Trans Woman Named Rihanna Kelver Charged Despite Wyoming ‘Stand Your Ground’ Self Defense Law

According to reports from Slate and Cowboy State Daily, Rihanna Kelver was outside the Crowbar & Grill in Laramie, Wyoming, when a man identified as Scott Durham allegedly shouted homophobic and transphobic slurs at her before shoving her to the ground. Court testimony and surveillance footage reviewed by Slate reportedly show Kelver injured her tailbone during the incident. Kelver then pulled a pistol from her bag, loaded a round, and pointed the weapon at Durham, who fled the scene. Reports say Kelver never fired the weapon and kept the safety on. Despite Wyoming’s “Stand Your Ground” law, Kelver now faces two felony charges: aggravated assault and possession of a deadly weapon with unlawful intent. She also faces a misdemeanor charge for interference with a peace officer. If convicted, she could face years in prison and thousands of dollars in fines. Video evidence reviewed by Slate reportedly showed Kelver “alone, outnumbered, physically assaulted and left on the ground facing multiple aggressors.” However, Kelver has maintained that she feared for her safety. She told Cowboy State Daily, “I did not go looking for confrontation…I genuinely believed my safety was threatened and my actions were taken in response to that threat.” No charges have been filed against Durham. The case is expected to proceed to trial.

Видео Trans Woman Named Rihanna Kelver Charged Despite Wyoming ‘Stand Your Ground’ Self Defense Law канала Queer News Tonight