Active Shooter Reactions

[EX121]

Ok, so some thoughts about things I have been reading on other web sites, where IMO folks my not be so level headed.
So the scenario you and your spouse are in the local Mall or some other public space, and in the distance you hear shots & people start running toward you screaming. There is someone shooting people out in front of you.

My thoughts are that:
I protect myself & my wife. Myself first because I can't protect my wife if I'm injured.
Second I protect those in my immediate surroundings by encouraging them to find cover
I keep my gun in hand, at my side, ready to respond, I move slightly away from my wife.
I only engage the shooter if they approach, and make a clear threatening movement.
At the first sign of Police, I put down my gun, and ID myself, this may be the most dangereous part of the whole experience.

I think one of the biggest problems of many is not to get shot by the Police or other responders & also to not shoot a plainsclothed Policeman or another armed civilian.

Your ideas?

[1Admin]

We have "wargamed" similar things mainly for church. The side we choose to sit years ago is full of shooters.

Being able to withstand a throng of people rushing past you in a small area would be a concern also. Here's a hint- being fully locked out and ready to shoot won't work in that situation. I've seen guys 6 foot 4" 270 get knocked over while in that ready position.

Getting shot by LEO's would be a major concern. Your wife should know to call 911 and give a QUICK accurate description of you- "my husband is wearing a RED POLO SHIRT and is trying to help people. A RED POLO SHIRT!" She ought NOT stay on the phone very long. Seems like 911 operators are trained with the "OK sir, calm down, I understand zombies are in your house, they have kicked down your door and they are eating your brains. Can you give me your address ONE MORE time please?"

She needs to give them the pertinent info quick, repeat it and then hang up.

Mustafa or Ackmed seeing someone there on the phone would be as big of a target as someone with a weapon IMO.

[EX121]

Good points on the trying to withstand the rushing crowd, and about the ife on the cell phone. Keeping it brief and simple would also help keep not overload the 911 center. I think I will have this talk with a couple of my L.E. buddies.

[Matt In Oklahoma]

These are just my opinions based on my professions current and former.
I'm sorry but I disagree with hanging up on the 911 operator. If you have who is actually speaking clearly they need to stay on the line. It is imperative that they give as much info about you and the shooter as possible. The only reason to get off or shut up is if you are hiding and the shooter approaches. But stay on if you can and can speak clearly and safely.
Actively hunting an active shooter is not only dangerous it is silly. You have just a good a chance of shooting someone else with a CCW or vise/versa and trying to figure out who the bad guy is with 2 folks shooting is almost impossible especially with 2 or more thugs/gang members which is common in malls, sport events and other crowds.
EXE121 you are dead on with "My thoughts are that:" . There are several products available such as pull out flaps that say CCW or even badges for CCW depending on your laws of course. http://www.popguns.com/badge/concealedcarry.htm
Running away is the best option but not always the best tactically if that makes sense. The rush of the crowd can be handled using the spear technique or something similar. I'm trying to find stuff on it http://www.swatmag.com/SWATmag_TV.htm
BTW I'm not trying to advertise anything or anyone, just trying to share ideas, IDK where or what you buy. Great topic, stay safe and continue to think because that is what seperates you and makes you better!