School and workplace shootings seem to be perpetual in the news. So much so, that the casual observer might form the opinion that AR -15 armed active shooters or active killers are an epidemic problem within American borders. Of course, this is not the case. For example, a quick review of the facts shows that in 2016 the number of deaths from all rifles (not just “assault weapons” but all rifles) was 374. The number of people killed by hands or feet was 656. What this tells us is that the active shooter scenario is not nearly as common as we might be led to believe. However, I doubt anyone would argue that any murder is to be abhorred, and active killers, despite their rarity, rightfully concern us. So, then this raises the question, what is the average person to do if they find themselves in such a nightmare? And what if that citizen happens to be armed? How might they best react?

First, let me tell you, if you find yourself in an active killer scenario, whatever actions you take will likely not be wrong. They will be your choices and your decision. You must weigh the options and respond how you feel is best. The options are rather limited. There are three main courses of action. They are RUN, HIDE, or FIGHT. That’s it. Select one of these options and then implement your plan decisively.

RUN. This should be the first consideration. If you have the ability to escape the situation, then do so. Your chances of being shot while running are rather slim compared to your being shot while you hide in a corner, should you be found by the killer. Hitting a moving target is a difficult skill to master and one not frequently practiced by most shooters. Don’t just run though. Take others with you. Compel those around you, who might be frozen with fear, to also flee. Don’t take your jacket, purse, or other valuables. Just run from the scene, contact emergency services, and continue to put distance between you and the killer.

If you are not able to run, either because the killer is nearby or you have some other impediment to running, then consider HIDING. Lock doors between you and the killer. Barricade doors using furniture such as desks, chairs, and the like. Turn off the lights and remain quiet. Get under a desk, into a closet or some additional barrier between you and the killer. Make it hard for them to find you in hopes they will pass you by in search for easier prey, and as in the run, encourage those with you to take a similar action.

Finally, we are left with FIGHT. While I list this as the last choice, for some it might not be the last option. Many of the people reading this might wish to consider fighting the first option. Current Law Enforcement doctrine encourages armed officers to enter a location of an active killer, and seek to eliminate the threat, with or without back up. For the average, unarmed citizen, this might not be the best choice. If you find you do have to fight, take every advantage available. Use a fire extinguisher as both a distraction and an impact weapon. Chairs, lamps, drawers, scissors and other office tools all make fine improvised weapons. The most important factor in your choice to fight is your commitment to the concept. Do not verbally confront the killer. Don’t ask them to cease their hostile actions or surrender. Attack and continue to attack until the killer has no choice but to stop killing. Use the element of surprise and act quickly with as much violence as needed. It will likely be more violence than you are accustomed to or have anticipated.

A word to the armed citizen; if you decide to hunt down and engage with the killer, first of all, be committed and consider all the tactical requirements. For example, would you shoot the killer on sight, even if they were facing away from you and not threatening you? How about if they were not actively killing anyone, but rather walking the halls of your place of business? How would your actions need to change if the killer was armed with a knife or club, rather than a firearm? All these considerations must be addressed and, ideally, they should be addressed prior to your finding yourself in this horrific situation. Of course if you do engage with the killer, what guarantees that responding officers, who you will likely have zero communication with, will know you are not the threat? You run the very real risk of being engaged by those first responders. Your plan needs to include this possibility.

At the end of the day, your actions are your choice. Your safety is your responsibility. What you are morally and emotionally able to do may be very different from that of those around you.

If you want to improve your firearm proficiency, for the event that you might need or want a firearm to protect yourself or others, come join us at California Tactical Academy. We have a large number of classes to help you prepare. We will see you at the range.