Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

rustysgurl

(1,040 posts)
Wed May 6, 2020, 06:35 PM May 2020

I'm Still Shaking

I went to our local home improvement today to order some stuff for my garden project. As I left my car and started walking to the door, I was met by a man coming back to his car. He was absolutely fuming, red in the face and waving his arms. He pointed at me and yelled,

"You'd better have your mask with you. If you don't have a mask they won't let you in to spend YOUR money in THEIR store. I left my mask in my truck and now I have to walk back out here and get it. Or I have to pay them a buck. Just another way for them to make money. It's all bullshit. I've got something else in my truck I'm gonna wear into that store, and it sure ain't no mask. All you sheep running around scared is what brought this on. It's all your fault!!!"

I thought he was going to hit me. I ran ... literally ran .. up to the armed security guard at the door and told him what the man said. (Can I just say a home improvement store needing an armed security guard is beyond the pale?). He pushed me behind him toward the door, hand on his holster and told me to go to the very back of the building. He got on his walkie and told whoever to call 911. Two employees rushed out the door as I went in, and he pushed them back inside as well. The two employees herded everyone away from the front doors. The customer service people ducked down behind the counter.

I never looked back. It seemed like it took forever to get to the back. We all stood there, listening for yelling, gunshots, who knows what. The police in our town are VERY responsive, and I guess they showed up in jig time. Eventually we saw them walking down the aisles, telling everyone it was safe to leave. Angry man was sitting in the back of a squad car when I left.

I never put my building supply order in. I may do it tomorrow. I may not.

People are freaking crazy.

193 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
I'm Still Shaking (Original Post) rustysgurl May 2020 OP
So this happened in the parking lot, but you continued toward the store? cwydro May 2020 #1
I was closer to the store than to my car. rustysgurl May 2020 #2
Oh, ok.you might ought to brush up on some of the active shooter videos that are out there. cwydro May 2020 #13
There are emergency exits in the store. Mariana May 2020 #21
It's takes awhile to train oneself to seek out and memorize where the exits are. Kaleva May 2020 #107
At that point, the store was probably the safer place. Totally Tunsie May 2020 #25
She was in the parking lot for crying out loud. cwydro May 2020 #37
In the parking lot and "CLOSER TO THE STORE" Totally Tunsie May 2020 #46
Post removed Post removed May 2020 #52
Think about what you're saying. Totally Tunsie May 2020 #61
Thank you Tunsie! smirkymonkey May 2020 #125
Thanks for the thanks, smirky, but it's rustysgurl who deserves Totally Tunsie May 2020 #129
I always seem to wake up around this time at night. I have terrible sleep problems. smirkymonkey May 2020 #130
My late nights aren't indicative of a problem, just a lifestyle. Totally Tunsie May 2020 #132
Ha! Join the DU Night Owl club. dixiegrrrrl May 2020 #161
Already a Charter Member, dixiegrrrrl! Totally Tunsie May 2020 #166
Are just so...contrarian. Duncan Grant May 2020 #162
Yes, that's a nice way of saying it. smirkymonkey May 2020 #172
So your advise is run in the direction of a potential shooter quakerboy May 2020 #108
It is almost as if the person you are responding to does not believe the poster Eliot Rosewater May 2020 #175
The only reasoning I can come up with, Eliot, is that she (cwydro) Totally Tunsie May 2020 #176
It's easy to say what you would have done when you weren't there and don't have the lay of the land Amaryllis May 2020 #80
Your insistence on repeatedly chastising the poster is completely obnoxious. You weren't there. Squinch May 2020 #101
+1 n/t area51 May 2020 #118
+1000 smirkymonkey May 2020 #126
easy to second guess azureblue May 2020 #82
There was an armed security guard at the door, so it probably would have felt like pnwmom May 2020 #134
You absolutely did the right thing. Habibi May 2020 #27
💯💯💯 live love laugh May 2020 #114
❤️ Duncan Grant May 2020 #164
She warned the guard about the unstable man who might of had a gun. Flaleftist May 2020 #8
Sorry, I'd have gone back to my car. Call 911 if necessary. cwydro May 2020 #11
Glad to know what you would have done rustysgurl May 2020 #16
Lol. cwydro May 2020 #17
You did the right thing!❤ Karadeniz May 2020 #20
You did right. Mariana May 2020 #24
It's not just me. cwydro May 2020 #34
What active shooter? I must have totally missed that. n/t demmiblue May 2020 #36
She makes it clear that she thought the guy was coming back to shoot up the place. cwydro May 2020 #40
I did. Nowhere in the OP did she/he say that it was an active shooter situation. n/t demmiblue May 2020 #43
They absolutely implied that obamanut2012 May 2020 #49
No they didn't. n/t demmiblue May 2020 #54
Oh, I see. cwydro May 2020 #56
Oh, you. demmiblue May 2020 #58
FFS! How damn important is it for you to be right? Get lost. dameatball May 2020 #95
This. To be right and chastising the one who was there, no less. Squinch May 2020 #103
"I've got something else in my truck I'm gonna wear into that store, and it sure ain't no mask." LastLiberal in PalmSprings May 2020 #94
She did, in fact, run away from the man. Mariana May 2020 #102
See my #25 above. Totally Tunsie May 2020 #30
You did just fine, much better than most would have. coti May 2020 #65
You did the right thing and possibly averted a tragedy alphafemale May 2020 #70
Ignore the criticism mgardener May 2020 #74
With you Lulu KC May 2020 #75
Ditto here ailsagirl May 2020 #97
I'm glad you are safe. smirkymonkey May 2020 #128
So you would have run away to your car in the same direction as the Doremus May 2020 #62
Exactly. Mariana May 2020 #100
Might "have" not "of." cwydro May 2020 #38
Dude, just be quiet. nt coti May 2020 #68
. Flaleftist May 2020 #106
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 live love laugh May 2020 #135
It's not nice to judge others based on assumption. liberalmuse May 2020 #28
"Blaming the victim?" What are you on about? cwydro May 2020 #45
Nobody here asked for any advice. nt live love laugh May 2020 #116
Exactly seta1950 May 2020 #127
Thank you, Aunt Maude! MyOwnPeace May 2020 #39
Oh dear. cwydro May 2020 #48
Actually, not at all - but I'm flattered....... MyOwnPeace May 2020 #69
The dangerous man had pointed to rustysg & addressed her threateningly. Going to the guard was right NBachers May 2020 #51
Not only that, but her car was presumably locked and the store wasn't. LisaM May 2020 #112
Turning this thread into your personal "What to do in a crisis" self-congratulation greenjar_01 May 2020 #99
Very dickish to criticize instead of comfort. Maybe apologize for lack of compassion OhNo-Really May 2020 #136
Well Give Her RobinA May 2020 #153
I'm sorry that happened to you. It must have been terrifying! smirkymonkey May 2020 #3
I would have called the police. Sorry that happened to you. Glimmer of Hope May 2020 #4
The smart and prudent course of action. nt cwydro May 2020 #33
So glad all are safe TEB May 2020 #5
It's just the beginning. Wednesdays May 2020 #6
Wow!! What home improvement store? I'm glad you're okay. PTWB May 2020 #7
yes, I don't feel safe out right now. GriffenRamsey May 2020 #9
A very sad sign of the times, I am so sorry you had to endure that... SinisterPants May 2020 #10
Deplorable Trump cultists running wild. nt oasis May 2020 #12
IF (huge if) he wins re-election, they're going to be too cemented into the zeitgeist, too empowered Celerity May 2020 #85
America is already crawling with Tim McVeigh types. oasis May 2020 #104
Too many people walking around entitled and angry. Caliman73 May 2020 #14
The Home Depot where I am at does have two security guards (they enforce the ... SWBTATTReg May 2020 #15
Ironic it was Home Depot........ DENVERPOPS May 2020 #81
Yes is it ironic but during this crisis HD has given all of its employees big raises, gave a minimum SWBTATTReg May 2020 #152
I think you did the courageous thing. While not what we are taught to do it was brave. cayugafalls May 2020 #18
Absolutely! crickets May 2020 #50
Wow MenloParque May 2020 #19
You did everything right in a crazy & dangerous situation. You warned others & got out of the way. Hekate May 2020 #22
Absolutely Right! Mopar151 May 2020 #159
Agree! Thank you, OP, for saving people. And spooky3 May 2020 #170
Harrowing event...glad it was handled without incident...THANKS TO YOU! Karadeniz May 2020 #23
This!👆 SheltieLover May 2020 #167
There are a lot of people who can't cope Turbineguy May 2020 #26
I consider them to be childish and immature TNNurse May 2020 #31
Jesus christ vercetti2021 May 2020 #29
Psychosis may be a complication of covid-19 ecstatic May 2020 #32
Damn. That's a sobering article. Thanks for the link, ecstatic. nt crickets May 2020 #105
OMG I know we aren't supposed to hug right now proud patriot May 2020 #35
The screaming man is another Covidiot! n/t aggiesal May 2020 #41
I hope they make this a story on the local news BigmanPigman May 2020 #42
Yes! ChangeNHope May 2020 #179
OMG, he had to walk all the way back to his truck??? tanyev May 2020 #44
..... obamanut2012 May 2020 #47
You didn't have to Red Mountain May 2020 #53
rustysgurl, you did the right thing. crickets May 2020 #55
people who need guns talking about FEAR Skittles May 2020 #57
That must have been extremely scary! lunatica May 2020 #59
I'm starting to shake reading the criticism of your reaction Lulu KC May 2020 #78
Yeah I've been using ignore quite a bit lately 47of74 May 2020 #110
So glad you're ok, you did right. Disregard the naysayers. appalachiablue May 2020 #60
I work in an urban independent home improvement store. The "incidents" are increasing. I'm not sure NBachers May 2020 #63
Glad you're safe. What a scary encounter. Limbaugh, Murdoch, the Koch's, trump and co JudyM May 2020 #64
I wonder if this was at Mennards? Doremus May 2020 #66
That says something about how little he values his life... Totally Tunsie May 2020 #72
this period in our history must be so unspeakably traumatic for so many people renate May 2020 #67
I'm glad you're OK. There is a LOT of insanity out there. See it every day. Not sure where we Evolve Dammit May 2020 #71
I'm a card carrying misanthrope hangaleft May 2020 #141
Omg. God bless you for telling the security guard. Stay safe. Joinfortmill May 2020 #73
Just wanted to add (I responded previously) Joinfortmill May 2020 #76
Sounds like you did the right thing. You heard a direct threat (to you AND the store) and told FailureToCommunicate May 2020 #77
I know someone who works at one of the name home improvement stores dlk May 2020 #79
You, me, and everyone else DENVERPOPS May 2020 #86
Without a doubt, we are in uncharted territory dlk May 2020 #92
Yes many are on the brink... jimlup May 2020 #83
So happy you are safe. There are a lot of looney folks out and about and CV-19 lockdown are iluvtennis May 2020 #84
dear Rustysgurl bubbazero May 2020 #87
I think you handled this absolutely perfectly. Ferrets are Cool May 2020 #88
I don't blame you a bit. MontanaMama May 2020 #89
One of Trump's 'very good people'. keithbvadu2 May 2020 #90
Holy moly! MLAA May 2020 #91
Glad you're OK. Ford_Prefect May 2020 #93
I think you did the right thing, Sogo May 2020 #96
I think you Rebl2 May 2020 #98
You were there. You did what you thought was best. We are with you. Everything else is dameatball May 2020 #109
Coming near you Traildogbob May 2020 #111
I'm glad you're okay. Aristus May 2020 #113
I'm so sorry StarlightGold May 2020 #115
I think you handled it well. Don't listen to the detractors captain queeg May 2020 #117
We're going to see a lot of this. Glad you are safe. You did the right thing and warned others. Midnight Writer May 2020 #119
So glad you are ok leighbythesea2 May 2020 #120
Glad you're okay, rustysgurl! calimary May 2020 #121
You did the right thing. murielm99 May 2020 #122
You did the right thing, the brave thing. Duppers May 2020 #123
angry man needs to calm down. Maybe they need to have paper masks to give out free Demovictory9 May 2020 #124
i would have freaked the fuck out orleans May 2020 #131
WTAF? Looks like the US has finally gone full stupid and insane. GoneOffShore May 2020 #133
You did the right thing bluecollar2 May 2020 #137
What a horrible experience for you! BlueMTexpat May 2020 #138
You memorized his whole rant? nt USALiberal May 2020 #139
When something upsets you or scares you LuckyCharms May 2020 #142
"At some point you should care!" LanternWaste May 2020 #174
About a month ago... augyboston May 2020 #140
Rustygirl, you did the right thing. No one can discern what someone else is capable of doing. Texin May 2020 #143
Sounds like store security has a good handle on how to handle these situations Dennis Donovan May 2020 #144
I'm so sorry you had to experience that AC_Mem May 2020 #145
Wow, how frightful for you Catherine Vincent May 2020 #146
I am proud of you. pwb May 2020 #147
before the pandemic many were on the edge mentally Roc2020 May 2020 #148
Welcome to DU Roc MustLoveBeagles May 2020 #189
this is why crazy people shouldn't have guns! subana May 2020 #149
Where do you live that an armed guard is needed at Tipperary May 2020 #150
America. Squinch May 2020 #177
Never have I seen an armed guard at a home improvement store in any city or state whereI have lived. Tipperary May 2020 #180
I have. In two states. You seem to think the OP not answering is somehow significant. Squinch May 2020 #183
Yes, I think it significant since it was an apparent shooter event. Tipperary May 2020 #184
Is this a suggestion that the OP lied? ChangeNHope May 2020 #185
As easy or easier than... LanternWaste May 2020 #186
I am confused? ChangeNHope May 2020 #191
You should re-read the OP and the OPs update. It was not a shooter event. Squinch May 2020 #187
I'd say you handled the situation well, but.... Curtis May 2020 #151
To Some Of Us RobinA May 2020 #154
The question is asked, Why? Where? What!? sanatanadharma May 2020 #155
UPDATE, and thank you rustysgurl May 2020 #156
Thank you for this update. Your instincts were exactly right, & I think you saved lives. Hekate May 2020 #158
You did the right thing and you should be very proud of yourself Catherine Vincent May 2020 #163
Thank you, hope you live in my neighborhood! (nt) Duncan Grant May 2020 #165
You did the right thing and don't second guess yourself Maeve May 2020 #168
Wow! Again, thank you for your quick thinking and courage. spooky3 May 2020 #171
Thanks for your update, rustysgurl. It's good to hear that today Totally Tunsie May 2020 #173
So many people are gardening LeftInTX May 2020 #178
Wow. Your quick response possibly prevented a tragedy. PA Democrat May 2020 #181
How terrifying MustLoveBeagles May 2020 #188
Any more updates on this story? I am really hoping that the perp gets utterly slammed with every ChangeNHope May 2020 #192
Be careful, morons walk among us. nt Hotler May 2020 #157
Wow.. You must have been terrified! ChangeNHope May 2020 #160
What? Grins May 2020 #169
I have asked where this happened, but no response. Tipperary May 2020 #182
Any Further Update? ChangeNHope May 2020 #190
Gosh, that must have been so scary. Glad no one Karma13612 May 2020 #193
 

cwydro

(51,308 posts)
1. So this happened in the parking lot, but you continued toward the store?
Wed May 6, 2020, 06:38 PM
May 2020

Probably not the best choice.

I’d have headed back to my car. Get the phone out and watch the guy with the engine running.

I don’t get your choice at all.

rustysgurl

(1,040 posts)
2. I was closer to the store than to my car.
Wed May 6, 2020, 06:40 PM
May 2020

Running back to my car was heading in his direction. And I felt the need to warn the people in the store.

 

cwydro

(51,308 posts)
13. Oh, ok.you might ought to brush up on some of the active shooter videos that are out there.
Wed May 6, 2020, 06:52 PM
May 2020

Run, hide, fight. Always run if you have that choice. Always.

You could have run in another direction, calling 911.

Seriously, I can’t imagine going toward a store where someone had just made a threat I considered credible.

Did they lock down the store? Go into active shooter mode? They all have those drills.

Mariana

(14,847 posts)
21. There are emergency exits in the store.
Wed May 6, 2020, 07:03 PM
May 2020

One can run through the store and right out to the back lot.

Totally Tunsie

(10,885 posts)
25. At that point, the store was probably the safer place.
Wed May 6, 2020, 07:06 PM
May 2020

1) It had an armed guard, unlike her car.

2) They had already refused entrance to someone potentially dangerous, albeit in a
different manner.

3) If necessary, there were more places to shelter in the store, rather than being trapped
in her front seat.

4) The guard's call for help was probably responded to more quickly than her call would
have been.

 

cwydro

(51,308 posts)
37. She was in the parking lot for crying out loud.
Wed May 6, 2020, 07:21 PM
May 2020

These places are huge. Huge lots.

If I really felt I was in danger, I’d run in another direction. But not INTO a store where someone just threatened to come shoot up (obviously she felt this was credible).

Really bad idea. Ask any law enforcement professional.

Totally Tunsie

(10,885 posts)
46. In the parking lot and "CLOSER TO THE STORE"
Wed May 6, 2020, 07:26 PM
May 2020

That's an important detail to leave out. Not to mention, to get to her car, she'd be going in the same direction as the harasser, thus remaining in his sight. She had cover in the store. She didn't have cover anywhere else.

Response to Totally Tunsie (Reply #46)

Totally Tunsie

(10,885 posts)
61. Think about what you're saying.
Wed May 6, 2020, 07:41 PM
May 2020

If she went back to her car, she's not getting "the fuck away from any place you think a shooter is going". She would be going in the same direction and to the same place (parking lot) as the potential shooter. In other words, she would be following him instead of getting out of his way.

There was an armed guard at the door, already on the alert. If he wouldn't let in a guy without a mask, do you really think he's going to let in a guy with a gun? Duhhhhh.

Totally Tunsie

(10,885 posts)
129. Thanks for the thanks, smirky, but it's rustysgurl who deserves
Thu May 7, 2020, 02:17 AM
May 2020

the praise here. She did the best thing possible and may have saved lives in the process. I do hope she's feeling calmer by now, especially after seeing all the support for her in this thread.

What are you doing here this late at night? Don't go picking up my bad habits now...at some point you'll probably have to return to your office and it'll be a big adjustment for you. Hope you're staying well and safe.

 

smirkymonkey

(63,221 posts)
130. I always seem to wake up around this time at night. I have terrible sleep problems.
Thu May 7, 2020, 02:28 AM
May 2020

I can only seem to sleep a few hours at a time and then I am wide awake in the middle of the night. It's nice to be able to wfh since I can sleep later. I will probably fall back to sleep around 4:30am or so. Do you have the same problem?

It's going to be an adjustment returning to work, but I will still be able to wfh one or two days per week. Before all of this I was wfh one day per week, but I think our company is going to change the way we work in order to allow for social distancing. I was born for this kind of arrangement. I love it! I have no complaints at all.

Totally Tunsie

(10,885 posts)
132. My late nights aren't indicative of a problem, just a lifestyle.
Thu May 7, 2020, 02:50 AM
May 2020

My natural circadian rhythm has me up until 3-4 a.m. (sometimes later), and sleeping until 10-10:30. The only times it's difficult is if I get scheduled for an early morning appointment or if I'm a guest in someone else's home and need to adhere to a more normal schedule.

Sleep problems can be the worst ~ sorry to hear you go through that. Have you ever had a sleep study? At least WFH gives you some much-needed leeway. I think a lot of people will need to adjust if and when work means showing up and being counted again.

It wouldn't come as a surprise if many businesses opt for allowing more WFH on a permanent basis. Their facilities can be smaller, meaning much less building expenses and maintenance. It's a win-win for all.

I'll let you at least try to get back to sleep. G'night!

dixiegrrrrl

(60,010 posts)
161. Ha! Join the DU Night Owl club.
Thu May 7, 2020, 03:31 PM
May 2020

My life long rhythm is the same as yours, and for many years I was able to work from 1 to 10 pm.

Now retired and right back into the same sleep groove.

Being awake while most of the town is asleep is soothing, for some reason.

Totally Tunsie

(10,885 posts)
166. Already a Charter Member, dixiegrrrrl!
Thu May 7, 2020, 03:40 PM
May 2020

I'm here most nights into the early morn. Sometimes I even hit dawn!

I've tried breaking out of this schedule, but it just doesn't work. If I get into bed at a "normal" hour, I just lie awake all night anyway and feel less rested.

Like you, I enjoy the peace of the overnight hours. No phones, no interruptions - my mind just functions better at those hours. I guess the ol' phrase fits: "If it ain't broken, don't fix it."



quakerboy

(13,901 posts)
108. So your advise is run in the direction of a potential shooter
Wed May 6, 2020, 09:23 PM
May 2020

A: Id feel safer headed away from a "spontaneous" shooter into a large store with many isles and hiding places and exits, behind an alerted security guard, than to run towards a potential shooter

Especially given the realistic possibility that he then has the opportunity to shoot and kill multiple people because they lacked a warning I could have provided. That would be hard to live with.

Eliot Rosewater

(31,096 posts)
175. It is almost as if the person you are responding to does not believe the poster
Thu May 7, 2020, 09:02 PM
May 2020

and is trying to cleverly say they dont believe them

What fucking reason would the OP have to make it up and post it here?

None that I can think of.

Totally Tunsie

(10,885 posts)
176. The only reasoning I can come up with, Eliot, is that she (cwydro)
Fri May 8, 2020, 12:17 AM
May 2020

has taken the lessons from Parkland, et al, and the law enforcement guidelines so completely to heart that she is forgetting that one also has to examine the options available around them and immediately factor that information into their decision. Every situation will have its own circumstances - none will be exactly as previous ones.

She quoted "fight or flight", dismissing that flight (usually the preferred option) would be leading her INTO danger, rather than away from it. Perhaps cwydro wasn't visualizing the scene as the rest of us were?

Note that cwydro later deleted her next post where she was beginning to get frustrated and said to get "the fuck away from any place you think a shooter is going". Having deleted that, I wonder if she was finally understanding what all the rest of us were trying to make clear to her and felt embarrassed in her stance.

It's possible that cwydro, as you say, didn't believe the OP, but it would have been better to just wait a bit to see how the discussion developed, rather than berate the OP in the very first post in response. OP was "shaking" and still obviously upset. She turned to DU for comfort, not instruction or argument.

While I hate it, I sometimes find myself drawn in to one of these back-and-forths that seem to go nowhere, but the logical in me tries to help the other see what they are missing and help them to understand. Sometimes it takes a while and gets heated, which is a shame. When one starts swearing and name-calling, they've lost the argument and are dismissed. I'm noticing that, with the current isolation recommendations, some people here are becoming testy, and more of these "ping pong matches" are popping up. It's usually the same parties over and over.

Thanks for your thoughts. (Sorry to be so wordy in response.)

Amaryllis

(9,523 posts)
80. It's easy to say what you would have done when you weren't there and don't have the lay of the land
Wed May 6, 2020, 08:12 PM
May 2020

the way the OP author did. That person did the best they could under the circumstances . Easy to look later and tell someone what they SHOULD Have done. Not helpful.

Squinch

(50,773 posts)
101. Your insistence on repeatedly chastising the poster is completely obnoxious. You weren't there.
Wed May 6, 2020, 09:08 PM
May 2020

You are telling her she should have run toward the lunatic.

That's quite asinine.

 

smirkymonkey

(63,221 posts)
126. +1000
Thu May 7, 2020, 02:06 AM
May 2020

Exactly. It pisses me off that this poster is behaving this way toward an already traumatized poster. Zero empathy.



pnwmom

(108,925 posts)
134. There was an armed security guard at the door, so it probably would have felt like
Thu May 7, 2020, 03:14 AM
May 2020

a relatively safe place to go -- given that no one's prepared for a moment like this and decisions are made in a split second.

 

cwydro

(51,308 posts)
11. Sorry, I'd have gone back to my car. Call 911 if necessary.
Wed May 6, 2020, 06:48 PM
May 2020

That’s just me.

Not putting my life in the hands of a “home improvement store” security guard.

rustysgurl

(1,040 posts)
16. Glad to know what you would have done
Wed May 6, 2020, 06:57 PM
May 2020

I didn't realize I was going to be "graded" on my reaction. I did what I thought was best. The store called 911.

Thanks. Have a nice (and hopefully safe) day.

Mariana

(14,847 posts)
24. You did right.
Wed May 6, 2020, 07:05 PM
May 2020

Cwydro seems to think you could have been trapped inside the store, but of course there are emergency exits, most of which are at the back of the store, exactly where the security guard told you to go.

 

cwydro

(51,308 posts)
34. It's not just me.
Wed May 6, 2020, 07:16 PM
May 2020

Any active shooter advice from professionals will say the same.

But, by all means, disregard that advice.

 

cwydro

(51,308 posts)
40. She makes it clear that she thought the guy was coming back to shoot up the place.
Wed May 6, 2020, 07:24 PM
May 2020

Did you not read the OP?

 

cwydro

(51,308 posts)
56. Oh, I see.
Wed May 6, 2020, 07:35 PM
May 2020

So, she is “shaking” now and the “guard” ordered her and others to go to the back of the store.

Then she waited to hear “gunshots,” but no indication she thought this was an active shooter situation. Ookay.

The obvious point of the OP was that this was some crazy moron coming back to shoot up a home improvement store because he was asked to wear a mask.

Done here. Y’all have fun now.



94. "I've got something else in my truck I'm gonna wear into that store, and it sure ain't no mask."
Wed May 6, 2020, 08:52 PM
May 2020

He could either be an "open carry" fanatic, or he left his tuxedo in his truck. "It sure ain't no mask." I would consider that a warning that he was going to get his gun.

Ignore the people who are second-guessing your decisions. You're alive and unharmed, and in the end that's all that matters.

Mariana

(14,847 posts)
102. She did, in fact, run away from the man.
Wed May 6, 2020, 09:09 PM
May 2020

He was going in one direction (away from the store entrance), and she took off in the opposite direction (toward the store entrance). Going for her car she would have been closer to him, for a longer period of time.

coti

(4,612 posts)
65. You did just fine, much better than most would have.
Wed May 6, 2020, 07:43 PM
May 2020

And you kept yourself- and others- safe. Nice job.

mgardener

(1,799 posts)
74. Ignore the criticism
Wed May 6, 2020, 08:04 PM
May 2020

It is very easy to be an arm chair quarterback. From the comfort of your home.
You did what you thought was best under extreme conditions.
You may have saved other peoples lives including your own.
I'm glad you are OK.

 

smirkymonkey

(63,221 posts)
128. I'm glad you are safe.
Thu May 7, 2020, 02:16 AM
May 2020

I think you did the right thing. Ignore the other poster. I'm sorry for what you had to go through.

Doremus

(7,261 posts)
62. So you would have run away to your car in the same direction as the
Wed May 6, 2020, 07:41 PM
May 2020

person you're trying to run away from?

Now THAT makes no sense.

liberalmuse

(18,670 posts)
28. It's not nice to judge others based on assumption.
Wed May 6, 2020, 07:06 PM
May 2020

You have no idea what kind of situation the OP was in. Why is a liberal blaming the victim here?

 

cwydro

(51,308 posts)
45. "Blaming the victim?" What are you on about?
Wed May 6, 2020, 07:26 PM
May 2020

Telling someone not to go into an area that she, by her own account, thinks is threatened by a possible shooter?

Avoid being a victim is my advice.

MyOwnPeace

(16,887 posts)
39. Thank you, Aunt Maude!
Wed May 6, 2020, 07:23 PM
May 2020

Your time spent being bitter with the world as to how your own life has turned out really does not put you into a position to serve as a counselor for those dealing with social contact issues.
Please do not offer to serve on a "help" line for those with crisis problems.......

 

cwydro

(51,308 posts)
48. Oh dear.
Wed May 6, 2020, 07:28 PM
May 2020

So your advice is for those who think a shooter is going to target a specific place is to go on into that place?

Good to know.

How’d you know my name is Maude? Dayum, you must be psychic.

MyOwnPeace

(16,887 posts)
69. Actually, not at all - but I'm flattered.......
Wed May 6, 2020, 07:52 PM
May 2020

But to address your point - I would have rather seen a more conciliatory response from your initial response.

You have a person who has had a difficult experience and has shared it with others.
Your response is to scold her ("probably not the best choice.&quot .
She was walking in the direction opposite of the one that gave her concern,
And, just to drive the point home ("I don't get your choice at all.&quot

There is nothing in the op that suggests that there is an "active shooter" - hell, any kind of shooter, but she DID alert local authorities of a potential situation. They then knew of a potential situation.

Go to the car and call? Not a bad idea - perhaps wouldn't be as quick a response, but better than walking away. Consider post #25 - "store was probably the safer place."

But, it is so easy to have better plans after the fact.

At least we're here to provide support and comfort for those facing serious issues. Heaven knows we don't need to be scolded or second-guessed, right Maude?

NBachers

(16,998 posts)
51. The dangerous man had pointed to rustysg & addressed her threateningly. Going to the guard was right
Wed May 6, 2020, 07:29 PM
May 2020

Going back to the car alone, with the possibility of the threatening man approaching her again, with no-one to protect her, may not have been the best procedure. She was also able to alert the guard to safeguard the people in the store.

LisaM

(27,758 posts)
112. Not only that, but her car was presumably locked and the store wasn't.
Wed May 6, 2020, 09:40 PM
May 2020

I mean, she'd have to fumble with her keys and potentially open all the doors and he could jump right in the car, too.

Going to a locked car on the other side of the a person going to get a gun seems like about the worse possible choice, I could see myself as easily hitting the emergency button on my fob as the unlock button.

 

greenjar_01

(6,477 posts)
99. Turning this thread into your personal "What to do in a crisis" self-congratulation
Wed May 6, 2020, 09:01 PM
May 2020

Is cruel and shows particularly poor judgment.

You should stop behaving this way. It's very ugly.

RobinA

(9,874 posts)
153. Well Give Her
Thu May 7, 2020, 12:05 PM
May 2020

your phone number and the next time something happens to her she can call you and find out what the "right" thing to do would be.

 

smirkymonkey

(63,221 posts)
3. I'm sorry that happened to you. It must have been terrifying!
Wed May 6, 2020, 06:41 PM
May 2020

People are going mad everywhere. Another reason I don't want to leave my apartment.

 

SinisterPants

(89 posts)
10. A very sad sign of the times, I am so sorry you had to endure that...
Wed May 6, 2020, 06:48 PM
May 2020

for what it's worth, it sounds to me like you made the right choice.

be well

Celerity

(42,630 posts)
85. IF (huge if) he wins re-election, they're going to be too cemented into the zeitgeist, too empowered
Wed May 6, 2020, 08:15 PM
May 2020

too numerous, too programmed-for-life to just fade back into the woodwork. Combined them with the tyrannical careening of the country that will simultaneously be occurring, and I feel fairly certain in predicting a huge number of them will have to put down violently sometime within the next 10 to 15 years max (IF the LEO's or the NG or whoever even stands against them, which is up for real debate in multiple states by then.) Either that or it's Gilead time and multiple Blue states bolt (or try to) the union.

I know many will scoff at this, but I say there is too much normalcy bias inherently present in the US. I have lived most of my life in nations ripped apart for 2000 plus years by wars and violence of so many disparate typologies it makes one's head spin, so I am damn well aware it can happen anywhere. A nation can but only swing so far off balance before centrifugal forces kick in that send it spinning like a top into various and sundry forms of internal violence and unrest. There are over half a billion firearms out there in the aether that is America.

oasis

(49,150 posts)
104. America is already crawling with Tim McVeigh types.
Wed May 6, 2020, 09:11 PM
May 2020

It's like Trump is the CEO of an Orc factory.

Caliman73

(11,690 posts)
14. Too many people walking around entitled and angry.
Wed May 6, 2020, 06:53 PM
May 2020

Too many of those have access to guns too, which is a horrible combination. I get frustrated and angry at times. I NEVER think, I am going to take out a bunch of people violently.

Then again, I am not a brainwashed fool who watches right wing media constantly telling me that I am being lied to by reality and that I am entitled to do whatever I want, then rail against the consequences of my own actions.

Sorry about your experience. Hopefully that guy gets the appropriate consequence, and some mental health services.

SWBTATTReg

(21,856 posts)
15. The Home Depot where I am at does have two security guards (they enforce the ...
Wed May 6, 2020, 06:55 PM
May 2020

one entrance/one exit policy to control the flow of the crowd into/out of the store).

They are police officers, who are working part time for Home Depot too, and I'm so happy they are there, protecting us.

Most shopping venues I suspect have more security on hand too, to deal w/ just this specific type of situation (the idiots who freak out over nothing).

Most importantly, don't let these idiots ruin your day, and let the experts (the police officers) deal w/ the situation.

If someone tries anything w/ you, immediately go to the closest shelter (the store or your car) you can get to, and then call the store security / store, and let them know that they have someone ranting and raving out there on the parking lot. More than likely, they probably already know about the person too.

The rest of us do have the right to a safe shopping visit.

My SO works at Home Depot. And I worry too.

DENVERPOPS

(8,677 posts)
81. Ironic it was Home Depot........
Wed May 6, 2020, 08:14 PM
May 2020

Wasn't the owner or CEO of Home Depot a Major RepubliCON supporter/donor of Trump's..????????

I haven't stepped foot in a Home Depot ever since they started putting small electrical and plumbing supply houses, as well as Hardware stores out of business..........

SWBTATTReg

(21,856 posts)
152. Yes is it ironic but during this crisis HD has given all of its employees big raises, gave a minimum
Thu May 7, 2020, 12:04 PM
May 2020

of two extra paid weeks of vacation, an additional bonus of $100 for each 35 hours each employee works each week, unlimited time off paid if sick, with the guarantee that their job will be there later, paid meals / lunches / snacks daily, etc., along with all of the other benefits they get.

Go rag at someone else if you are looking for an trump argument.

I was simply responding to someone's distress about shopping in a retail outlet and you chose to make it all about your argument about rump and home depot.

The owner has, over the years, modified his support for rump, but that doesn't concern me one bit. I don't let other people tell me who to vote for, who or what to support, thank god. Because according to you, all business should be conducted with 100% non-trump supporters. That's a laugh and a joke all rolled up in one. Ironically enough, Joe Biden does reach out to rump supporters and seek their support.

The Mom and Pop hardware stores have been going out of business for a long time, being that their business model unfortunately sucked (too small, etc.) and YES, I supported such a place (including my other half too, work ironically enough worked at HD). Grand Oak Hill Hardware store, I have fond memories of this place. And they didn't close because of bad business, they closed because they sold their site for a pretty penny.

cayugafalls

(5,629 posts)
18. I think you did the courageous thing. While not what we are taught to do it was brave.
Wed May 6, 2020, 07:01 PM
May 2020

By warning the security guard, you may have saved his life. Had you just gone back to your car and called the police he would have had no idea what was coming for him.

I am glad you and the people at the store are OK.

Be well.

crickets

(25,896 posts)
50. Absolutely!
Wed May 6, 2020, 07:29 PM
May 2020

The security guard needed to know what was going on because he was going to be first in the line of fire. He was able to make the 911 call quickly; he had the information he needed to handle the situation in a way that kept him and everyone else in the store safe.

MenloParque

(505 posts)
19. Wow
Wed May 6, 2020, 07:02 PM
May 2020

I value my life way too much to not have gone back to my vehicle, called 911, and sped home. I fucking run from nutjubs of all races, religions, and political affiliations.

Hekate

(90,189 posts)
22. You did everything right in a crazy & dangerous situation. You warned others & got out of the way.
Wed May 6, 2020, 07:03 PM
May 2020

I do not blame you in the slightest for still shaking. What you did took guts.

Mopar151

(9,965 posts)
159. Absolutely Right!
Thu May 7, 2020, 01:00 PM
May 2020

You got straight to the right guy, who had the right tools to deal with the situation. A car is poor shelter in a situation like this, and a "stuntman exit" would divert the nutjob's attention from the store, to you!

vercetti2021

(10,150 posts)
29. Jesus christ
Wed May 6, 2020, 07:06 PM
May 2020

This is getting scary. These nuts are gonna start killing people over masks. Oh wait...its already happened.

ecstatic

(32,566 posts)
32. Psychosis may be a complication of covid-19
Wed May 6, 2020, 07:13 PM
May 2020

according to emerging research. I'm glad you were able to warn the security guards in time. Stay safe!

BigmanPigman

(51,430 posts)
42. I hope they make this a story on the local news
Wed May 6, 2020, 07:25 PM
May 2020

and others will see that they will be going to jail if they decide to pull the same shit. Make an example of this kind of dangerous scum.

 

ChangeNHope

(24 posts)
179. Yes!
Fri May 8, 2020, 04:57 PM
May 2020

This!

This must be shared! Demonstrate to these individuals that their behavior is not only reprehensible, unacceptable.. but illegal, and they will be jailed and punished.

OP, any word as to when this will be going to trial; and what charges the psychopath will face?

Red Mountain

(1,704 posts)
53. You didn't have to
Wed May 6, 2020, 07:30 PM
May 2020

But you did the right thing.

Not everybody can.

Anybody who can without doing themselves harm has a responsibility to do what you did.

It's a society, folks. It will be what we make it as we can.

It seems academic until you're forced to make a decision.

You chose well.

Respect.

crickets

(25,896 posts)
55. rustysgurl, you did the right thing.
Wed May 6, 2020, 07:31 PM
May 2020

I am so sorry this happened to you. I'm glad you're OK, that the police apprehended this fool, and that you and everyone at the store walked away safely.

lunatica

(53,410 posts)
59. That must have been extremely scary!
Wed May 6, 2020, 07:40 PM
May 2020

I think you did the exact right thing. If someone is screaming insanely about shooting someone, believe him. Go in the opposite direction and get away from him.

Ignore cywdro. His statements are rude and unnecessary. He obviously doesn’t understand that you ran towards the guard at the entrance. Your warning got the rest of the people there to the back of the building and it was because of your actions that the police were called and the man was arrested.

In my book it was heroic action even as you were terrified by the threat.

Lulu KC

(2,547 posts)
78. I'm starting to shake reading the criticism of your reaction
Wed May 6, 2020, 08:10 PM
May 2020

and am grateful for the ignore feature.

 

47of74

(18,470 posts)
110. Yeah I've been using ignore quite a bit lately
Wed May 6, 2020, 09:29 PM
May 2020

My fuckstick tolerance is very low these days.

appalachiablue

(41,047 posts)
60. So glad you're ok, you did right. Disregard the naysayers.
Wed May 6, 2020, 07:41 PM
May 2020

Take good care and thanks for the report.

Unless and until we change the US MEDIA and more, this will happen sorry to say.

NBachers

(16,998 posts)
63. I work in an urban independent home improvement store. The "incidents" are increasing. I'm not sure
Wed May 6, 2020, 07:41 PM
May 2020

it's all trumpsters. I think the tension level in all facets of life is increasing, and it's manifesting in people who can't react well to it.

I was involved in an incident where I had to call for store backup today, and I was the third person who had trouble with this customer. Their frustration level was high, and their ability to deal with it was low. I took it as far as I could, but it became obvious that I needed assistance.

Last week, we had a customer go off, probably the worst I've seen in my 14 years here. I was truly apprehensive that they'd come back with a gun. Fortunately, it didn't happen.

It's a reflection of the times we're living in.

JudyM

(29,122 posts)
64. Glad you're safe. What a scary encounter. Limbaugh, Murdoch, the Koch's, trump and co
Wed May 6, 2020, 07:42 PM
May 2020

have destroyed our community ethic and created a bunch of loons.

Doremus

(7,261 posts)
66. I wonder if this was at Mennards?
Wed May 6, 2020, 07:45 PM
May 2020

I was talking to the maintenance man at the building we rent and he mentioned he had tried to go to Mennards but they told him he had to wear a mask. He said he didn't have one so they offered to sell him one for $1.

He was indignant they wanted to charge that much (!) and left without going in. People are crazy.

renate

(13,776 posts)
67. this period in our history must be so unspeakably traumatic for so many people
Wed May 6, 2020, 07:46 PM
May 2020

You did an incredibly brave thing. You may very well have literally saved lives--especially the security guard's, and possibly lives of people inside. If it weren't for you there's a damn good chance we'd be watching something live on CNN, filmed from a helicopter, right now. You're a hero just like all the others whom we can never repay.

The police, the EMTs, the nurses and doctors and respiratory therapists, and now security guards who are getting threatened and even shot for telling dumbasses to do something perfectly simple in the middle of a pandemic. Everyone who deals with the public--especially in high-stupidity areas of the country--must be in fight-or-flight mode every second they're on the job. Or if they aren't, they know that things can go from 0 to 60 in no seconds flat.

My heart breaks for the people who have to deal with members of the public who are instantly willing to resort to violence because wearing a mask to keep other people safe is too much to ask.



Evolve Dammit

(16,632 posts)
71. I'm glad you're OK. There is a LOT of insanity out there. See it every day. Not sure where we
Wed May 6, 2020, 07:59 PM
May 2020

will end up, but I hope sanity prevails. And yes, People are freaking crazy. A relation of mine traveled and lived world-wide for 50 years on three continents. He concluded in his later years; 'people are no damn good." I thought it harsh at the time, but am reconsidering at present.

 

hangaleft

(649 posts)
141. I'm a card carrying misanthrope
Thu May 7, 2020, 09:42 AM
May 2020

Due to an unusual health condition, which I won’t go into, I have had a unique opportunity to see the good and the bad in people, both in large urban centers (including suburbs) and less populated rural/residential areas.

My experience has been that people in general are selfish, uncaring and downright mean and nasty. There have been many wonderful, sympathetic, compassionate and selfless people along the way. But they have been the exception, not the rule.

For the most part, my experience has been that people suck. The current squatter at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue is evidence of that fact.

Joinfortmill

(14,229 posts)
76. Just wanted to add (I responded previously)
Wed May 6, 2020, 08:07 PM
May 2020

The criticism by some is unbelievable. Take a little dose of kindness.

FailureToCommunicate

(13,988 posts)
77. Sounds like you did the right thing. You heard a direct threat (to you AND the store) and told
Wed May 6, 2020, 08:09 PM
May 2020

the security guard.

Given that there was just a shooting death of a security guard over a mask issue, this clearly would have worried the guard, but he went with his training to protect others.

Let's just hope the Trumper gun nut was so angry he doesn't remember you or you car.

Yikes. Even gardening is becoming dangerous in these mad Trump Times.

dlk

(11,425 posts)
79. I know someone who works at one of the name home improvement stores
Wed May 6, 2020, 08:10 PM
May 2020

He said people are doing projects since they’re at home and they become very rude & hostile if something they want is out of stock. Low frustration tolerance is becoming epidemic. What will things look like in six months?

DENVERPOPS

(8,677 posts)
86. You, me, and everyone else
Wed May 6, 2020, 08:16 PM
May 2020

probably don't want to know what is awaiting the U.S. in Six months........

iluvtennis

(19,756 posts)
84. So happy you are safe. There are a lot of looney folks out and about and CV-19 lockdown are
Wed May 6, 2020, 08:15 PM
May 2020

making them worse.

bubbazero

(296 posts)
87. dear Rustysgurl
Wed May 6, 2020, 08:18 PM
May 2020

First; Sorry for what happened, VERY GLAD you are safe. Second; Thank you on behalf of the rest of society for the courage to tell the proper authorities--(the security guard) Third; This goes out to Rustysgurl as well as all the other posters of this thread--specifically those talking about home improvement stores requiring a mask--but will sell you one--if you need. I live in a VERY HOT SPOT for COVID-19. ALL N95 masks were gone early-(March, early April)--donated to PPE stocks for local health care and first responders. NOW we get HOT. Tyson's pork plant--1600 cases in county--we have farm and are going into spray season along with summer transport of remainder of last years grain as well as cleaning and treating grain bins. WE are short of n95 MASKS--and you don't handle some of this stuff with simple cloth coverings. Have full respirators with replaceable cartridges for the nastiest but still need N95's for potential mold dusts during all hot summer months. Can't get them anymore thru farm supply stores-(backordered)--will try home improvement stores. Not complaining but getting cartridges for full respirator is impossible--Rustsgurl; May you find the courage to go get you building supply order tomorrow--you've given us all a little more courage, hope, and comfort in these trying times. Thank You

MontanaMama

(23,238 posts)
89. I don't blame you a bit.
Wed May 6, 2020, 08:24 PM
May 2020

Nothing like coming here for support and having someone tell you how you could’ve done it better. You did what you did at the time because you thought it was the right thing. And, you’re OK and that’s what counts. Nobody knows what they would do when faced with these situations… We are all trying to do our best.

I had a run-in with a MAGAt a couple weeks ago that left me feeling shaken. Coincidentally, had another one today at our business. That asshole was escorted to the gate and asked never to come back. But that’s a story for another time. I am glad you’re OK. I’m glad you came here to tell the story.

Ford_Prefect

(7,817 posts)
93. Glad you're OK.
Wed May 6, 2020, 08:50 PM
May 2020

The shit is hitting the fan and the Trump Humpers don't know what to do. I know what to do for the next little while but I don't want to leave my house on the off chance that some else hasn't been careful enough....And I don't know how this plays out either.

The fear campaign is biting everyone. The Trump crowd have asserted that they were right but now reality is not going to plan. They have to suffer like anyone else and they were not expecting that. I've seen it building up in western Montana. Each step along the way for the last few months you can see the desperation in the way some people drive, in some of the faces at the grocery store. You hear about local incidents and police confrontations similar to yours where someone just seems have had too much of the new reality.

Its hard for anyone to digest the fact that we really must act differently and that the clues we depend on to guide us aren't the ones we've been lead to expect. The enemy isn't visible and we don't know how careful we really need to be. With no clear point of focus all that fear Trump and his enablers have been stirring up has no target, so anything might trigger an overload.

Sogo

(4,960 posts)
96. I think you did the right thing,
Wed May 6, 2020, 08:59 PM
May 2020

and I applaud you for it.

I'm glad you and everyone else at the store are OK, too; and glad the guy ended up in custody.

Rebl2

(13,301 posts)
98. I think you
Wed May 6, 2020, 09:01 PM
May 2020

did the right thing. You informed the guard who immediately called the police and they arrested him. Had you not done that he may have come back with a gun and shot the guard and others in the store. It’s already happened in other places.

dameatball

(7,380 posts)
109. You were there. You did what you thought was best. We are with you. Everything else is
Wed May 6, 2020, 09:26 PM
May 2020

probably well intentioned, but don't let it get you down. You did good.

Traildogbob

(8,566 posts)
111. Coming near you
Wed May 6, 2020, 09:39 PM
May 2020

Just wait until they can not get bacon and sausage. Alex Jones is already threatening to gut and feed neighbor's to his daughters. Food shortages and the wrong outcome of elections will draw American blood, lots of it, in God's name. Thank you Jesus right wing cultists. And God sent tRump to promote this. And if there was a God, he would not allow Alex Jones to breed, especially give him daughters. Or tRump! God be Blessin America. All the times he has been asked to bless America, and this is his answer.

Aristus

(66,075 posts)
113. I'm glad you're okay.
Wed May 6, 2020, 09:43 PM
May 2020

You did the right thing.

Have you noticed that the gun-crazies talk to, and about, us as if we were the ones living in fear?

We're not the ones who feel we have to shoot everything in sight every time we go out.

StarlightGold

(365 posts)
115. I'm so sorry
Wed May 6, 2020, 09:52 PM
May 2020

you had to encounter this sub-animal. To have someone like that emotionally crash into you makes me livid. Because it not only ruins the moment, it STAYS with you for days, weeks. Lots of hugs from me. Ignore anyone who gives you a hard time on this site. This is a safe place. Or should be. It is with me!

captain queeg

(10,035 posts)
117. I think you handled it well. Don't listen to the detractors
Wed May 6, 2020, 10:16 PM
May 2020

I don’t see if they caught the guy with a gun but his threat was pretty obvious. You do the best you can at the time. I wouldn’t have wanted to go in the same direction as that lunatic. Maybe he was just talking shit or maybe not. The fact that we don’t know is due to your actions.

I haven’t run into any of the angry freedumb fuckers around here thank god. I do see the occasional smirk when someone sees me with a mask. So far the stores around here haven’t required a mask but at least 50% wear them anyway. And the number keeps going up. I could never find a mask and finally made a couple DIYs from the internet. To my surprise I was in the store last week and they had masks; 3-pack for $15, limit 2. Then yesterday I actually found a bottle of hand sanitizer, limit 1, but just regular ole price about $3 for a bottle. I’m glad to see that kind of stuff available. And the local grocery had an entire aisle of TP and paper towels. It was going fast.

leighbythesea2

(1,200 posts)
120. So glad you are ok
Wed May 6, 2020, 10:48 PM
May 2020

That is insane. Is there possibly a smaller hardware store around? I felt ok in my little Ace. After an experience like that, for sure would be heading back to pay a little more.

murielm99

(30,655 posts)
122. You did the right thing.
Thu May 7, 2020, 01:24 AM
May 2020

You came here to relate it, and to get reassurance. You are getting it from me.



Continue to stay safe.

Duppers

(28,094 posts)
123. You did the right thing, the brave thing.
Thu May 7, 2020, 01:46 AM
May 2020

You could have saved lives. The covidiot gave you some clue that he could've done harm to the guard. To me, you are a HERO!


Demovictory9

(32,320 posts)
124. angry man needs to calm down. Maybe they need to have paper masks to give out free
Thu May 7, 2020, 02:00 AM
May 2020

so people dont blow a gasket

orleans

(33,986 posts)
131. i would have freaked the fuck out
Thu May 7, 2020, 02:46 AM
May 2020

glad he was arrested

i have no idea what i would have done if i were you.

you're right -- people ARE fucking crazy

thank god it didn't get any further and you (and everyone in the store) were alright.

sending you love. and hugs. (and i'm not a huggy kind of person


bluecollar2

(3,622 posts)
137. You did the right thing
Thu May 7, 2020, 08:51 AM
May 2020

You immediately distanced yourself from the potential assailant.

You notified the first line of security who was able to notify the police and give the patrons inside the store noth time and opportunity to prepare

Pretty sure most professional security consultants would agree.

BlueMTexpat

(15,348 posts)
138. What a horrible experience for you!
Thu May 7, 2020, 08:57 AM
May 2020

But you may very well have saved the lives of several others!

Thanks for being the courageous person that you are!

************
These entitled domestic terrorists must be disarmed!

 

LanternWaste

(37,748 posts)
174. "At some point you should care!"
Thu May 7, 2020, 05:08 PM
May 2020

Seems banal responses lacking context are easily a petard we find ourselves hoisted from.

augyboston

(193 posts)
140. About a month ago...
Thu May 7, 2020, 09:39 AM
May 2020

My wife is a retired nurse, so she has a full understanding of what we need to do to reduce our chances of exposure. She also knows what's necessary to protect others, which in turn protects us and our loved ones. Unfortunately, there are too many people (albeit it, a small minority) who either through ignorance, willful stupidity or some sick twisted political motivation who don't have a clue and seemingly don't care about anybody else!

We live in a rural state and well over a month ago we were wearing masks while venturing out for groceries. At that time, we were about the only people in the store wearing them. We received many disdainful looks from a good number of people. Now, when we go to the store everyone is wearing masks! It seems those who were disdainful have had an awakening or are now in ICU!

Texin

(2,585 posts)
143. Rustygirl, you did the right thing. No one can discern what someone else is capable of doing.
Thu May 7, 2020, 09:52 AM
May 2020

I take the right wing gun humpers seriously. I think a lot of these testosterone-driven Neanderthals are just looking for any opportunity to start brandishing their *weapons*. Frankly, they'd be whipping their dicks out in a display of their manhood if they thought they could legally get away with it in a public place, so instead, they haul out their automatic weapons. I believe there are more than a few of the MAGAts that look for situations where they can fling their red feces in people's faces. This bottom dweller was but one of them.

When a person tells you who they are and what they're going to do, it's best to take their word for it.

Dennis Donovan

(18,770 posts)
144. Sounds like store security has a good handle on how to handle these situations
Thu May 7, 2020, 10:01 AM
May 2020

Treating what could be the beginning of a mass shooting as just that, a potential mass-shooting, is absolutely prudent. Especially now that Trump is practically ordering people to defy pandemic rules.

Very glad you're safe!

AC_Mem

(1,979 posts)
145. I'm so sorry you had to experience that
Thu May 7, 2020, 10:06 AM
May 2020

This rage has been stoked for months - while I'm hugely disappointed in humans, sadly I am not surprised.

I hope today is a peaceful day for you, and perhaps the garden will bring you additional peace of mind. Something about digging in the dirt tends to ground us

Annette

Catherine Vincent

(34,485 posts)
146. Wow, how frightful for you
Thu May 7, 2020, 10:11 AM
May 2020

I don't understand why some people get outraged after being asked to wear a mask.

Roc2020

(1,601 posts)
148. before the pandemic many were on the edge mentally
Thu May 7, 2020, 10:50 AM
May 2020

the pandemic is setting people off, especially Trump supporters. Folks be careful outside.

subana

(586 posts)
149. this is why crazy people shouldn't have guns!
Thu May 7, 2020, 11:07 AM
May 2020

& yes, the guy was crazy if you ask me! Anyone who thinks it's an acceptable reaction to reach for a gun when you've been asked to wear a mask, something that is judged as appropriate by the CDC & many local govts, needs psych therapy!!

If I were you, I might consider placing an order online.

 

Tipperary

(6,930 posts)
180. Never have I seen an armed guard at a home improvement store in any city or state whereI have lived.
Fri May 8, 2020, 05:24 PM
May 2020

And I have lived north and south. I am curious why the op does not answer.

Squinch

(50,773 posts)
183. I have. In two states. You seem to think the OP not answering is somehow significant.
Fri May 8, 2020, 06:11 PM
May 2020

Maybe she's busy with a home improvement project.

Or just doesn't feel like it.

 

Tipperary

(6,930 posts)
184. Yes, I think it significant since it was an apparent shooter event.
Fri May 8, 2020, 07:27 PM
May 2020

A man was arrested. I would think this would be easy to link.

 

ChangeNHope

(24 posts)
185. Is this a suggestion that the OP lied?
Fri May 8, 2020, 07:48 PM
May 2020

Maybe there is a media blackout per the judge while they gather evidence against the suspect?

With Trump inciting the "white wing" nut jobs so much, maybe the police found info at the suspects home that links him with a domestic terror plot, and that ongoing investigation precludes a big news announcement?


Maybe the OP was told not to discuss the case since they would obviously be an important witness to the prosecution of this crime.

Depending on the area of the country, the media may refuse to report on white domestic terrorists; reinforcing that the myth of a "a liberal media," is just that... a myth.

or a combination of all the above could easily prevent this from being covered by TV or print news. I am certain that with an event of this magnitude, resulting in the arrest of an armed perp, there is a long investigation involved, and at the end of the investigation the nation will then hail the OP as the hero they are for preventing yet another mass shooting by an angry trump supporting white man in our country.

 

LanternWaste

(37,748 posts)
186. As easy or easier than...
Fri May 8, 2020, 09:27 PM
May 2020

linking to " There is an actual video. He really seems to have forgotten Obama’s name."

Another "easy link" which was never provided.

Or simply another excuse...

 

ChangeNHope

(24 posts)
191. I am confused?
Mon May 11, 2020, 06:55 PM
May 2020

The suspect is so deep into Trumpdom that he wont mention Obama's name? And there is video of this? Or is it a news broadcast link that you refer to?

Squinch

(50,773 posts)
187. You should re-read the OP and the OPs update. It was not a shooter event.
Fri May 8, 2020, 09:48 PM
May 2020

Also, what the actual fuck?

Curtis

(348 posts)
151. I'd say you handled the situation well, but....
Thu May 7, 2020, 12:00 PM
May 2020

is it really wise to be running around during a pandemic when you really should be limiting your out of home activities to only essential and necessary trips to shop for gardening projects? I hope I'm not coming across as an ass, but you should really think about why you are going out and not staying home.

However, you did the right thing by going directly to a uniformed person with a gun, radio and authority for protection.

sanatanadharma

(3,639 posts)
155. The question is asked, Why? Where? What!?
Thu May 7, 2020, 12:20 PM
May 2020

Questions are many. Opinions are more. Reality is less than one to some.

The original poster lives in trump's America, where the reality is that the majority of us-ers in the USA are educable.
Others are deplorably arrogant.

It seems to me that OP chose to educate others. Props for that.
Now what is the rest of the story? Armed, arrested, angry, aggressively-dangerous, admonished, absconded?

Too many people think they are entitled to be correct, some armed, some not, but all excessively subjective when transacting within an objective world.

Ego is built into the human condition. EGO is a imbalance between truth and ME.
Socially tolerable behavior varies over a continuum; some minority potion of this country's population is intolerable.

rustysgurl

(1,040 posts)
156. UPDATE, and thank you
Thu May 7, 2020, 12:43 PM
May 2020

Friends --

First of all, thank you all for your kindness, empathy, compassion and understanding. I am truly humbled to be among so many unbelievably good people. It seems like goodness is in short supply these days. But you are all here, and I am truly grateful.

Second, in answer to a few questioning comments, I'd like to say this. No, I did not "memorize" what the angry man said. I paraphrased and cleaned it up a bit, but set off those words in italics for ease of reading and understanding. Also, as to the question of why I was out getting gardening supplies in the first place when I should have been home -- I am building a vegetable garden in a previously lawn grass area. Who knows what the food supply chain will look like down the road, and as others have already said, gardening is calming and therapeutic in these times of chaos and consternation.

Third, I DID go back to the store this morning to place my order (properly masked and maintaining social distancing). I had a nice chat with the security guard. He thanked me for my warning yesterday, and filled me in on what happened while I was in the back of the store. Apparently, the quick police response (there was a squad car less than 2 blocks away when the call came in) resulted in them finding "angry man" sitting in his car, screaming into the phone at someone. He had a handgun and was in the process of loading it when the police walked up. They drew on him, and took him into custody "without incident." The security guard said he had a "ringside seat" for the whole thing, and he again thanked me for telling him what the man said.

So, would there have been a shooting? I don't know. Could there have been a shooting? Yes. All the pieces were in place for a catastrophe. Should I have gotten in my car and sped away? Hindsight is indeed 20/20. Maybe I would have been "safer." I still thinking going toward an armed security guard and into a store where there were lots of places to hide beat the open parking lot and the inside of my vehicle. But it all boils down to this -- if something bad had happened, and I had simply run away and taken care of myself, I would be devastated.

So today is a new day. The sun is shining, and some of my flowers are blooming. Take care of yourselves and each other ... and thank you again.

Hekate

(90,189 posts)
158. Thank you for this update. Your instincts were exactly right, & I think you saved lives.
Thu May 7, 2020, 12:51 PM
May 2020

Long may your garden bear fruit and vegetables.

Maeve

(42,223 posts)
168. You did the right thing and don't second guess yourself
Thu May 7, 2020, 04:07 PM
May 2020

If he was in the process of loading a gun, he was in the process of doing something else stupid. Your behavior, that of the guard and the quick police action may have prevented tragedy.

spooky3

(34,300 posts)
171. Wow! Again, thank you for your quick thinking and courage.
Thu May 7, 2020, 04:56 PM
May 2020

And I’m glad you were able to place your order.

Totally Tunsie

(10,885 posts)
173. Thanks for your update, rustysgurl. It's good to hear that today
Thu May 7, 2020, 05:05 PM
May 2020

is a much better day for you. We're just glad you are safe and sound, and thankful that you were able to get one more idiot off the street.

Enjoy the fruits of your new garden. 🌱

LeftInTX

(24,541 posts)
178. So many people are gardening
Fri May 8, 2020, 04:39 PM
May 2020

Shopping for gardening supplies is pretty safe because there is good ventilation in the garden centers.

Someone posted an article by an epidemiologist yesterday that only .3% of cases were from outdoor transmission.

Glad you were safe and thank you for the follow up.

PA Democrat

(13,225 posts)
181. Wow. Your quick response possibly prevented a tragedy.
Fri May 8, 2020, 05:34 PM
May 2020

That guy hopefully is off the streets for a good while. That must have been terrifying!

 

ChangeNHope

(24 posts)
192. Any more updates on this story? I am really hoping that the perp gets utterly slammed with every
Thu May 14, 2020, 05:01 PM
May 2020

charge possible.

 

ChangeNHope

(24 posts)
160. Wow.. You must have been terrified!
Thu May 7, 2020, 01:41 PM
May 2020

I imagine that the police were grateful to you! Stopping a potential shooting, that way. Did they allow you some time to compose yourself before they took your statement? When you had to identify the MAGAT to the police, did they shield your identity? Are you going to have to testify against this individual in court? Are you afraid that someone so unstable will retaliate against you? I hope you're ok, and continue to be so! Brava to you, Ma'am

 

ChangeNHope

(24 posts)
190. Any Further Update?
Mon May 11, 2020, 01:01 PM
May 2020

I am assuming that the individual has been arraigned at this point? Did they release him on bail? Are you concerned that this whack-a-doodle gun nut is going try some sort of retaliation?

I've yet to find any sort of news about this. So, we all have to get the updates from you.

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»I'm Still Shaking