General Discussion

arely staircase

(12,482 posts)

184. I have seen two shootings.

Sat Nov 2, 2013, 05:59 PM

Nov 2013

Once in New Jersey in 1988 and the second (more of a shoot-out) was in Mexico where two small groups of armed men exchanged gunfire in a plaza below my balcony in 2007. Both times my response was basically the same. At first a frozen cognitive dissonance in which time stands still then a "holy shit!" awareness, then fleeing on foot in the first instance and moving away from the window and getting on the floor of my hotel with the bed between me and the window in the second case.

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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