STOPPING THE ACTIVE SHOOTER IN THE WORKPLACE
PART II: STOPPING THE ACTIVE SHOOTER BEFORE HE CAN LIGHT YOU UP.
Of course you realize that, even if you follow my tips on how to tell an assailant is carrying a concealed weapon (May 28th’s Post), you still have a splendid chance of getting shot up pretty good. And here’s some more terrific news: Even if you are carrying your own concealed firearm – even if it is already in your hand and your finger is on the trigger – you still can end up on the receiving end of a speeding bullet.
All depends.
All depends on who has the mental edge. Who has that steely determination in his or her mind – you know, that inexorable Action Plan - that, no matter what happens, I will unleash Hell at anything or anyone who is stupid enough to stand in my way.
Okay. Point for the Bad Guy.
All depends on who acts first. All depends who has the bigger stake on coming out on top.
Two points for the Good Guy. Why? I ask you, who has a bigger stake in coming out on top than you, the security specialist, or the worker who has the safety of possibly hundreds of workers in his or her hands?
So, what it comes down to is who acts first. It always does. So, what it comes down to, in order to respond before the Bad Guy is to:
1. Have a Workplace Plan. Just like a Fire Drill, managers and workers should at least have a discussion about what they all should do if a shootist should happen in to the job site. More likely than not, they should actually act out The Plan at least once or twice. Maybe even act out a realistic scenario. Sounds far out? Not really. I have led such scenarios at one of our area’s schools. What should everyone do if an Active Shooter has already begun to spray rounds inside the school and he attempts to enter your “locked down” classroom (see one of my next two blogs for my suggestions).
2. Have your own Action Plan. In the end it is going to be up to you. Would be folly of the highest sort to depend upon others to Save the Day. After all, who knows your environment? That’s right, Dog. You.
DISARMING THE ACTIVE SHOOTER
· In many cases, do what the shooter tells you to do. If she/he has not started firing yet, there probably is something he wants from you, others. The more time that passes, the better your chances are that you can resolve his issues. Even if not, the more time that passes, the better the chances that help will arrive, or, more likely, adrenaline will do its thing. Especially after about 2 minutes.
· Look For Distractionary Windows. After two minutes the gun will begin to feel heavy in the shooter’s hand, he will experience what I call Shifting Focus. His eyes will wander, his focus will diffuse.
· Try To Establish Relative Distance. Keep talking to the Active Shooter. Ask questions to attempt to learn what it is he wants. As you talk, attempt to move in within 6 feet, which is the Relative Distance you will require to disarm him/her.
· ACT NOW! If you are still alive and you see a Distractionary Window, this is the best time to:
1. Move the Target and Parry the Weapon. You are the target. Step with your left foot and blade your body at the same time while striking the wrist/forearm holding the gun with your left hand. Action will always be faster than reaction, so trust me when I say you will be able to do this before he can pull the trigger.
2. Secure the Gun. Step 1 will move the gun and gun hand away from you, but, believe me, now that the shooter realizes what has happened, the gun is moving back toward you. Now take your free hand and bring it palm up underneath the muzzle and grab it. Your left hand is already in position, so bring it down, over the rear sight. You now have the Catcher’s Mitt Grip solidly latched onto the gun.
3. STRIP THE GUN OUT OF THE SHOOTER’S GRIP.
· Pull the gun and your Catcher’s Mitt Grip in to your center (close to your abdomen). This is where you are strongest. If the Bad Guy is so much stronger than you that you cannot pull the gun in to you, step in to the gun.
· Make sure your strong hand (right in this scenario; left if you are lefthanded). Is under the muzzle. Now keep the gun close to your center and simply strip it by driving the muzzle across the Bad Guy’s torso – the muzzle should actually face the Bad Guy’s stomach as it turns – until the shooter has to let it go because his trigger finger has broken and the force of your body is too much for his grip to bear.
· Once you have stripped the gun, I suggest you strike him or her with it in the face. Knock him or her out with the gunbefore he or she can reclaim the weapon.
· And, if you are thinking, Heck, I couldn’t do this without some training, you are probably right. A good Disruptive Student Management course would do wonders.
Next Post. Your Workplace Plan.
Until then. Stay Safe.
Hammer