Active Shooter - by Danny O. Coulson
Posted: Fri Mar 05, 2010 9:59 pm
This is the same author as the other post - http://www.texaschlforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=32414" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;.
Source: from http://www.coulsonjacksonsecure.com/blog.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
"A massacre in progress and you are there."
You find yourself in the middle of an active shooter situation. You are armed.
What action do you take?
You are at risk from the attacker/attackers and possibly from responding law enforcement personnel as well.
Your legal authority to carry a concealed weapon may save your life or work against you and cause your death.
There are effective things you can do to save your life and the lives of others.
Both FBI Director Robert Mueller and New York Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly have raised the specter of a Mumbai type of attack here in the United States.
How should you respond?
In November of 2008 I did commentary on the Hannity and Combs show on the Fox Television Network. I am a contributor for Fox and often appear with Sean on his program providing comments on high visibility criminal cases and especially tactical operations.
The topic was the terrorist attack in Mumbai, Indian where a team of well prepared terrorists attacked an entire city including police headquarters, a train station and luxury hotels. Most of us watched the weak government response unfold with grave concern. What if that happened here in the United States? What should I do? Could I save my family or myself if we were caught up in the intended slaughter? We will explore these questions and give you some ideas about things that you should and should not do.
Law enforcement agencies have various definitions of an Active Shooter Situation. It is enough to say that it is an ongoing slaughter with force of arms where groups and individuals are targeted by one or more killers. Escape or self-defense is about the only avenues for survival. Law enforcement rescue is not likely to be eminent and mercy is not on the minds of the attackers.
Possibly the most vivid image burned into our mind is the Columbine High School Shooting where Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold launched a heavily armed attack on their fellow students on April 20, 1999. Harris carried a 12 gauge pump shot gun which he fired 25 times and a 9mm semi-automatic carbine which he fired 96 times before committing suicide with the shotgun.
You must understand that even if you are lawfully armed, you will be outgunned. YOU WILL BE OUTGUNNED!!!
Twelve students and one teacher were killed in the attack and twenty-four other students were injured and fortunately survived.
The victims were literally on their own and received no help from law enforcement or medical personnel until the subjects were dead and then all were not rescued for four hours. In most cases an active shooter will only be stopped by armed intervention or the suicide of the shooter. In some cases they will continue their slaughter and just walk away from the scene. Mir Amil Kanzi the assassin that shot CIA Employees as they entered the gates of their headquarters did just that. Kanzi used an AK 47 type weapon and merely walked away to be apprehended much later by the FBI’s Hostage Rescue Team in Pakistan.
Now, transpose a Columbine type scenario to a shopping mall, Movie Theater, park, sporting event or your church. We have seen several unfortunate examples of active shooters attacking those engaged in worship services. Most of you are familiar with Matthew Murray who attacked the “Youth With a Mission” dormitory in Arvada, Colorado and the New Life Church in Colorado Springs. His murderous acts were finally brought to a halt when he was engaged by Jeanne Assam, a police officer inside the church. Murray was armed with two handguns, an assault rifle and 1,000 rounds of ammunition. Jeanne Assam’s actions were not only heroic, but well thought out. She originally raised security issues with the church pastor based on media reports of the previous shootings in Arvada and organized security personnel who were members of the church. Responding to gunfire, she moved toward the sounds and in her own words.” I saw him coming through the doors and TOOK COVER. I came out of COVER and identified myself and engaged him and took him down”. Note that Assam took cover before taking any direct action against Murray. Remember this, COVER is very important to survival in any active shooter situation. Assam’s actions literally saved the lives of scores of her fellow church members. She is indeed a modern day hero. Two equally important things allowed her to be successful.
Number one, she was prepared and ready to defend her church and number two she was armed. One makes no since without the other.
We have described the armament and the violence of the Columbine School and Church shooting to give you some idea of what you will be facing if you find yourself and your family victims of an intended slaughter. Even if you are armed as a lawful concealed weapon holder, the weapon that you have with you on that critical day may not be adequate. I have discussed the contents of this article with law enforcement personnel, including the FBI and tactical operators and they totally agree with the conclusion that you will be out gunned and likely out manned.
Invariably attacks are launched in locations where people are unarmed and helpless. They kill anything that comes within their view and seldom grant mercy. Seung-Hui Cho slaughtered 32 members of the student body and faculty at Virginia Tech University. His actions continued for over two hours. His first victims were killed at 7:15 in the morning and it was not until almost two hours later that he continued his rampage, even going so far as to chain the entrance doors to the academic building where he killed 30 people. Note that he was armed with a Walther P22 and a Glock 19 in 9mm. He carried 400 rounds of ammunition and had the capacity to kill many more before he died of self inflicted wounds.
We have provided much detail about the typical armament of an active shooter. The incidents that we described here involved one or two shooters, now imagine that the Mumbai terrorists come to the United States and you find yourself faced with four or five shooters. The Director of the FBI Robert Mueller has publicly proclaimed the possible such an attack here in the United States. Do you have a chance? Only if you prepare and are properly armed. Remember you likely did not bring enough gun. That being said, you and your family can survive, but it is important to understand the action that is likely to be taken against you. Remember there are no bystanders, only murderers and potential victims and you are one of them.
It is important to remember that if you are armed, that you do not become perceived as an Active Shooter Yourself. You should understand that responding police officers will have no idea who the real active shooter is (are) and will have very sketchy descriptive information if any and will be keying upon weapons and violent acts. If you are observed with a weapon by the police, either responding to the scene, or an off duty officer who happens to be in the area, you run the very high risk of being killed by the police. Responding police officers will be very excited and frankly you cannot be sure of their training and experience. This could result in a very tragic outcome.
When police respond to a tactical emergency, they take precautions to be sure they are properly identified. They dawn a raid jacket that says POLICE, FBI, SHERIFF or other designation that will protect them from being accidentally shot by responding officers. If a raid jacket is not available, they will display their shields either on a chain around their neck or in their hand. Even then, sometimes there are accidents. These are high stress events.
IMPORTANT: THERE ARE NO RAID JACKETS THAT SAY GOOD GUY!!!!!!
If you draw your weapon and attempt to engage an active shooter, you may very well be shot by responding police officers. They will observe you and your displayed weapon in a very high stress situation and see you engaging a human being. It makes no difference that you in your mind are trying to save lives and are willing to risk yours life to eliminate a threat. They likely will not know that the person you are engaging is armed. To them YOU ARE THE THREAT!!! THEY WILL KILL YOU!!!
Do you do nothing? Absolutely not! Take action, but make sure it is the proper action to save your life.
1. Be aware of your surroundings. Be especially watchful of those who carry large backpacks. The Mumbai shooters brought their weapons, supplies and food to their killing area in backpacks and satchels. The Columbine Shooters had bags for their large cache of weapons. Look for heavy, bulky clothing, especially in summer months. There could be concealed weapons hidden in their clothing.
2. Also know where the exits are if you are in a shopping mall, theater, stadium or other facility. This is important if you need to escape a fire or criminal event. At the first sign of violence, your first thought should be the escape of yourself, family and others. Your first indication of an active shooter situation will likely be the sound or observation of gunfire, followed by crowds of individuals fleeing from the gunfire. If possible immediately head for the exit and upon gaining the outside stay low and move until you are certain that you have reached a safe area. There is the possibility that confederate shooters could be waiting outside, though not likely. It is important to remember that all shooters have problems shooting running targets even when they are armed with semi-automatic weapons or shotguns. Movement and cover is your best defense. Automobiles in parking lots will likely be your best source of cover. Above all, do not display your weapon except as a last resort to save your life. Remember do not be perceived as the active shooter.
3. If escape from the facility is not available, try to get to a position where you can barricade yourself against the hostile action. In a shopping mall get into any kind of a store or room where you can secure yourself and others. Lock and barricade the door with furniture, boxes or anything that will resist entry. IMMEDIATELY PLACE YOUR CELL PHONE ON VIBRATE AND CALL 911 TO ANNOUCE THE SITUATION AND YOUR LOCATION. Give the 911 operator your location and the location of the active shooter if possible. The shooter is looking for any target of opportunity and may key upon ringing cell phones to locate his victims. Take a position that is at an angle to the door. A shooter may shoot through the door if he is frustrated in gaining entry. Seung-Hui Cho did just that at the Virginia Tech Shootings. Bullets passing through a door are still deadly.
If you find yourself in an active shooter situation in your hotel, the same principles apply. Look for escape first. If you are in your room, immediately lock and secure the door and move all of the furniture in the room to barricade the door. Place your cell phone on vibrate. Remember all security is based on the concept of time and space. You need time to gain space for yourself and space between you and the shooter buys you time. An active shooter delayed, is likely to move on. Hotel room doors are generally very substantial and offer some protection especially if enhanced with barricade. Try to wedge furniture against the door and remember to take a position at an angle to the door. Again you do not want to be struck by shots fired through the door. You should be familiar with the penetration capability of your side arm. You may have to use it. You are in the fight of your life. Get as low as you can behind some sort of cover if possible. Have your weapon ready in the event the door is breached and you must defend yourself. DO NOT WAVE THE WEAPON AROUND. A responding police sniper across the way may engage you as the active shooter. If you must draw your weapon keep it low to the side of your leg. If the door is breached you will have to consider engaging the subject or subjects with defensive fire. Do not rise to engage, stay low and behind cover. Do not deviate from this. To be low and behind cover helps to even your odds. If you have the opportunity, use bathroom soap or your wife’s lipstick to write “Help” on the outside windows. The word “hostage” and the number of people with you can help. Remember to write backwards. If you are on a lower floor and near the ground, break out the window and look to escape. Hopefully help will be on the way to assist you. Call 911 and advise of your location to include room number and number of hostages.
4. If you find that gaining the protection of escape or barricade is not possible and you are trapped, immediately seek cover. Above all stay as low as possible and if flight is impossible stay still. A shopping mall or other like place has benches, large concrete flower or tree containers and pillars. All can provide you with some cover. TURN YOUR CELL PHONE ON VIBRATE AND IF THE SITUATION IS APPROPRIATE, CALL 911. Tell the operator where you are and your situation. If possible give a description of location and shooter. Only use the phone if it will not compromise your position. The eyes of humans and animals key first upon movement. If you are a hunter, you are understand this already. Keep yourself and your family as still as possible and if you chose to draw your weapon, keep it near your side or flat against your chest. It is very important that you stay low. Responding officers are very likely to shoot anyone standing. Remember the shooter will almost always be standing so that he can move and maneuver to find and kill his targets. He is not likely to be seeking cover in a low position.
5. If you have been able to get cover and establish a defensive position, continue to look around for the shooter and for responding officers. DO NOT ASSUME THAT THERE IS ONE SHOOTER. There may be many, and if they separate, they can double back and attack from more than one direction. It is almost as if you are assuming a sniper position. Keep your weapon out of sight until you absolutely need to use it to protect yourself. Remember that responding officers may not be in uniform or identifiable at first glance. Look for a badge around the individual’s neck or other identifying items. If you are certain of the police identities, let them know your position, KEEP YOUR WEAPON OUT OF SIGHT, and respond to their instructions. Show police your EMPTY HANDS. Police always look for hands in responding to an active shooter situation. Secure your weapon and show hands up over your head. Remember active shooters generate chaos and fire indiscriminately while law enforcement officers are attempting to restore order. Watch their actions very carefully.
This is not a stand down in the middle of the street in Tombstone, Arizona situation. You are not Wyatt Earp or Matt Dillon. Shoot from a position of cover or concealment; absolutely know your target and fire only to defend yourself or others. It is important that you only engage a target that is within your normal comfort range. Attempting to engage an active shooters at ranges beyond your capability is not likely to be effective.
CONCLUSION:
Unless you are a combat veteran or an experienced tactical operator, your involvement in an Active Shooter Situation may be the greatest challenge of your life. We have tried to give you information in this article to help you understand the nature of these outrageously dangerous situations and some proposed courses of actions. It is important that you follow the laws of your state regarding concealed carry, prohibited areas of carry, and the laws of deadly force. Do not take your responsibilities lightly. Obtain the proper permits for carry and practice, practice, practice. You may have to use your weapon at ranges that go far beyond the seven to ten yards that you likely train on to test our proficiency. Whether armed or not, always be aware of your surroundings, be prepared to take action to escape, barricade or take cover. Do not take action that would cause you to be viewed as the active shooter yourself. Your life depends on it.
by Danny O. Coulson
Source: from http://www.coulsonjacksonsecure.com/blog.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
"A massacre in progress and you are there."
You find yourself in the middle of an active shooter situation. You are armed.
What action do you take?
You are at risk from the attacker/attackers and possibly from responding law enforcement personnel as well.
Your legal authority to carry a concealed weapon may save your life or work against you and cause your death.
There are effective things you can do to save your life and the lives of others.
Both FBI Director Robert Mueller and New York Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly have raised the specter of a Mumbai type of attack here in the United States.
How should you respond?
In November of 2008 I did commentary on the Hannity and Combs show on the Fox Television Network. I am a contributor for Fox and often appear with Sean on his program providing comments on high visibility criminal cases and especially tactical operations.
The topic was the terrorist attack in Mumbai, Indian where a team of well prepared terrorists attacked an entire city including police headquarters, a train station and luxury hotels. Most of us watched the weak government response unfold with grave concern. What if that happened here in the United States? What should I do? Could I save my family or myself if we were caught up in the intended slaughter? We will explore these questions and give you some ideas about things that you should and should not do.
Law enforcement agencies have various definitions of an Active Shooter Situation. It is enough to say that it is an ongoing slaughter with force of arms where groups and individuals are targeted by one or more killers. Escape or self-defense is about the only avenues for survival. Law enforcement rescue is not likely to be eminent and mercy is not on the minds of the attackers.
Possibly the most vivid image burned into our mind is the Columbine High School Shooting where Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold launched a heavily armed attack on their fellow students on April 20, 1999. Harris carried a 12 gauge pump shot gun which he fired 25 times and a 9mm semi-automatic carbine which he fired 96 times before committing suicide with the shotgun.
You must understand that even if you are lawfully armed, you will be outgunned. YOU WILL BE OUTGUNNED!!!
Twelve students and one teacher were killed in the attack and twenty-four other students were injured and fortunately survived.
The victims were literally on their own and received no help from law enforcement or medical personnel until the subjects were dead and then all were not rescued for four hours. In most cases an active shooter will only be stopped by armed intervention or the suicide of the shooter. In some cases they will continue their slaughter and just walk away from the scene. Mir Amil Kanzi the assassin that shot CIA Employees as they entered the gates of their headquarters did just that. Kanzi used an AK 47 type weapon and merely walked away to be apprehended much later by the FBI’s Hostage Rescue Team in Pakistan.
Now, transpose a Columbine type scenario to a shopping mall, Movie Theater, park, sporting event or your church. We have seen several unfortunate examples of active shooters attacking those engaged in worship services. Most of you are familiar with Matthew Murray who attacked the “Youth With a Mission” dormitory in Arvada, Colorado and the New Life Church in Colorado Springs. His murderous acts were finally brought to a halt when he was engaged by Jeanne Assam, a police officer inside the church. Murray was armed with two handguns, an assault rifle and 1,000 rounds of ammunition. Jeanne Assam’s actions were not only heroic, but well thought out. She originally raised security issues with the church pastor based on media reports of the previous shootings in Arvada and organized security personnel who were members of the church. Responding to gunfire, she moved toward the sounds and in her own words.” I saw him coming through the doors and TOOK COVER. I came out of COVER and identified myself and engaged him and took him down”. Note that Assam took cover before taking any direct action against Murray. Remember this, COVER is very important to survival in any active shooter situation. Assam’s actions literally saved the lives of scores of her fellow church members. She is indeed a modern day hero. Two equally important things allowed her to be successful.
Number one, she was prepared and ready to defend her church and number two she was armed. One makes no since without the other.
We have described the armament and the violence of the Columbine School and Church shooting to give you some idea of what you will be facing if you find yourself and your family victims of an intended slaughter. Even if you are armed as a lawful concealed weapon holder, the weapon that you have with you on that critical day may not be adequate. I have discussed the contents of this article with law enforcement personnel, including the FBI and tactical operators and they totally agree with the conclusion that you will be out gunned and likely out manned.
Invariably attacks are launched in locations where people are unarmed and helpless. They kill anything that comes within their view and seldom grant mercy. Seung-Hui Cho slaughtered 32 members of the student body and faculty at Virginia Tech University. His actions continued for over two hours. His first victims were killed at 7:15 in the morning and it was not until almost two hours later that he continued his rampage, even going so far as to chain the entrance doors to the academic building where he killed 30 people. Note that he was armed with a Walther P22 and a Glock 19 in 9mm. He carried 400 rounds of ammunition and had the capacity to kill many more before he died of self inflicted wounds.
We have provided much detail about the typical armament of an active shooter. The incidents that we described here involved one or two shooters, now imagine that the Mumbai terrorists come to the United States and you find yourself faced with four or five shooters. The Director of the FBI Robert Mueller has publicly proclaimed the possible such an attack here in the United States. Do you have a chance? Only if you prepare and are properly armed. Remember you likely did not bring enough gun. That being said, you and your family can survive, but it is important to understand the action that is likely to be taken against you. Remember there are no bystanders, only murderers and potential victims and you are one of them.
It is important to remember that if you are armed, that you do not become perceived as an Active Shooter Yourself. You should understand that responding police officers will have no idea who the real active shooter is (are) and will have very sketchy descriptive information if any and will be keying upon weapons and violent acts. If you are observed with a weapon by the police, either responding to the scene, or an off duty officer who happens to be in the area, you run the very high risk of being killed by the police. Responding police officers will be very excited and frankly you cannot be sure of their training and experience. This could result in a very tragic outcome.
When police respond to a tactical emergency, they take precautions to be sure they are properly identified. They dawn a raid jacket that says POLICE, FBI, SHERIFF or other designation that will protect them from being accidentally shot by responding officers. If a raid jacket is not available, they will display their shields either on a chain around their neck or in their hand. Even then, sometimes there are accidents. These are high stress events.
IMPORTANT: THERE ARE NO RAID JACKETS THAT SAY GOOD GUY!!!!!!
If you draw your weapon and attempt to engage an active shooter, you may very well be shot by responding police officers. They will observe you and your displayed weapon in a very high stress situation and see you engaging a human being. It makes no difference that you in your mind are trying to save lives and are willing to risk yours life to eliminate a threat. They likely will not know that the person you are engaging is armed. To them YOU ARE THE THREAT!!! THEY WILL KILL YOU!!!
Do you do nothing? Absolutely not! Take action, but make sure it is the proper action to save your life.
1. Be aware of your surroundings. Be especially watchful of those who carry large backpacks. The Mumbai shooters brought their weapons, supplies and food to their killing area in backpacks and satchels. The Columbine Shooters had bags for their large cache of weapons. Look for heavy, bulky clothing, especially in summer months. There could be concealed weapons hidden in their clothing.
2. Also know where the exits are if you are in a shopping mall, theater, stadium or other facility. This is important if you need to escape a fire or criminal event. At the first sign of violence, your first thought should be the escape of yourself, family and others. Your first indication of an active shooter situation will likely be the sound or observation of gunfire, followed by crowds of individuals fleeing from the gunfire. If possible immediately head for the exit and upon gaining the outside stay low and move until you are certain that you have reached a safe area. There is the possibility that confederate shooters could be waiting outside, though not likely. It is important to remember that all shooters have problems shooting running targets even when they are armed with semi-automatic weapons or shotguns. Movement and cover is your best defense. Automobiles in parking lots will likely be your best source of cover. Above all, do not display your weapon except as a last resort to save your life. Remember do not be perceived as the active shooter.
3. If escape from the facility is not available, try to get to a position where you can barricade yourself against the hostile action. In a shopping mall get into any kind of a store or room where you can secure yourself and others. Lock and barricade the door with furniture, boxes or anything that will resist entry. IMMEDIATELY PLACE YOUR CELL PHONE ON VIBRATE AND CALL 911 TO ANNOUCE THE SITUATION AND YOUR LOCATION. Give the 911 operator your location and the location of the active shooter if possible. The shooter is looking for any target of opportunity and may key upon ringing cell phones to locate his victims. Take a position that is at an angle to the door. A shooter may shoot through the door if he is frustrated in gaining entry. Seung-Hui Cho did just that at the Virginia Tech Shootings. Bullets passing through a door are still deadly.
If you find yourself in an active shooter situation in your hotel, the same principles apply. Look for escape first. If you are in your room, immediately lock and secure the door and move all of the furniture in the room to barricade the door. Place your cell phone on vibrate. Remember all security is based on the concept of time and space. You need time to gain space for yourself and space between you and the shooter buys you time. An active shooter delayed, is likely to move on. Hotel room doors are generally very substantial and offer some protection especially if enhanced with barricade. Try to wedge furniture against the door and remember to take a position at an angle to the door. Again you do not want to be struck by shots fired through the door. You should be familiar with the penetration capability of your side arm. You may have to use it. You are in the fight of your life. Get as low as you can behind some sort of cover if possible. Have your weapon ready in the event the door is breached and you must defend yourself. DO NOT WAVE THE WEAPON AROUND. A responding police sniper across the way may engage you as the active shooter. If you must draw your weapon keep it low to the side of your leg. If the door is breached you will have to consider engaging the subject or subjects with defensive fire. Do not rise to engage, stay low and behind cover. Do not deviate from this. To be low and behind cover helps to even your odds. If you have the opportunity, use bathroom soap or your wife’s lipstick to write “Help” on the outside windows. The word “hostage” and the number of people with you can help. Remember to write backwards. If you are on a lower floor and near the ground, break out the window and look to escape. Hopefully help will be on the way to assist you. Call 911 and advise of your location to include room number and number of hostages.
4. If you find that gaining the protection of escape or barricade is not possible and you are trapped, immediately seek cover. Above all stay as low as possible and if flight is impossible stay still. A shopping mall or other like place has benches, large concrete flower or tree containers and pillars. All can provide you with some cover. TURN YOUR CELL PHONE ON VIBRATE AND IF THE SITUATION IS APPROPRIATE, CALL 911. Tell the operator where you are and your situation. If possible give a description of location and shooter. Only use the phone if it will not compromise your position. The eyes of humans and animals key first upon movement. If you are a hunter, you are understand this already. Keep yourself and your family as still as possible and if you chose to draw your weapon, keep it near your side or flat against your chest. It is very important that you stay low. Responding officers are very likely to shoot anyone standing. Remember the shooter will almost always be standing so that he can move and maneuver to find and kill his targets. He is not likely to be seeking cover in a low position.
5. If you have been able to get cover and establish a defensive position, continue to look around for the shooter and for responding officers. DO NOT ASSUME THAT THERE IS ONE SHOOTER. There may be many, and if they separate, they can double back and attack from more than one direction. It is almost as if you are assuming a sniper position. Keep your weapon out of sight until you absolutely need to use it to protect yourself. Remember that responding officers may not be in uniform or identifiable at first glance. Look for a badge around the individual’s neck or other identifying items. If you are certain of the police identities, let them know your position, KEEP YOUR WEAPON OUT OF SIGHT, and respond to their instructions. Show police your EMPTY HANDS. Police always look for hands in responding to an active shooter situation. Secure your weapon and show hands up over your head. Remember active shooters generate chaos and fire indiscriminately while law enforcement officers are attempting to restore order. Watch their actions very carefully.
This is not a stand down in the middle of the street in Tombstone, Arizona situation. You are not Wyatt Earp or Matt Dillon. Shoot from a position of cover or concealment; absolutely know your target and fire only to defend yourself or others. It is important that you only engage a target that is within your normal comfort range. Attempting to engage an active shooters at ranges beyond your capability is not likely to be effective.
CONCLUSION:
Unless you are a combat veteran or an experienced tactical operator, your involvement in an Active Shooter Situation may be the greatest challenge of your life. We have tried to give you information in this article to help you understand the nature of these outrageously dangerous situations and some proposed courses of actions. It is important that you follow the laws of your state regarding concealed carry, prohibited areas of carry, and the laws of deadly force. Do not take your responsibilities lightly. Obtain the proper permits for carry and practice, practice, practice. You may have to use your weapon at ranges that go far beyond the seven to ten yards that you likely train on to test our proficiency. Whether armed or not, always be aware of your surroundings, be prepared to take action to escape, barricade or take cover. Do not take action that would cause you to be viewed as the active shooter yourself. Your life depends on it.
by Danny O. Coulson
