Pointing a Gun
Iowa Code § 708.1 — intentionally pointing a firearm toward someone is an assault
A person commits an assault who, without justification, intentionally points any firearm toward another, or displays any dangerous weapon toward another in a threatening manner. The section lists it as an assault of its own, beside acts meant to cause pain, injury or offensive contact.
- Intentionally pointing a visible laser toward another person meaning to cause pain or injury, or toward an aircraft, is also an assault.
- None of these acts is an assault between voluntary participants in a sport or activity, not itself criminal, where the act is a reasonably foreseeable part of it and creates no unreasonable risk of serious injury or breach of the peace.
An assault in which a dangerous weapon is used or displayed is an aggravated misdemeanor, unless section 708.6 or 708.8 applies.
Sources for this section (2)
- Iowa Code § 708.1 — Assault defined
- Iowa Code § 708.2 — Penalties for assault
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Iowa attorney.