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https://www.foxnews.com/us/alabama-church-shooting-multiple-people-wounded-suspect-custody

Alabama church shooting leaves two people dead, one other wounded; suspect in custody Two people were killed and one other was wounded in a shooting at St. Stephens Episcopal Church in central Alabama around 6:20 p.m. on Thursday evening.

Police shoot and kill suspected intruder before he enters Alabama school Police shot and killed a man suspected of attempting to intrude into an Alabama school Thursday.

BREAKING: Suspect Fatally Shot Outside Alabama Elementary School — News —BREAKING: Suspect Fatally Shot Outside Alabama Elementary SchoolBy Ben Zeisloft•Jun 9, 2022 DailyWire.com•FacebookTwitterMailkali9 via Getty Images A man exhibiting aggressive behavior outside of an Alabama elementary school was fatally shot on Thursday morning.According to a report...

Preparing for an Active Killer/Violence in a Crowded Area

You are at a big event, a concert, or maybe a popular speaker, a festival…any number of fun summer events. You are surrounded by mostly like minded people. Everywhere you look, depending on the event, there are signs, vendors, laughing, cheering, singing people, and between the loudspeaker and the crowds, it is hard to hear anything.

Yet, something seems off. You are not sure what, but something just...feels wrong. Suddenly, you see what almost appears to be a ripple (can a crowd ripple? Yes, keep reading) coming your way. The speaker or performer notices. The cheers seem to almost get quieter and louder at once. Things don’t seem to make sense or be real, and confusion is setting in. Then, you hear pop pop pop! It kind of sounds like fireworks, or maybe someone slamming two flat wooden boards together.

The next moment determines if you live, die, get trampled or seriously injured.

Your orderly mind, used to nice things, a general sense of safety and calm, pleasant outings and a predetermined outcome of a fun night, insists this cannot be real. Worse, that same part of your mind wants to insist that you not overreact for fear of making a scene and looking foolish.

If the above makes sense to you, this article is for you.

If the above does not make sense to you, this article is for you.

In light of the latest rash of active killers, this is designed to get your mind right in case the violence is near you. Notice I did not say “in case of violence.” There is no question we are in an era in which a normalization of violence is a reality, and continues to happen.

Keep reading for this to make more sense and so you can understand I am not: 1) Spreading fear. 2) Being too negative. Really! Just keep reading!

To keep this article somewhat brief and to manage expectations, I am going to make a couple of assumptions:

You have not had extensive military, security, law enforcement or martial arts training. Or, if you have, it’s been a while and you are reading this to brush up/learn something new.

You have likely not been in a truly violent, life or death encounter. Or, perhaps you have, but realize the need to learn to manage possible future violence, and if so, that is outstanding and it is my honor to help.

That means the absolute best thing we can do is to get your mind right so you can be proactive, not reactive should a madman with a weapon in public ever become your reality. This also means that if something violent does transpire near you; you will act in a way that increases your chance of survival and escaping without injury.

The rest of this article is not about specific active shooter scenarios, rather, it is about psychological resiliency, so no matter where you are, should it happen, you know how to react.

A very long time ago, when I was still a beginner in American Kenpo Karate, a black belt gave me a very simple term:

Acceptance and Awareness.

While seemingly simple, over the years, it has grown to such importance that it is one of the first lessons I give my American Street Edge students. In regards to being out in public, the premise is simple:

Accept the fact that there will be people who wish you great harm.

Stay aware of it.

Sound too simple?

There is a reason for that.

When it comes to the idea of people who would, without an emotion that you can relate to, watch you bleed out in an alley, then go treat themselves to a cheeseburger without a second thought...that is such a foreign concept to most people, that the mind will fight hard to accept that reality in the moment.

In other words, if violence is happening right in front of you, or worse yet, is about to be directed at you; your mind will work to force a false belief, despite the apparent reality. The term for this is cognitive dissonance.

Psychologist Leon Festinger, the man who identified the principle of cognitive dissonance defined it as, “A motivational state of inner tension is triggered by logically inconsistent ways of thinking.”

When you read about office workers in the Twin Towers who were reported to have stayed at their desks, or insisted on finishing a report before evacuating, even after the first plane hit, this is an example of this phenomenon.

While my teenage self did not know this term, I just knew there was something powerful about the idea of Acceptance and Awareness.

If you truly will begin to accept that there are these cheeseburger munching psychopaths who would love to watch you bleed out, then stay aware of that fact...you are much less likely to freeze up during the warning signs of impending violence.

Let’s talk about freezing up for a moment. This means just what it sounds like, a total absence of action in a moment of great distress. It is one of the most horrifying things that can happen in the face of violence. In law enforcement terms, it is often called condition black. In Behavioral Science, it is referred to as tonic immobility. Regardless of what you call it, just know that if your gut is telling you something is wrong, and/or you actually witness violence, and you ignore your gut and end up freezing up...chances are you will be at the very least, injured, if not outright murdered.

Now, let's talk about your gut for a moment.

In over two decades of professional instruction, many of my methods and “go-to” concepts have evolved and changed. However, a concept that I have been shouting from the rooftops since 1999 is simply:

Trust Your Gut.

Often times, people talk about wanting to develop the reputation of being street smart. This is very similar to the oft-lauded (and rightfully so) idea of women’s intuition.

Whatever you want to call it, it comes down to this:

We all have a sixth sense, it is simply all five senses working in perfect harmony.

If something seems wrong; it probably is. Too many times, people are victimized because of appearing rude or making a scene. If you are in public and around people, you MUST accept the idea that you may have to abandon your seat at a show, your plans, even the way you were going to get home (more on that in a moment) if violence, whether a simple scuffle or an organized attack is near you.

The expression Trust Your Gut is just another way of saying that your brain is working very hard to keep the host alive, and you need to act on that unusual feeling of alarm, whether it is a small nagging feeling that something seems wrong, or an outright call to run away!

Accept the fact that violence happens.

Accept that there are psychotic pieces of trash who wish you harm.

Stay aware of it.

Trust your gut and refuse to freeze up.

Act on it.

What does that mean? What does it mean to “Act on it?”

Let’s talk about it.

I once heard a term I really like: In a crisis, motion is life.

Whether to escape a deranged attacker right in front of you, a panicked crowd, or an active shooter, if you are physically capable, RUN, get out of there right when it starts, you have a much better chance of survival. While many people are trying to understand what is going on, while other people are arguing with themselves or their partner or friend about: is this real, do you think this is real...you have already covered 50 yards.

What if you are surrounded by people and can’t run?

Then move as fast as you can. Look for openings. Stay calm. Breathe. Talk outloud to your partner or friend, or even just to yourself.

It is a mistake to think of safety in numbers in the case of an active shooter. Numerous experts (again, this is where I want to go deeper with notes, I might add some references later) agree that an active shooter wants a head count. In other words, he wants the bodies piled up.

One person running in a different direction might attract the eye (but likely not, that is yet another article) - but even so, the idea of a bunch of people all crammed together is much more appealing to this evil attacker and his sick agenda. So run away from the masses as fast as you can. (The debate over zig zag or straight line is outside the scope of this article, however, based on my research, I suggest running in a straight line as fast as possible).

If you are not really mobile due to age, injuries or maybe people around you, then you need to hide.

Remember conceal and cover. Conceal means he can’t see you, but could still shoot you. Cover means he can’t shoot you (Such as hiding behind something large and sturdy). Ideally, you will have both conceal and cover. Stay in that space until the moment arrives to GET OUT OF THERE! Even a brisk walk is better than nothing if you cannot run.

As you can imagine, there are countless scenarios. Here is the key though:

You are thinking about it! You are going over it in your head (not to overwhelm you with terms, but this is called Crisis Rehearsal).

Trust your gut.

If violence is happening, trust what your gut says.

If it says run, then RUN!

If it says: that spot over there could be some good conceal and cover, then we’ll make our next plan...do it!

In wrapping this up before the summation, this is the beginning of planning. Whether this is a one time event like a big concert, or where you work, regularly visit/shop/work, you need to make sure you have planned out. Where you are going to park, and alternative routes to your car. Then, imagine if there is something burning between you and your car, where will you go? Look at Google Maps and the satellite view and plan your routes. Before you complain, that will take less time than it took to read this!

Note what businesses are open. Look for possible safe routes to walk. If you are not familiar with the area, talk to someone who is. Better yet, if this is a big event, have a plan where a friend parks in a different area all together, with the idea that you can go to his car or vice versa in the event of extreme unrest.

Remember at the beginning of this when I spoke of my concerns of the normalization of violence in this new, frightening era? It is much worse when there is a group of people specifically there to agitate. The term for it is Groupthink.

To talk about that briefly, Groupthink is a term first used in 1972 by social psychologist Irving L. Janis that refers to a psychological phenomenon in which people strive for consensus within a group.

In regards to civil unrest and protests, groupthink can escalate things quickly and with little warning. In social settings, it could be as simple as a group of guys out on the town that, due to the urging of one or two, decide to go to a rough bar they would not normally frequent. A couple of the more timid ones know it is a bad idea, but don’t want to disrupt the harmony of the group.

For instance, at a political event or speech from a well known person, there could be a group that was only originally intending to hold up signs and chant, but as the night wears on, and one or two more vocal members of the groups start suggesting violent acts...as individuals, they may never consider it, but as a worked up group, they may act as one.

Further, by acting as one, there is the dreaded idea of anonymity, which can propel a hostile crowd into even more severe acts. When you consider these terms, along with what appears to be a near nationwide divorce from the acceptance of moral and legal accountability preventing violence...it should give you serious pause and make you take all of this very seriously.

Now, remember when I spoke of a ripple in the crowd? This is a phenomenon that I have read about from survivors of a mass violent act in the immediate moments of the initial attack. It is a bit of an optical illusion from everyone beginning to alter their behavior and move away from the violence. This is an example of some of the indicators of violence that can cause people to either not trust what they are seeing as real, or freeze up.

I would like to now discuss carrying a personal tourniquet and first aid kit in depth; however, for the average person, that might be more than you wish to do. I will say to consider looking into that and consider it. Even if you are not willing to do that, you should carry a small flashlight, make sure your phone is fully charged and carry a spare charger. For large one time events, ladies, don’t wear high heels or fancy shoes. Wear athletic shoes, guys, same deal, dress shoes are slippery. If you have to wear a suit, you can have rubber soles put on your dress shoes.

Have a plan. From the moment you park, you need to have the highest level of environmental awareness possible. It needs to stay higher than normal for such an event, but don’t be so revved up that you end up having an anxiety attack. Just know to stay sharp and head on a swivel. Be prepared and aware of any developing situations and ready to act. As you make your way to your seat, make sure to note all exits, and at least two paths to the nearest exit, then communicate that with who you are with. If you see that ripple, if you hear screams, if you hear pop pop pop, get out of there! Don’t try to be a hero. Let police and security do their thing. You worry about you and yours.

Plan. Plan. Plan.

Acceptance and Awareness.

Refuse to freeze up or fall prey to cognitive dissonance.

Trust your gut.

Environmental and situational awareness the whole time. Head on a swivel.

Understand the psychology behind the mob mentality and the seeming acceptance of violence right now. Do not allow yourself to assume nice guy behaviors from people who wish to harm you. They are a mob to you and you are an enemy to them. Your job is not to confront or deal with them, your job is to understand this and avoid dangerous situations and behaviors.

If it goes down, get out of there. All nice, societal polite behaviors are now null and void. You do what you have to do to go home safely.

Face the reality and accept this, if you read this far, you are serious about safety. You get that this is no different that making plans to stay safe in so many ways. No different that putting on your seatbelt, washing your hands, etc. We do things everyday to be safe, and in today’s reality, taking time to do the following and prepare just needs to happen:

Make your plan. Visualize something bad happening, you getting out of there and surviving. You are not acting in fear, you are being proactive, you are living your life and being smart, and just making sure that life keeps right on going after the event.

God bless, be safe and if you read this...let me know - this was a lot of work, but well worth it if it keeps just one person safe. Having said that, if you made it to the end of this, first, thank you! Second, please comment to keep this active so others may see it.

--Timothy J Fancher, MAPT
Psalm 144 Church Protection Seminars
American Street Edge Self Defense Systems
RUN FIGHT SURVIVE Active Shooter Training

© 2022 Timothy J Fancher

https://www.foxnews.com/us/uvalde-texas-robb-elementary-school-active-shooter

Uvalde, Texas school shooting: 14 students, one teacher killed, suspected shooter dead, Gov. Abbott says Suspected school shooter at Robb Elementary school in Uvalde, Texas is in custody, officials said, after police responded to reports of an 'active shooter'

RUN FIGHT SURVIVE is a guaranteed satisfaction two and a half to four hour Active Shooter Training Session at your business, church or organization.

RUN FIGHT SURVIVE blends physical drills with verbal seminars. Participants will understand how to manage the physiological and psychological effects of fear on the body, how to recognize predatory behavior and much more. In addition, participants will engage in drills which simulate high stress and adrenaline situations as they actually physically take down the active shooter.

This training truly blends audio, visual and kinesthetic learning styles to maximize student success. RUN FIGHT SURVIVE teaches that the days of passively hiding and waiting for help are over. Send a message for a free consultation call with founder Tim Fancher! Send an email to [email protected] for more information. RUN FIGHT SURVIVE is based out of Columbia, MO.

https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-05-15/multiple-people-shot-at-church-in-laguna-woods-o-c-sheriff-says

1 dead, 4 critically wounded in shooting at church in Laguna Woods The Orange County Sheriff's Department says it detained a suspect and a weapon at a church shooting in Laguna Woods.

https://www.foxnews.com/us/california-saugus-high-school-shooting

Shooting at California's Saugus High School leaves 2 students dead, suspect in custody, officials say A female student was dead and several other people were injured Thursday when a 15-year-old suspect — who's now in custody — opened fire at Saugus High School in California, officials said.

https://www.dailywire.com/news/50424/breaking-good-guy-gun-stops-potential-attack-ryan-saavedra

BREAKING: Good Guy With Gun Stops Potential Attack At Walmart After Man Shows Up With Rifle, Body Armor An off-duty firefighter who had a firearm with him stopped a potential attack from taking place at a Walmart in Missouri after a 20-year-old man showed up to the store with a rifle, body armor, and over 100 rounds of ammunition.

https://trendingviews.co/dayton-shooter-self-described-as-leftist-who-would-happily-vote-for-democrat-elizabeth-warren-and-socialism/

Dayton shooter self-described as 'leftist' who 'would happily vote for Democrat Elizabeth Warren' and socialism People have been researching the Dayton, Ohio mass shooter, Connor Betts, and they have discovered that he's a self-described "leftist" who "would happily vote ...

https://www.whio.com/news/crime--law/police-responding-active-shooting-oregon-district/dHOvgFCs726CylnDLdZQxM/

Police responding to active shooting in Oregon District UPDATE @ 2:24 a.m.: Police scanner traffic has indicated that there may be as many as 7 dead, and p