That's not the way I read it. The home invader who was shooting into the house was only charged with the carrying without a license charge. The marine who returned fire to protect his family,including an infant daughter, was charged with many charges including attempted murder and is looking at a possible life sentence.
That is the way I read it. Some nut shooting into the house and the marine returned fire. I would have as well. If I am on the jury and this indeed is how the event happened this guy walks.
The author is clearly a product of the public education system. They probably graduated with honors in their English classes.