomplice, I don't have a problem with that. If he hadn't gone out to commit evil, a violent death would not have occurred.
Still, all things considered, the case could be made that he deserves a commendation, too.
[Via Mama Liberty]