A Harrowing Night in Schenectady – The Hook
On a quiet April night in Schenectady, NY, concealed carry license holder Marc Cunningham was abruptly awakened by loud pop-pop-pop. Bleary-eyed, he stumbled into the hallway—only to see a man pushing a baby stroller. But inside wasn’t a child. It was a 12-gauge shotgun and a home invasion.
The intruder, Yadram Singh, had fired once. Marc froze. Then instinct and training took over. He drew his concealed pistol, took aim, and fired back. Seconds later, police arrived to find the intruder dead, and Marc alive.
The District Attorney confirmed Marc acted in lawful self-defense. This wasn’t luck—it was preparedness meeting crisis.
Crime in New York: Why Defense Matters
To understand the risk, consider these recent trends:
- New York City saw 112 homicides in the first five months of 2024—despite a reported drop in murders.
- The FBI reports the national violent crime rate was 364.6 per 100,000 people in 2023.
- In areas outside NYC, robbery jumped 25% in 2022, while home burglaries surged across Long Island and upstate communities.
- A home burglary happens every 26 seconds in the U.S., often when people are home.
These home invasion numbers are sobering. Being unprepared isn’t a strategy—it’s a gamble.
The Facts: What Happened in Schenectady
- 📍 Date/Location: April 24, 2025 – Hamburg Street, Schenectady, NY
- 🎯 Intruder: 28-year-old Yadram Singh, armed with a hidden shotgun
- ⚖️ DA Ruling: Justified under NY self-defense law
- 🚨 Complication: Marc was later charged for having an unlicensed firearm
This wasn’t a bump in the night. It was a planned, armed home invasion—thwarted by someone who understood force, law, and decisive action.
Defensive Gun Use (DGU): The Data
The Schenectady home invasion incident echoes national data on self-defense:
- Americans use firearms defensively an estimated 1.67–2.5 million times per year.
- In 92% of DGUs, the gun is never fired—its presence deters the threat.
- Female gun owners who resist with a firearm successfully stop sexual assaults in 97% of cases.
- According to CDC data via Pew Research, over 80% of gun owners cite personal protection as their main reason for owning a gun.
Marc’s split-second actions weren’t just personal—they were statistically sound.
Why Concealed Carry Firearms Training Is Essential
Owning a gun doesn’t make you safe. Training does.
Under Stress, Training Takes Over
Our students at NY SAFE are drilled in malfunction clearing, rapid presentation from concealment, and stress-induced shooting. Why? Because when your heart rate spikes and adrenaline hits, your brain checks out. Muscle memory is what kicks in.
Legal Decision-Making
New York requires a “reasonable belief” that deadly force is necessary to stop imminent serious harm. Our NY CCW class teaches exactly what those words mean—so you don’t hesitate or make a mistake you can’t undo.
How to Get a Concealed Carry License in NY
Getting legal to carry takes work—but it’s worth it:
- Be eligible: Over 21, no felonies or recent misdemeanors, pass background check
- Take training: NY requires 16 hours classroom + 2 hours live fire
- Apply: Submit paperwork, get fingerprinted, undergo interviews
- Decide on carry type: Premises vs. unrestricted concealed carry
For details, check out our NY Pistol Permit Guide.
Home Defense with Concealed Carry
- Seconds count: Storing a gun in a safe isn’t enough—carrying at home (when legal) means immediate access.
- 80% of threats are stopped without pulling the trigger (source).
- Training builds judgment: Knowing when not to shoot is just as important as knowing when to.
Carrying a firearm is about confidence, control, and peace of mind.
NY Self-Defense Law: What You Must Know
- Inside your home: No duty to retreat (Castle Doctrine applies).
- Outside your home: You must retreat if safely possible.
- You must reasonably believe deadly force is necessary.
- Post-incident: Call 911. Cooperate. Don’t make unnecessary statements.
Learn more in our deep-dive post on Understanding Use of Force in NY.
Responsible Ownership Beyond the Gun
NY SAFE teaches safety as a mindset—not just marksmanship:
- Safe Storage: NY Penal Law §265.45 mandates secure storage when not in use.
- Family Planning: Who grabs the firearm? Who calls 911? What’s the safe word? Train your household, not just yourself.
- De-escalation & Verbal Commands: Confidence often ends threats before bullets fly.
Read our Safe Storage Guide for tips and NY compliance.
NY SAFE: The Concealed Carry Training That Saves Lives
We aren’t just a firearms school—we’re your legal readiness partner:
- ✔️ NY CCW Training – 18 hours of live and classroom instruction
- ✔️ Legal seminars – Know your rights, every year
- ✔️ Multi-state certifications – Including NJ, CT, MA, RI, MD, UT
- ✔️ NYC Live-Fire Renewal – We help you stay compliant
Concealed Carry: Prepare Like Your Life Depends on It
Marc didn’t wake up expecting a home invasion. But he had something most people don’t: a plan, a firearm, and the training to survive.
Do you?
If the unthinkable happens tonight, will you freeze—or act?
Take Action Now
🔗 Join Our Next NY CCW Class
🔗 Read: How to Get Your NY Pistol License
🔗 Review Safe Storage Law & Tips
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