We all know that while, in theory, a restraining order carries the weight of the law behind it, in practice, it’s just a piece of paper that won’t stop an angry attacker who has already set out to break a more serious law like assault or murder. That’s why it’s a good idea to also have on hand something more functional to protect yourself from an angry ex or another antagonist—something that has been proven to stop threats no matter how dangerous they might be.
Such was the case earlier this week in Lake City, Florida, when a man broke into the home where his ex-wife and children live. According to a report at ammoland.com, 31-year-old Langston Sykes, a local mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter nicknamed “Blaze,” forcibly entered the home at around 11 p.m.
According to the Lake City Police Department, Sykes then rushed toward an adult occupant in the home, forcing him or her (the police report doesn’t make it clear) to fire multiple shots in self-defense.
Police said that when officers arrived at the residence, Sykes was lying on the floor with several gunshot wounds and was unresponsive. Emergency responders tried to save him, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Also, according to police, at the time, the residence contained multiple adults and children, and one of the adults in the home had an active injunction, or restraining order, against Sykes. Because of the nature of the break-in and violent confrontation, police say they believe the encounter is likely a case of justified self-defense. Florida has both a Stand Your Ground law and a Castle Doctrine on the books.
“This is a tragic incident, and our thoughts are with everyone affected,” LCPD Police Chief Gerald Butler said in a press release. “Based on the investigation, it appears this may be a case of a resident acting in self-defense during a home invasion. Our detectives are working diligently to gather all the facts to ensure a thorough and complete investigation. We encourage anyone with information to come forward.”
According to the ammoland.com report, some observers have described Sykes as a dedicated father and fierce competitor, while others have acknowledged past aggressive behavior. Social media posts suggest that his ex-wife had moved out to escape his such incidents, which could explain the restraining order.
Interestingly, the MMA gym where Sykes worked out released a statement highlighting Sykes “kindness” while ignoring the trauma those in the house were put through during the home invasion incident.
“Langston was not only a fierce competitor and a dedicated teammate, but he was also a great father and friend,” the statement said. “His kindness and support for those he loved will never be forgotten.”
Ultimately, the self-defense incident highlights the fact that when seconds count, police, who have the authority to enforce a restraining order, are minutes away. It’s fortunate for everyone involved that someone in the home had a firearm and knew how to use it under pressure.
Langston started a fight he could not finish.
Yet another clear example why I mock retards saying that you should just fight it out like men. Dueling is not allowed so not going to bother pretending it’s an option.
I’m over 70. I’m still strong but I’ll be damned if l’ll get in a fistfight! “Or why I’m heavily armed”🙄
Exactly. I’m an old fart. F*ck with me at your own peril.
Even for the younger ones, why should they need to throw down with people that have nothing to do but lift weights and box until they are released from prison let alone any random with impulse control issues willing to do violence in ways that easily escalate to lethal.
I’m still shy of 70 by a couple of years, but there is no way I would willingly throw down with an MMA trained fighter, as I would most certainly get my ass kicked and probably incur serious injuries in the process.
I’m over 80. Fist fighting and running are not possible these days.
The white text for the title of articles on the cover page really doesn’t work that well.
Hire a graphic designer along with an editor.
Tully Mud is correct. This is not an apparent improvement to the site.
“Florida has both a Stand Your Ground law and a Castle Doctrine on the books.”
Why are laws needed before one can protect their property, their lives and the lives of others?
Hush, the stand your ground and castle doctrine laws are to protect the citizens from the Janet Renos of the world.
There are rules for MMA and there are rules with restraining orders, in this case the latter was taken lightly.
FAFO
Pam Bondi Has To Answer To Radical Anti-Gun Congress Critters? (note: listen to the Democart BS letter. Also note – Bondi is under no obligation to respond to the dems, she is only obligated to present her plan to Trump.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_6HIqzAdqI
The Era Of Presuming Liberal Moral Superiority Is Over.
“Kids have figured out that America’s failing liberal institutions have left them surrounded by a harmful cultural and political order that can’t justify itself.
…”
https://thefederalist.com/2025/03/17/the-era-of-presuming-liberal-moral-superiority-is-over/
I suppose they can claim “moral superiority” if other people pay the price for it.
I guess the MMA fighter didn’t think the victim would know “gunfu.”
That’s a good one Slapshot.
Wax on wax off.
Restraining orders really do not stop anyone from doing what they wanna do but restraining orders are nice to have when then the do’ers are lying on the lawn.
Judge Slaps Fani Willis With Huge Fine for Corruption in Trump Case.
“Talk about karma!
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has been slapped with a $54,000 penalty for blatantly violating Georgia’s open records laws in her politically motivated prosecution of President Donald Trump.
‘The county’s Superior Court Judge Rachel Krause formalized her ruling Friday and ordered Willis to pay $54,264 in attorneys’ fees and litigation costs after ‘intentionally’ failing to provide records requested by Ashleigh Merchant, the attorney who filed the motion to disqualify Willis from prosecuting Trump on charges of allegedly interfering with the 2020 presidential election,’ reports Fox News Digital.
…”
https://pjmedia.com/matt-margolis/2025/03/17/corrupt-district-attorney-fani-willis-slapped-with-huge-fine-in-trump-case-n4937998