SEAL Survival Guide (13 page)

ACTIVE SHOOTER

Malls, markets, and schools—we expect to go to these places to stroll, shop, relax, or learn in environments that are relatively secure. One of our great freedoms is to go about our daily lives without fear. However, think about the 1999 Columbine High School shooting that killed fifteen, or the 2005 Tacoma, Washington, mall shooting that wounded
seven, or the 2007 Westroads Mall incident in Omaha, Nebraska, with nine dead, or the Virginia Tech massacre in that same year when thirty-two died, or the 2011 slaughter of sixty-nine innocents at a Norwegian youth camp.

Given all these incidents, one thing can be said about the people who do this: they are similar only in their intent to kill. Their motivation to commit these acts might be a personal vendetta, or to further a political or religious agenda, or some psychological disorder—so stay alert, because the shooter could be anyone, anywhere.

The paramilitary or trench coat garb that is often used to conceal weaponry, of course, is not by any means the preferred look of an “active shooter.” The Virginia Tech murderer wore a maroon hoodie
and a gray hat. The Norwegian shooter donned a police uniform. He actually called out to the fleeing students, identifying himself as a police officer. He then gunned down those who ran in his direction believing they were heading to safety.

Police and SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) divisions of law enforcement units refer to this crime while it’s under way as an “active-shooter incident.” In most cases, the perpetrators of these attacks pick “soft targets,” with the full intention of having unrestricted access and time to claim as many victims as possible before they are captured or gunned down. A “soft target” generally refers to any public place where there are large groups of people (predominantly young adults, women, and children) and little or no security, such as malls, markets, and schools. These targets are unprepared for defense against individuals with massive firepower who have the sole intent to kill and cause mayhem.

Examining the psychology of these assailants might lead to the ability to spot such personality types before they get a chance to carry out their murderous schemes, but this won’t help you to survive if you happen to be involved in an active-shooter incident. Once these shooters are engaged, reasoning with them or attempting to talk them into surrender is frequently fruitless.

Response Time

Ten minutes and thirty seconds—that’s the national average time it takes a police officer to show up at the scene after a high-priority 911 call is received. In the Virginia Tech shooting, for example, thirty-two
people were already dead within minutes, and the police weren’t even notified until fifteen minutes after it began. In many larger cities, including Los Angeles and New York, there are full-time officers assigned to SWAT operations. Yet, statistically, it takes them approximately twenty to thirty minutes to get to the scene. In smaller municipalities, it’s often the case that officers who are regularly assigned to other departments are trained for active-shooter incidents. It can take forty-five minutes or longer for these units to respond. Nearly 99 percent of the time, these critical situations are handled by regular patrol officers before SWAT ever gets there. This is why it is your response time and what you do that really count.

Situational Awareness: Exits, Cover, People

When you’re going to a mall or market, or even during your first days of class at a new school, make a mental note of
exits
. Have at least three options, preferably in three different directions. This could be as obvious as a double-door entry or as desperate as a second-floor window with a ten-foot drop onto pavement. Second, observe the whereabouts of any large items or objects that seem sturdy enough to provide
cover
, if needed, and file this information. In some malls, for example, there may be a lounge area with furniture, or sculptures, or columns that are placed at regular intervals. In a school, are the desks bolted to the floor? Do the windows open? Filled bookshelves in a library or the cooking and dishwashing equipment in a cafeteria will provide very good cover. Third, look around at the
people
you pass while in public places or when you’re among crowds. If you’re at a mall, pay special attention to individuals who don’t seem to have the demeanor of the average shopper, and to individuals carrying large bags, such as duffel bags, or wearing unseasonably heavy clothing. Keep an eye on people who seem particularly nervous or who are sweating. Watch individuals wearing military-style boots or clothes that seem out of place. Many times, these shooters imagine themselves as members of some type of militia or are military imitators, and
could be wearing army boots or fatigues, though they are clearly identifiable as someone not on active duty.

SITUATIONAL AWARENESS CHECKLIST
for entry of a soft target: