Rihanna Kelver, a trans activist, was preparing for her bartending shift at the Crowbar & Grill in Laramie, Wyoming when she was assaulted outside the bar by several men in September 2025. One of them was shouting several homophobic and transphobic slurs as he began approaching her. Kelver responded by drawing a pistol from her bag, chambering a round, and pointing the weapon at the man who had pushed her. She kept the safety on and never fired. The man and his companions retreated.
Although Wyoming allows conceal carry, has a “stand your ground” law in place, and Kelver’s piston was legally registered, she now faces two felony charges of aggravated assault and possession of a deadly weapon with unlawful intent. These charges can carry up to 15 years in prison. The man who allegedly initiated the confrontation has not been charged. So, does the “stand your ground” law only apply to certain individuals?
