Nope, John Brown was fighting his own war against the US government; a
totally different thing from citizens resisting terrorism.
A better analogy would be the local farmers, shopkeepers, and militia
that pinned down Brown and his troops in the Harpers Ferry Armory
until the Marines arrived.
The issue is not the *why*. This issue is the *what*. Armed
insurrection is a loosing game. Or if government deteriorates and can't
maintain control, even a few guns won't keep you safe for long. There
will be those with bigger guns and who know better how best to use them.
"Cold, dead hands" will be the appropriate expression.