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zbdent

(35,392 posts)

11. Actually ... it sorta happened ...

Fri Nov 1, 2013, 09:35 PM

Nov 2013

Early nineties, before "going postal" was more than just a rare event ...

I was leaving the Cleveland Public Library through the main entrance.

As I was passing by the guard desk, a man was getting into an argument with the guard.

I passed within ten feet of them, and headed toward the door. Argument got louder, I turned to see the man pull out a gun and, as I recall, aim toward the guard. The guard ducked behind the desk, and the gun went off.

People were scattering ... and I just was watching it unfold. After a second, I realized, "Hey, maybe I should get my ass out of the area." I started running up the steps.

Later on, I heard the news report about it. The report claimed that the shooter aimed at the ceiling. (Not the way I witnessed it!)

So I sorta experienced this, but didn't totally freak out. Fortunately, it didn't go on for long.

Still, I'd likely duck and cover.

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Have you thought about what you'd do if confronted with an active shooter? [View all] fried eggs Nov 2013 OP

Call 911, then tweet about it in real time of course. JaneyVee Nov 2013 #1

I'm too busy spending my imaginary lottery winnings to think about it. ( n/t ) Make7 Nov 2013 #2

I prefer that too. Agschmid Nov 2013 #15

Winner in 2 posts! Rex Nov 2013 #56

Thread win! treestar Nov 2013 #121

DUzy malaise Nov 2013 #125

Until a person is in that situation no one can really know what they would do. Bjorn Against Nov 2013 #3

I agree. From a Mexican perspective, I can only suggest one maxim Xipe Totec Nov 2013 #6

Exactly. And I refuse to expect that scenario all the time, everywhere I go. I can't live like that. arcane1 Nov 2013 #10

If you learn CPR, does that mean you're going to be in fear of having to use it fried eggs Nov 2013 #89

I agree. Each situation is different. Blue Diadem Nov 2013 #141

My thoughts exactly N/T War Horse Nov 2013 #178

Run as fast as I can in the opposite direction. Aristus Nov 2013 #4

Stay out of it as much as possible. NuclearDem Nov 2013 #5

She could have been thinking about John Wayne the draft doger. AnotherMcIntosh Nov 2013 #19

She was thinking about stealing alliance payrole. beevul Nov 2013 #105

John Wayne was able to avoid the Jenoch Nov 2013 #260

"In 1944, Wayne received a 2-A classification, "deferred in support of [the] national ... interest." AnotherMcIntosh Nov 2013 #262

Clinton had draft boards doing Jenoch Nov 2013 #264

To avoid being called cowards and chicken-hawks, "Super-patriots" should have served in the military AnotherMcIntosh Nov 2013 #265

You are correct of course, Jenoch Nov 2013 #266

You seem to be obsessed with bringing up Clinton's name as a diversion. AnotherMcIntosh Nov 2013 #267

You certainly like to make assumptions. Jenoch Nov 2013 #269

You falsely equate Clinton with John Wayne, a proven draft-dodger. When Clinton was the President, AnotherMcIntosh Nov 2013 #270

When Clinton was a youth, there was a draft. Jenoch Nov 2013 #272

Unlike John Wayne, Clinton never gave the false impression of being a war hero. AnotherMcIntosh Nov 2013 #274

I'm much more likely to be walking, distracted from thinking about this, and get hit by a car. arcane1 Nov 2013 #7

My genetic heritage, demonstrated by experience, is full Berserker. hunter Nov 2013 #8

Shoot at him. He won't be expecting return fire. N/T GreenStormCloud Nov 2013 #9

Seriously? fried eggs Nov 2013 #24

How fast do the cops arrive? GreenStormCloud Nov 2013 #189

That's what all you gun guys say. You'll just get more killed. Hoyt Nov 2013 #25

Hasn't happened yet. You sound like you are hoping for it to happen that way. N/T GreenStormCloud Nov 2013 #191

You're the one dealing in wishful thinking here. (nt) Paladin Nov 2013 #197

No. I will be happy if I never have to use my gun for anything but target practice. N/T GreenStormCloud Nov 2013 #206

No, but the fact you guys strap a gun on and dream of being a hero, Hoyt Nov 2013 #205

Despite your fervent proclamations, you have no telepsychological skills friendly_iconoclast Nov 2013 #215

I have a pretty good idea what motivates you to strap a gun on before venturing Hoyt Nov 2013 #227

Thank you for proving me correct- I do not own a gun... friendly_iconoclast Nov 2013 #229

Did you learn your skills when you were a robber? GreenStormCloud Nov 2013 #233

Better than being a stalker, and not being able to read posts in context. Hope you more perceptive Hoyt Nov 2013 #239

In this case 'stalker' = 'remembering and reposting embarassing posts' friendly_iconoclast Nov 2013 #253

No, I mean like you and your buddy are doin. Plus you cant read in context either. Hoyt Nov 2013 #256

Please tell us about your first hand experience. TheCowsCameHome Nov 2013 #31

Don't expect a reply. Skip Intro just took him down. Electric Monk Nov 2013 #37

Where did he say he was speaking from experience? cleanhippie Nov 2013 #188

A simple "I have none" would suffice. TheCowsCameHome Nov 2013 #200

You are the one that brought experience into the conversation for some reason... cleanhippie Nov 2013 #226

I have not claimed such experience. GreenStormCloud Nov 2013 #192

and kill Innocent bystanders in the process BainsBane Nov 2013 #36

more likely to have that happen from a cop than a ccw holder. eqfan592 Nov 2013 #41

Why? Because CCW holders are so much better trained than cops? BainsBane Nov 2013 #43

and you have a knack for generating facts of your own. eqfan592 Nov 2013 #45

because it happens time and time again BainsBane Nov 2013 #84

Got any evidence to show us? friendly_iconoclast Nov 2013 #102

Here ya go. eqfan592 Nov 2013 #112

How often have CCW holders shot Jenoch Nov 2013 #92

Don't expect an answer to that question friendly_iconoclast Nov 2013 #101

How often have they stopped one? More to the point, how often have gun cultists' love of gunz Hoyt Nov 2013 #241

Another moronic comment, Jenoch Nov 2013 #261

You are not really asking for information, you are attempting to protect your gunz. That's a fact. Hoyt Nov 2013 #277

That's only fair, as you have not provided any information... friendly_iconoclast Nov 2013 #282

And you have provided no evidence that yahoos toting guns stop these things. Hoyt Nov 2013 #283

Now there is a seriously stupid misuse of a proctal statistic. enki23 Nov 2013 #163

Where did you buy your crystal ball? GreenStormCloud Nov 2013 #195

So when the two of you exchange gunfire and you hit an innocent are you prepared to be sued? liberal_at_heart Nov 2013 #68

More likely to happen when a police officer opens fire than a ccw. nt eqfan592 Nov 2013 #72

yeah, right. liberal_at_heart Nov 2013 #78

This message was self-deleted by its author cleanhippie Nov 2013 #190

Very, very, unlikely to happen. GreenStormCloud Nov 2013 #198

DUzy Brother Buzz Nov 2013 #80

Actually ... it sorta happened ... zbdent Nov 2013 #11

Not seriously, no. rrneck Nov 2013 #12

Does that probability you claim trend better or worse Loudly Nov 2013 #117

Better. rrneck Nov 2013 #123

The facts say its getting better. cleanhippie Nov 2013 #193

We have cut our murder rate in half over the past 30 years. Nt hack89 Nov 2013 #199

But how much of that is because of advancements in trauma care? Revanchist Nov 2013 #271

Then they would be aggravated assaults, which have also declined. friendly_iconoclast Nov 2013 #273

Every measure of violent crime is down significantly hack89 Nov 2013 #278

Escape, hide, fight (in that order). ManiacJoe Nov 2013 #13

Yes. Agschmid Nov 2013 #14

I'm not going to live my life in fear. upaloopa Nov 2013 #16

Last time that happened to me, I ran like hell and helped a little old lady get away. MADem Nov 2013 #17

Well, first I have to determine if they are "active" ProudToBeBlueInRhody Nov 2013 #18

No. ScreamingMeemie Nov 2013 #20

I would try to stop him and save lives, likely by shooting him. Skip Intro Nov 2013 #21

Post removed Post removed Nov 2013 #23

Not sure I hope that, but it is likely outcome. But they gotta have their gunz. Hoyt Nov 2013 #27

"..but it is (the) likely outcome." And you know this how, exactly? friendly_iconoclast Nov 2013 #104

You are kidding, you want a 20year peer reviewed study to show gun toting hero wannabes Hoyt Nov 2013 #124

Nope, just some actual evidence as opposed to a faith-based argument. friendly_iconoclast Nov 2013 #213

Better than, "we need to carry gunz to protect ourselves against unlikely events, Hoyt Nov 2013 #221

I was expecting a *least* a few pictures of guys in camo... friendly_iconoclast Nov 2013 #223

I'm sorry, should have guessed you would look for photos of others out to save/protect us. Hoyt Nov 2013 #237

Damn Hoyt, do you believe someone alerted on the post about "taking someone out." Hoyt Nov 2013 #234

"Damn Hoyt, do you believe someone alerted on the post about "taking someone out."" friendly_iconoclast Nov 2013 #244

Nope, for things with nuance, there is little need to post to gun culture. Hoyt Nov 2013 #245

Yeah, I'd definitely be the bad guy in the situation. Skip Intro Nov 2013 #28

There's just been a shooting, and you're standing there with a gun in your hands. Electric Monk Nov 2013 #35

So you are saying they would all just start shooting at each other Rex Nov 2013 #60

got an example of that happening? nt eqfan592 Nov 2013 #62

Yeah I should listen to what you have to say before forming my own opinion Rex Nov 2013 #65

.....ok?... nt eqfan592 Nov 2013 #70

Try to be honest for a minute. Skip Intro Nov 2013 #76

Try to not be "I like cjeekdgg" while alerting on yourself guy for a minute. Oh right, you can't. Electric Monk Nov 2013 #85

Another brilliant reply pintobean Nov 2013 #132

Yeah the truth hurts sometimes. Rex Nov 2013 #172

I didn't feel a thing. pintobean Nov 2013 #174

last concealed carry "hero" in Washington thought he'd stop a mall shooter rustydog Nov 2013 #42

Sounds like that person failed to maintain situational awareness. eqfan592 Nov 2013 #47

Yes, it is real life. Real death too. Are you sure you realize that? Skip Intro Nov 2013 #81

The data says that you are correct AgainsttheCrown Nov 2013 #285

How would the police know YOU'RE not the bad guy shooter if you're shooting at the shooter? Vashta Nerada Nov 2013 #96

Doesn't seem to be an issue in practice. nt eqfan592 Nov 2013 #114

Sources? Vashta Nerada Nov 2013 #137

Because the police arrive after the fact. GreenStormCloud Nov 2013 #201

And what if the police arrive while there's a Wild West Shoot out? Vashta Nerada Nov 2013 #208

Simple- the person who *isn't* the crazy drops their weapon... friendly_iconoclast Nov 2013 #214

In the real world, active shooter situations usually end as soon as they are getting shot at. GreenStormCloud Nov 2013 #217

Is it really a good idea to shoot at a shooter in a packed mall? Vashta Nerada Nov 2013 #224

Two things: GreenStormCloud Nov 2013 #228

I like a third way better: allow the cops to stop the shooter. Vashta Nerada Nov 2013 #231

In the real world that means you let the bad guy keep shooting. GreenStormCloud Nov 2013 #236

I'd rather let the cops deal with it than have two idiot shooters shooting. Vashta Nerada Nov 2013 #254

... Sheldon Cooper Nov 2013 #113

Would be over before then, but dream on and hug your gun. Hoyt Nov 2013 #26

There's an intelligent reply. Skip Intro Nov 2013 #29

As was "you'd pull your gun and be a hero," without making things worse. Hoyt Nov 2013 #46

I take it you OC an AR, then? sir pball Nov 2013 #134

that makes you part of the problem bowens43 Nov 2013 #169

When the shit hits the fan Boudica the Lyoness Nov 2013 #259

Fantasize about it on the internet, because that helps, right? Electric Monk Nov 2013 #22

I guess it isn't just Niceguy1 Nov 2013 #99

I see that this thread has degenerated into pure gun porn. madinmaryland Nov 2013 #180

But, he's the only one pintobean Nov 2013 #181

And yet the gun pornographers are still here. nt madinmaryland Nov 2013 #212

I don't know what you consider to be gun porn pintobean Nov 2013 #216

Hide, then text somebody with details about what was happening so they could guide rescuers. kestrel91316 Nov 2013 #30

Actually, experts advise against texting. You'd be surprised how easy it is to announce rustydog Nov 2013 #40

Well I'd be turning off the phone seconds after sending the text. kestrel91316 Nov 2013 #90

Punch it in the nose. Oh, wait. That's for if you're attacked by a shark. Ian David Nov 2013 #32

Unless you are some sort of trained personnel, I'm not sure any of us know for sure how we liberal_at_heart Nov 2013 #33

If alone, I'd be chewing the carpet trying to get lower benld74 Nov 2013 #34

Message auto-removed Name removed Nov 2013 #38

My job requires me to respond to protect our clients rustydog Nov 2013 #39

Ours is the same. Agschmid Nov 2013 #61

Depends on the situation. eqfan592 Nov 2013 #44

Message auto-removed Name removed Nov 2013 #48

Problem is, in an active shooter situation rustydog Nov 2013 #52

i have no interest in playing the hero. eqfan592 Nov 2013 #53

A L I C E is the favorite reponse of late rustydog Nov 2013 #49

Pretty broad scenario.... alittlelark Nov 2013 #50

What would you do if you won powerball? XRubicon Nov 2013 #51

It's not a fantasy, but instead a cold reality for many more people than have won the lottery. nt eqfan592 Nov 2013 #55

It's fantasy for gun nuts XRubicon Nov 2013 #57

and how exactly do you classify a gun nut? nt eqfan592 Nov 2013 #59

A person who thinks they need to carry a gun around XRubicon Nov 2013 #64

No, your response was enough to recognize your ignorance, i need no further evidence. thanks. nt eqfan592 Nov 2013 #67

You are quite welcome XRubicon Nov 2013 #69

You mean like this guy!? Rex Nov 2013 #74

Yes XRubicon Nov 2013 #77

I give him special extra stupid points for the fake guitars. Rex Nov 2013 #79

That version is photoshop - this is how it really went down: petronius Nov 2013 #86

AHHHH!!!!! Rex Nov 2013 #88

and he wonderswhy hecannot get dates....nt irisblue Nov 2013 #176

I know a number of middle class and upper class individuals who have a concealed weapons ... spin Nov 2013 #94

Mostly Republican bigots, I bet. Hoyt Nov 2013 #126

Someone who thinks that's a good question, quite likely is. Good enough answer for you? nt Electric Monk Nov 2013 #75

No. It's just a baseless accusation pintobean Nov 2013 #133

not necessarily. like I posted downthread, I have seen two shootings in my lifetime. arely staircase Nov 2013 #185

Where was your gun???!!! XRubicon Nov 2013 #186

A mass shooter? There are a lot more powerball winners than mass shooting victims (nt) Recursion Nov 2013 #109

Stop, drop & roll JNelson6563 Nov 2013 #54

Probably drop to the ground. Preferably BEHIND something. And call 911. calimary Nov 2013 #58

Took our active shooter inservice... ileus Nov 2013 #63

If you do anything other than this in a crowd shooting situation, you're a danger to others just Ikonoklast Nov 2013 #187

Hiding is definitely your best shot, it there is some suitable place. bemildred Nov 2013 #276

Here's a trailer from a video that we are required to view as part of HR orientation woodsprite Nov 2013 #66

The only real answer to your question is, it depends. Jenoch Nov 2013 #71

I check exits (fire & otherwise), alcoves, big knots of people (avoid), Eleanors38 Nov 2013 #73

Duck and cover Bosso 63 Nov 2013 #82

If I were in a restaurant I would put ketchup all over myself and play dead. Quixote1818 Nov 2013 #83

Run, changing direction often. Chan790 Nov 2013 #87

^^This.^^ Jamaal510 Nov 2013 #103

Do you remember the guy who started shooting in a casino in Vegas? delta17 Nov 2013 #118

knowing myself in bad situations I'd likely freeze TorchTheWitch Nov 2013 #91

Dive and hope somebody in better physical shape than I am Warpy Nov 2013 #93

This message was self-deleted by its author A HERETIC I AM Nov 2013 #95

I don't like hypothetical situations. Vashta Nerada Nov 2013 #97

This message was self-deleted by its author David__77 Nov 2013 #98

Been shot at before, and accosted at gunpoint. joshcryer Nov 2013 #100

Other than shit myself? Sen. Walter Sobchak Nov 2013 #106

Unless you have specific and repeated training, you don't fucking know. LeftyMom Nov 2013 #107

You were much more likely to face someone shooting you 20 years ago. More than twice as likely Recursion Nov 2013 #108

I will tell you what I did when I was in a situation with a person with a gun. msanthrope Nov 2013 #110

There was actually a program on Discovery Channel about this davidpdx Nov 2013 #111

I would pull out my AK 47 Assault Rifle concealed in my underpants B Calm Nov 2013 #115

Do the best FB status update ever! Violet_Crumble Nov 2013 #116

Duck and cover? KansDem Nov 2013 #119

I have no idea. HappyMe Nov 2013 #120

Schools now have intruder drills, like fire drills treestar Nov 2013 #122

If there is an active shooter, you should drop... Mike Nelson Nov 2013 #127

It depends on what kind of gun he has. ... JEFF9K Nov 2013 #128

Yeah, I obsess about it every day. bemildred Nov 2013 #129

As you can see from this thread, that obsession exists here at DU. (nt) Paladin Nov 2013 #140

Maybe it's all the mass killings. Could freak anyone out. nt bemildred Nov 2013 #143

Hit the floor. --nt CrispyQ Nov 2013 #130

In my case. Ranchemp. Nov 2013 #131

First thing I would think about is, I hope there is not some cowboy/hero type toting a gun here. Hoyt Nov 2013 #135

Let me put it this way my friend, Ranchemp. Nov 2013 #136

"Highly trained" means little in these situations. Besides, I wouldn't be encouraging cowboys Hoyt Nov 2013 #138

You have no idea what you're talking about, Ranchemp. Nov 2013 #139

Actually, I was in a mass shooting in Atlanta in 1990s. Did well, even when policeman Hoyt Nov 2013 #142

Sneaking up on MJ growers on federal land? Ranchemp. Nov 2013 #144

Guess I got you mixed up with another fed gun promoter on here who did that. Hoyt Nov 2013 #152

No, not alone. Ranchemp. Nov 2013 #161

Wel then, your experience is not directly applicable to the discussion. Hoyt Nov 2013 #166

Sure it is, Ranchemp. Nov 2013 #167

If you hunt down the baddest of the bad, ZombieHorde Nov 2013 #170

LOL. Ranchemp. Nov 2013 #171

Ayoob is a good read. nt bemildred Nov 2013 #145

Ayoob is a bigoted gun cultist who makes a living "teaching" old white guys why they need a gun in Hoyt Nov 2013 #149

Sorry, won't make that mistake again. nt bemildred Nov 2013 #151

LOL. Peace. Hoyt Nov 2013 #155

Well OK then. bemildred Nov 2013 #160

Ayoob is one of the best gun experts in the country. GreenStormCloud Nov 2013 #218

He seemed serious about what he did and not full of shit. bemildred Nov 2013 #275

He's a gun carrying nut who makes a living teaching white guys how to use/carry a gun like a bigot. Hoyt Nov 2013 #279

His school is open to all races. N/T GreenStormCloud Nov 2013 #286

But who signs up for his Combat Shooting for Bigots course? Hoyt Nov 2013 #287

You forgot "As a former robber, I locked the door to keep people out, especially police." friendly_iconoclast Nov 2013 #222

Thank you Hoyt. ScreamingMeemie Nov 2013 #150

That is so silly sounding. ScreamingMeemie Nov 2013 #146

Sorry you find it funny, Ranchemp. Nov 2013 #147

It is...very funny. ScreamingMeemie Nov 2013 #148

+1 Hoyt Nov 2013 #153

You can do all the "what if's" you want, Ranchemp. Nov 2013 #154

Sorry. I could make something up, but I don't do that. ScreamingMeemie Nov 2013 #157

I know you didn't ask me, but my training is looking at the facts. The last shooting on a military Hoyt Nov 2013 #158

Thank you Hoyt. ScreamingMeemie Nov 2013 #159

I'm required to be armed at all times, so, no, I won't leave my weapon at home when Ranchemp. Nov 2013 #162

Maybe one day you won't have to comply with orders, and cando what's right. Hoyt Nov 2013 #165

Only when I retire. Ranchemp. Nov 2013 #168

Wish Turbineguy Nov 2013 #156

Cower. DavidDvorkin Nov 2013 #164

I always carry a ZombieHorde Nov 2013 #173

I have a slingshot, I let it stick out of my back pocket so people can see it. Rex Nov 2013 #175

I know I wouldn't fuck with you. ZombieHorde Nov 2013 #268

Run away from the bullets, and hopefully not get hit by one Dash87 Nov 2013 #177

This message was self-deleted by its author LiberalLoner Nov 2013 #179

Why do you think the odds have changed? Silent3 Nov 2013 #182

Because they are actually increasing in frequency nadinbrzezinski Nov 2013 #196

This is still just different levels of vanishingly small chances, however, not some huge change... Silent3 Nov 2013 #230

Well preparation comes to few easy to remember principles nadinbrzezinski Nov 2013 #238

There were 20 or fewer mass shootings in the US in 2012, killing less than 90 people and injuring struggle4progress Nov 2013 #183

I have seen two shootings. arely staircase Nov 2013 #184

So true that time stands still. ancianita Nov 2013 #232

more like just becomes indiscernable in retrospect. in either instance arely staircase Nov 2013 #248

Wow. I'm twenty years older, so I'm done, I guess. ancianita Nov 2013 #250

Yes, hubby and I have had that conversation nadinbrzezinski Nov 2013 #194

Situationally specific. Deep13 Nov 2013 #202

How would I know what my flight or fight instinct would do? Hayabusa Nov 2013 #203

As someone who has practiced martial arts for over a decade deutsey Nov 2013 #204

And you would probably do better than some yahoo packing a gun. Hoyt Nov 2013 #207

Cowards living in fear tabasco Nov 2013 #209

Who? Many of us (a good deal many of us) have said we don't pause to think ScreamingMeemie Nov 2013 #219

Pass out.. Peacetrain Nov 2013 #210

Run if I can Kaleva Nov 2013 #211

Holy shit. I can't believe you've brought this up. I was held up at gunpoint last week. ancianita Nov 2013 #220

Y'all having a "what if" party? Sorry, I thought this was a serious OP.This really did happen to me. ancianita Nov 2013 #246

I'm very glad you're OK, and it sounds like you did the exact right thing petronius Nov 2013 #257

Thank you for your concern!Yes, I've seen the two 6'3" men who showed up at the 'adult' assailant's ancianita Nov 2013 #258

In reality? Something like this: Initech Nov 2013 #225

I have a Wild Wild West style derringer up my sleave DefenseLawyer Nov 2013 #235

And if it ricochets off him and pops the balloon? TheCowsCameHome Nov 2013 #240

This is what this is for nadinbrzezinski Nov 2013 #242

I travel with Artemus Gordon DefenseLawyer Nov 2013 #243

I had the experience of being in a closed courtyard while some loon shot down from an Squinch Nov 2013 #247

Glad you are posting, after that. Hoyt Nov 2013 #251

Me too. Squinch Nov 2013 #255

Self preservation is the first rule. PeteSelman Nov 2013 #249

Have been. mahina Nov 2013 #252

"What would you do? " donco Nov 2013 #263

As I repel down from the roof using a fire hose as a rope and swing in through the glass window that TeamPooka Nov 2013 #280

confront and engage, not much choice in the matter loli phabay Nov 2013 #281

This is what HSA is now pushing AgainsttheCrown Nov 2013 #284