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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsI'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.
cwydro
(51,308 posts)Probably not the best choice.
Id have headed back to my car. Get the phone out and watch the guy with the engine running.
I dont get your choice at all.
rustysgurl
(1,040 posts)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)Run, hide, fight. Always run if you have that choice. Always.
You could have run in another direction, calling 911.
Seriously, I cant 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)One can run through the store and right out to the back lot.
Kaleva
(36,145 posts)Totally Tunsie
(10,885 posts)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)These places are huge. Huge lots.
If I really felt I was in danger, Id 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)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)
Post removed
Totally Tunsie
(10,885 posts)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.
smirkymonkey
(63,221 posts)Jeeze! Some people are just so....
Totally Tunsie
(10,885 posts)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)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)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)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)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."
Duncan Grant
(8,257 posts)Not to put words in your mouth.
smirkymonkey
(63,221 posts)quakerboy
(13,901 posts)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)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)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)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)You are telling her she should have run toward the lunatic.
That's quite asinine.
smirkymonkey
(63,221 posts)Exactly. It pisses me off that this poster is behaving this way toward an already traumatized poster. Zero empathy.
azureblue
(2,129 posts)from your comfy chair, isn't it?
pnwmom
(108,925 posts)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.
Habibi
(3,596 posts)Thanks for thinking of others and protecting yourself, too.
live love laugh
(12,995 posts)My sentiments exactly.
Flaleftist
(3,473 posts)That's not necessary bad thing.
cwydro
(51,308 posts)Thats just me.
Not putting my life in the hands of a home improvement store security guard.
rustysgurl
(1,040 posts)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.
Be careful out there.
Karadeniz
(22,267 posts)Mariana
(14,847 posts)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)Any active shooter advice from professionals will say the same.
But, by all means, disregard that advice.
demmiblue
(36,742 posts)cwydro
(51,308 posts)Did you not read the OP?
demmiblue
(36,742 posts)obamanut2012
(25,905 posts)demmiblue
(36,742 posts)cwydro
(51,308 posts)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. Yall have fun now.
demmiblue
(36,742 posts)dameatball
(7,380 posts)Squinch
(50,773 posts)LastLiberal in PalmSprings
(12,536 posts)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)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.
Totally Tunsie
(10,885 posts)Totally agree with you.
Happy to hear you are OK.
coti
(4,612 posts)And you kept yourself- and others- safe. Nice job.
alphafemale
(18,497 posts)Thank you.
mgardener
(1,799 posts)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.
Lulu KC
(2,547 posts)ailsagirl
(22,837 posts)smirkymonkey
(63,221 posts)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)person you're trying to run away from?
Now THAT makes no sense.
Mariana
(14,847 posts)The OP ran away from the man, just like the experts advise!
cwydro
(51,308 posts)coti
(4,612 posts)live love laugh
(12,995 posts)liberalmuse
(18,670 posts)You have no idea what kind of situation the OP was in. Why is a liberal blaming the victim here?
cwydro
(51,308 posts)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.
live love laugh
(12,995 posts)seta1950
(932 posts)Hindsight is 20/20😏
MyOwnPeace
(16,887 posts)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)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.
Howd you know my name is Maude? Dayum, you must be psychic.
MyOwnPeace
(16,887 posts)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." .
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."
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)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)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)Is cruel and shows particularly poor judgment.
You should stop behaving this way. It's very ugly.
OhNo-Really
(3,985 posts)RobinA
(9,874 posts)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)People are going mad everywhere. Another reason I don't want to leave my apartment.
Glimmer of Hope
(5,823 posts)cwydro
(51,308 posts)TEB
(12,711 posts)Wednesdays
(17,244 posts)Watch out.
PTWB
(4,131 posts)GriffenRamsey
(181 posts)...and not just because of the virus.
SinisterPants
(89 posts)for what it's worth, it sounds to me like you made the right choice.
be well
oasis
(49,150 posts)Celerity
(42,630 posts)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)It's like Trump is the CEO of an Orc factory.
Caliman73
(11,690 posts)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)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)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)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)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)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)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)I do not blame you in the slightest for still shaking. What you did took guts.
Mopar151
(9,965 posts)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!
spooky3
(34,300 posts)Thanks to the guard who took decisive action.
Karadeniz
(22,267 posts)SheltieLover
(57,073 posts)Hugs to you, Rustysgirl!
Turbineguy
(37,206 posts)with small inconveniences.
TNNurse
(6,911 posts)and Trump supporters.
vercetti2021
(10,150 posts)This is getting scary. These nuts are gonna start killing people over masks. Oh wait...its already happened.
crickets
(25,896 posts)proud patriot
(100,700 posts)but I am hugging you
aggiesal
(8,863 posts)BigmanPigman
(51,430 posts)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)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?
tanyev
(42,354 posts)Will the horror never end?
obamanut2012
(25,905 posts)Red Mountain
(1,704 posts)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)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.
Skittles
(152,963 posts)ridiculous
lunatica
(53,410 posts)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 doesnt 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)and am grateful for the ignore feature.
47of74
(18,470 posts)My fuckstick tolerance is very low these days.
appalachiablue
(41,047 posts)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)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)have destroyed our community ethic and created a bunch of loons.
Doremus
(7,261 posts)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.
Totally Tunsie
(10,885 posts)apparently less than $1.00!
renate
(13,776 posts)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)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)Due to an unusual health condition, which I wont 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)Joinfortmill
(14,229 posts)The criticism by some is unbelievable. Take a little dose of kindness.
FailureToCommunicate
(13,988 posts)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)He said people are doing projects since theyre 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)probably don't want to know what is awaiting the U.S. in Six months........
dlk
(11,425 posts)Lets hope people learn to better adjust.
jimlup
(7,968 posts)If we had a sensible Federal government it might not be happening.
iluvtennis
(19,756 posts)making them worse.
bubbazero
(296 posts)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
Ferrets are Cool
(21,057 posts)MontanaMama
(23,238 posts)Nothing like coming here for support and having someone tell you how you couldve done it better. You did what you did at the time because you thought it was the right thing. And, youre OK and thats 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 thats a story for another time. I am glad youre OK. Im glad you came here to tell the story.
keithbvadu2
(36,360 posts)One of Trump's 'very good people'.
MLAA
(17,162 posts)You did well!
Ford_Prefect
(7,817 posts)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)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)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. Its already happened in other places.
dameatball
(7,380 posts)probably well intentioned, but don't let it get you down. You did good.
Traildogbob
(8,566 posts)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)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)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)I dont 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 wouldnt have wanted to go in the same direction as that lunatic. Maybe he was just talking shit or maybe not. The fact that we dont know is due to your actions.
I havent 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 havent 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. Im 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.
Midnight Writer
(21,540 posts)leighbythesea2
(1,200 posts)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.
calimary
(80,693 posts)Just glad you're okay.
murielm99
(30,655 posts)You came here to relate it, and to get reassurance. You are getting it from me.
Continue to stay safe.
Duppers
(28,094 posts)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)so people dont blow a gasket
orleans
(33,986 posts)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
GoneOffShore
(17,308 posts)Stay safe.
bluecollar2
(3,622 posts)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)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!
USALiberal
(10,877 posts)LuckyCharms
(17,278 posts)it is human nature to remember it word for word.
LanternWaste
(37,748 posts)Seems banal responses lacking context are easily a petard we find ourselves hoisted from.
augyboston
(193 posts)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)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)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)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)I don't understand why some people get outraged after being asked to wear a mask.
pwb
(11,204 posts)Good one.
Roc2020
(1,601 posts)the pandemic is setting people off, especially Trump supporters. Folks be careful outside.
MustLoveBeagles
(11,563 posts)subana
(586 posts)& 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)a home improvement store?
Squinch
(50,773 posts)Tipperary
(6,930 posts)And I have lived north and south. I am curious why the op does not answer.
Squinch
(50,773 posts)Maybe she's busy with a home improvement project.
Or just doesn't feel like it.
Tipperary
(6,930 posts)A man was arrested. I would think this would be easy to link.
ChangeNHope
(24 posts)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)linking to " There is an actual video. He really seems to have forgotten Obamas name."
Another "easy link" which was never provided.
Or simply another excuse...
ChangeNHope
(24 posts)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)Also, what the actual fuck?
Curtis
(348 posts)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.
RobinA
(9,874 posts)gardening is an essential and necessary activity. YMMV
sanatanadharma
(3,639 posts)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)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)Long may your garden bear fruit and vegetables.
Catherine Vincent
(34,485 posts)Thank you.
Duncan Grant
(8,257 posts)Maeve
(42,223 posts)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)And Im glad you were able to place your order.
Totally Tunsie
(10,885 posts)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)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)That guy hopefully is off the streets for a good while. That must have been terrifying!
MustLoveBeagles
(11,563 posts)I'm so glad you're safe. You were very brave to do what you did.
ChangeNHope
(24 posts)charge possible.
Hotler
(11,353 posts)ChangeNHope
(24 posts)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
Grins
(7,128 posts)They have masks for $1? Where is such a place?
Tipperary
(6,930 posts)ChangeNHope
(24 posts)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.
Karma13612
(4,527 posts)Was hurt!
❤️🤭🙋?♀️