Surviving Rampage Shootings
Virginia Tech, Columbine and
Fort Hood
3 Hour Training Class
Instructors:
Walter Philbrick: SWAT Team Leader
Hector Delgado: U.S. Navy SEAL
The shooting rampage and violence in schools, business and churches will continue
to dominate the news this year and again next year. On Monday, April 16 th a lone
gunman kills 33 at Virginia Tech. Last year five are dead at a postal facility in
California. Some may call it domestic terrorism, work place violence, but in reality
it’s mass murder. Sometimes the killing’s are for headlines or revenge. More often
than not, it’s emotionally disturbed individuals or groups carrying out their deepest
and darkest fantasy. Many times it’s simply rage. The killer is emotionally angered
and snaps. Some killers will plan their raging homicidal shootings and methodically
plan the execution of friends, co-workers and fellow students.
Look what Cho did. He sent a package to CBS News, took photographs prior to the
execution, chained the doors closed and most important set a standard that someone
with more hatred will want to break. That is the record death toll. The next copy cat
killer will want to beat the body count of 33 dead. This is an escalating suicidal
massacre that really has no boundaries. Now the count to beat is 33 bodies.
Once in motion the killing is brutal. At Virginia Tech. Cho, 23 years old, tested his
ability to kill in the morning by killing two people in the dorm. Then he transformed
himself into a murderous disciple and kills 30 more and wounds a dozen others.
Before the shooting he compared himself to Jesus and states, “I will die like Jesus.”
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In Killeen Texas at Luby’s restaurant the gun man killed 23 and wounded 24. In
Melrose Park, Illinois, the shooting lasted eight to twelve minutes. When it was over
at Navistar, five dead and four more wounded. Some killers will kill at random
while others are methodical. The killer will murder his targets and any additional
victims in the near vicinity. These killers read the newspaper and watch TV. They
plan their attacks in a copy cat manner of other shooters. It’s going to get a lot worse
before it gets better.
Now is the time to prepare for our worst nightmare. In today’s society, history will
repeat it’s self again and again so we have to be ready. The time to start planning is
now. It’s almost too late once the gunman enters the room and starts the killing. We
need to start thinking about survival. What can we do when the armed gunman
enters your office building and starts shooting everyone in sight regardless of age,
sex or race?
Your goal is to prevent from being shot or killed when the armed gunman storms
your church, business, school, or organization and begins shooting. The carnage will
be brutal and it will take all the courage and fortitude you have to survive.
In the end you must survive the assault, save lives, neutralize or isolate the armed
attacker and minimize death and injury as much as possible.
Profile of a Killer: Possible Warning Signs
Virginia Tech student Cho was a quiet and private person. Were there warning signs
that he would ignite and kill 32 people in a college he attended? His mother worried
about him and called him often at school. His own sister said, “He struggled to fit
in.”
Cho’s room mate who saw him everyday told reporters that he never spoke to him.
They never had a conversation in the college dormitory. Cho would come in from
his classes and sit in the corner. He also stated, “Cho would never look me in the
eye.”
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Cho fired over 170 rounds of ammunition hitting his victims with approximately 100
projectiles. The carnage lasted over nine (9) minutes. He shot every student
approximately three (3) times. He used fifteen round magazines and filled them
close to capacity. He shot 45 people in Norris Hall and killed 30. He missed 125
times. When he entered the room, survivors stated, “He made no sounds, did not
speak to anyone and his facial expression was fix but normal. Cho was out to
immortalize himself by having the highest Mass Murder body count. Unfortunately
he succeeded.
Red Flags: A Storm (Hurricane) is coming
Much like a hurricane flag warning of an impending storm. Mass murders and other
killers put out red flags but many times people fail to see the coming disaster.
Cho may have told others but no one is coming forward and talking about it. He did
however send a package to NBC News so he would leave a biographical history to
the world. Many times suicide victims, hostage takers and mass murderers will tell
others about their plans. Sometimes the information is not direct enough for the
receiver to understand the message.
Profile of a Mass Murderer:
1. Usually psychotic. They have lost touch with reality.
2. Though distortion and reality
3. Have grandiose thoughts of themselves
4. Depression and Rage
5. Suicidal after the killing
6. Paranoia and anger at others
7. No particular targets after initial shooting
8. It’s about the numbers not identity of victims
9. Cho was diagnosed as being mentally ill
Stop the Assault Before It Begins
Every college, school, organization, group or any individual is a potential target.
From high schools, to Jewish Community Centers to churches and colleges, we all
need to protect ourselves from being killed. The shooters will be our students,
outraged coworkers, associates or even terrorists.
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Take precautions now. Think like the military and elite counter terrorist teams.
Military units use perimeters for safety. Our goal is to stop the threat before he
enters your building. Always have a sentry on duty that is keeping an eye on your
perimeter. The sentry could be armed with just a cell phone to call the police or he
could carry a firearm.
In the shooting at Naristar in Melrose Park, the triggerman in the shootings was
William D. Baker. He was a former employee who was fired, arrested and convicted
for stealing $195,000 in engines and parts. He arrived at the security gate at 9:45
a.m. on the morning of the carnage carrying a golf bag. Anyone carrying a golf bag
into an industrial work area should be an indication that something is wrong.
Wouldn’t that raise your suspicions just a little?
What about Virginia Tech. He kills two people unrelated to each other or him. The
school does nothing. There should have been a lock down of the entire school until
the homicides were solved. The school did absolutely nothing and is accountable for
the thirty (30) killed after that.
The key to increased safety is to layer your security. The secret service calls them
concentric circles. Your perimeter or area around your building or school has layers
of security. Some are thin layers but still provide some protection. The more circles
or layers of security you have the tougher it is to penetrate. Each circle of security
gives you more protection and makes it more difficult to get to the core or target
area. Each layer provides you with space-distance, barricades, time and checkpoints.
If you are at risk or have an observation point rotate this person every 60 minutes to
prevent fatigue or boredom. The lookout’s responsibility is to recognize a potential
threat, sound the alarm and prevent that threat from entering.
Outer perimeter security and safety can be metal detectors, armed or unarmed
security officers, on duty or off duty police officers in uniform, check points for
proper identification, club membership, entry cards etc.
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Danger: Trigger Words
Every group, family, school, or organization should have a key word that lets
everyone know there is a problem. A word that is distinct when it is stated. When
the trigger word is broadcast everyone starts reacting. In hospitals I teach the staff to
page Doctor Blue when there is a threat or problem at a specific location. The
intercom would state, “Doctor Blue please respond to the front counter area.”
Everyone knows there is a problem and where it is at.
Another example of a trigger word would be, “Gun”, “Freeze”, “Weapon.” Now we
have one word that identifies what the problem is. When the trigger word is sounded
your reactionary plan should begin to take place. Planning is the key to safely
reacting to trigger words. Everyone has a responsibility and knows what to do. And
don’t forget, always call the police if you perceive a problem or there is a potentially
violent person on your property. What does a police officer do in the same situation,
he calls for back up. You should do the same.
The best method to keep from becoming a victim is awareness. Prevent the attack
before it occurs. Once the assault begins, your primary goal now is survival and to
minimize injuries. When the killing is over, the priority is the treatment of the
wounded. Listed are some essential elements for staying alive when the attack is in
progress and someone is shooting.
Six Elements for Survival
1. Mental Conditioning and Awareness
(Proper mental mindset)
When the assault begins you have to be mentally prepared to take action.
Any hesitation on your part or your staff could be deadly. Everyone must
immediately click into high gear and start making decisions that will ensure
their survival.
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When the shooting starts it’s not the time to hide in a corner and say, “I
don’t believe this is happening.” It is happening and it’s real. If you don’t
take immediate action you could be killed. When the gunman enters your
building and starts shooting, you have to say to yourself, “I knew this was
going to happen and I am prepared for this. That gets you in a positive action
mode.
You must mentally prepare yourself today for this life threatening occurrence.
Any delay in your reaction time could be costly. Every second counts. Your
next decision could determine if you live or die.
There are ways to practice mental preparation. One method is to play “what
if” games. This prepares you mentally to take action, the next time you are in
a Post Office, church, supermarket or library say to yourself, “What if it
happens right now, what would I do? A gunman has just entered the restaurant
and has started shooting people. Do I finish this cup of coffee or do I move for
cover?
Visually play the scenario in your mind. Create and execute the mental plan as
if it is happening now. Visualize yourself taking actions that will insure your
survival. Visualization and mental preparation are essential for survival.
2. Have a Plan (Decision Making)
“If you fail to plan, you plan to fail” You must have a plan. When the killing
begins any plan is better than no plan. Keep the plan simple so everyone will
remember what to do. Some suggestions:
2.1 Designate a locker stocked with Pepper spray, ballistic
vests, radios, batons, stun guns, or even firearms.
2.2 Have a planned escape or evacuation route. Also have a secondary exit in
the event the shooter is in that area.
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2.3 Designate a safe room. This room will have a phone, metal doors that are
secured from the inside and possibly the weapons locker. This room is
where everyone will go in the event of a shooting.
2.4 The survivors at Virginia were saved due to the training of an eagle scout.
He took control, formalized a plan (Barricade doors with tables and bodies
laying on the floor) and started evacuation out the window. My God the
guy is a hero. He must have saved ten to fifteen lives.
2.5 Practice exiting your building. Practice locking doors upon your
retreat. Prior to locking the doors make sure the room is empty. A locked
door could prevent the shooter from entering your room or at least slow
him down until help arrives. Treat this as a fire drill. Call it an
emergency exit drill. But do it.
Next training phase: Exit the building faster. Have the children hold
hands to coordinate the exit.
2.6 Designate duties and individual responsibilities. Who calls the police,
activate the fire alarm, get the kids to the safe room etc.) and assign a
secondary person in the event the primary person has been killed.
2.7 Practice locking down your room or area. After locking the door practice
exiting the room or hiding behind objects that will stop or slow down
bullets.
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2.8 Look around for environmental weapons. A weapon could be anything
such as a fire extinguisher, sharp glass, a flag pole, chairs etc. What can
you barricade the door with? What can I distract him with? What can I
hurt him with? What can I stop or distract him with?
2.9 Write a policy to deal with Active Shooters in your building.
If you can keep the gunman out of your room you will survive.
3. Reactionary Moves (Surprise and Speed)
Your immediate reactions to the shots being fired is going to save your life.
What ever you do, do it now. Do it as fast as you can and this will surprise
the shooter. Be tactical, for example, turn the lights out. You know how to
get around your building in the dark but the gunman may not.
You do not have time to think. Your reactions must be instinctive and
immediate. Every second he gets closer. The shots are louder now and you
are next. Do something!
4. Personal Skills (Weapons and Self Defense Training)
Everyone should learn basic survival skills. If you possess a concealed
weapons license and you are carrying your gun, can you shoot on the move?
Can you shoot from a prone position, with one hand, or while retreating?
These basic shooting techniques could save lives during an incident.
Learn some basic self defense and weapons defense. Gun and
knife defenses could be useful during a close quarter combat situation.
Learn about guns. You don’t have to carry a gun or purchase one but
everyone should learn the basics on how a firearm functions. This simple
knowledge could save your life.
For example, It’s important to know when a firearm is empty. If you
recognize that the shooters gun is empty (slide locks back) this is your one
chance for survival. Move or attack while he is reloading.
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5. Physical Fitness and Strength (Cardio Vascular and Strength)
It always helps to be in peak physical performance. You will be under
extreme stress during a shooting spree or mass shooting. The better shape
you are in both cardiovascular and strength will assist you in your decision
making abilities and ability to fight or flee.
Decision; Can I make it out of the cafeteria, down the stairs and out the rear
fire doors before the gunman shoots me? Will I be too physically exhausted?
Am I emotionally ready to react to the shooter. Can I physically withstand the
challenge? The better shape you are in the better your chances are for
survival.
6. Equipment (Maintenance and Possession)
Someone should be assigned the task of equipment needs.
Keys to exit doors, entry doors, the safe room and the weapons locker.
If you are assigned to a post watching the front door then you must carry
your equipment e.g., firearm, OC pepper spray, mobile phone, whistle etc.
For example, OC Pepper spray if sprayed in the face of a gunman has over a
95% chance of immobilizing him. The pepper from the spray will blind the
shooter for a minimum of twenty minutes. I would recommend a 2-ounce
spray with a combination of OC Pepper and CS gas. So you don’t have to
carry a gun to defend yourself. A potent pepper spray will blind the shooter.
At least now you have a chance for survival. What did you have before?
Aerosol OC pepper can also be used for an entire room. A container much like
a bug spray is initiated and will make entry into that room impossible. If the
shooter enters the room and has difficulty breathing and can’t see he will exit
immediately. Meanwhile you have already left the room through another door.
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Recommendations For Survival
1. Of the initial assault, many victims have stated, “I didn’t think it was real.” Or
“I thought it was construction next door.” It doesn’t matter, react anyway.
Get out, get your family out, take cover or start to move to an exit. If it’s just
firecrackers or a loud backfire from a truck it will have been good practice.
2. The killing has started and you hear screams associated with gun shots. That
is always a bad combination. Gather information immediately. Everything
you see and hear is important. How many shots are being fired, how many
shooters are there, what kind of firearms or weapons, direction of the attack,
how far away is the shooter, are the shots the same sound (shotgun, handgun,
rifle), rapid fire or single fire, and who is he targeting.
3. Move away from the sound of gunfire. Lock doors behind you only if you are
not isolating other victims. Take as many people with you as you can but get
away from the shooter. He is shooting at random without a plan. You have a
plan.
4. If the sound of gunfire is getting louder then he is close. Suddenly there he is.
Move if you can. It is difficult to shoot a moving target. If you cannot run, do
not challenge him or confront him. Stand still and at the last moment prior to
him pulling the trigger, move, throw something at him, drop to the ground,
charge him but don’t just stand there and take the shot.
Best thing to do is barricade him out. If you can’t do that then hide in the
safest place as possible. Remember, he is on time line. He only has so much
time before the police are notified. He will be moving and shooting and
coming in your direction. If he is too close for you to hide but has not seen
you yet, don’t move. Movement may attract his attention. He is looking for
movement and that’s when he fires. The best thing is to create distance from
you and the shooter.
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5. If you know something about firearms and he is using a revolver, remember
the cylinder will hold a maximum of five, six, or seven rounds-bullets. Most
revolvers hold only five or six. If it’s a big revolver then it probably holds six
(6) bullets. Try to count his shots. If you know what kind of gun it is, you can
most likely know how many bullets are in the magazine and when he will have
to reload.
6. The shooter will probably not be counting his rounds. So when you hear a
click on an empty chamber or spent shell, its time to move and move fast. He
will have to reload or go to an alternate weapon. Most killers carry more than
one gun. Plan on it.
Most of these crazed shooters are known to carry more than one weapon.
If he is carrying a semi-automatic pistol look for the slide to lock back.. That
means the gun is empty. The shooter will have to drop out the magazine and
place a new one in the gun. This will take about 2 to 3 seconds for the average
shooter.
Again, this is your opportunity to attack or move. One important note, if you
have not received training do not attempt to subdue or physically control the
shooter. This type of training is specialized, dangerous and takes years to
master. But as a last resort, everyone knows how to throw something at him.
If everyone threw a book, can of soda, coffee cup or even your shoe. It will
give you a little time to tackle him rather then die standing there.
The US military, the Marines when under attack or ambushed don’t retreat.
They attack. I know it is difficult to sit here and tell students to attack a
gunman that just shot your school mate but in reality it’s the best advice at that
time.
7. If you are carrying a firearm and you hear the gunshots, its decision time.
You will have less than five (5) seconds to make a decision and you have
five choices:
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Four Choices to Survive:
1. Exit immediately and save yourself and your loved ones.
2. If there is no exit and you can’t get out safely, immediately lock
and barricade the door then seek cover or concealment
3. Notify the police, gather weapons for defense and prepare to take
action if he comes into the room.
4. If all fails, as a last resort, physically attack the shooter.
Again, if you are not armed think about environmental weapons that could
distract, injure or stop the attacker. Such weapons are hot coffee, full soda
can, small TV, letter openers, stapler, statues, rolls of coins, a fire extinguisher
etc.
These weapons are all readily accessible in most schools, churches, or
businesses.
7. Know the difference between concealment and cover.
Concealment offers little or no protection from bullets. It only takes you out
of visual sight from the subject. He cannot see you. An example of
concealment would be behind a wall made from drywall, a hollow door or a
chalk board easel.
Cover provides both protection from bullet penetration and makes it difficult
for the shooter to see you. An example of cover would be a poured concrete
column, solid wooden doors, an office file cabinet, or a brick wall.
8. Don’t have eye contact with the shooter or talk to him. It is reported at the
Columbine High School massacre in Colorado the shooter put a gun to a
Students head and asked her, “Do you believe in God”, she stated, “Yes, I
do” then he shot her.
If you are going to be shot and prior to shooting you he asks you a question,
“Do you believe in God?” Respond with a question that is so off the wall that
for a brief moment he has to stop and think. For example, when he asks you if
you believe in God, ask him, “When is your birthday?”
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He will have a momentary reactionary pause from the question as he briefly
thinks about what you asked him. This is your ½ of a second to survive, move,
take cover, fight, grab the gun or run.
9. If he shoots you go to the ground and stay there. Play possum and pretend
that you are dead. The chances of him shooting you a second time are slim.
If there are injured or dead people near you and you cannot escape, lie face
down on the ground next to another victim and don’t move.
10. Learn some basic Self Help First Aid. If you have been shot and help is on the
way, you may have to lie there for ten (10) minutes or several hours before you
are treated. You have got to administer help to yourself until the paramedics or
fire rescue gets there. Remember, they will be treating the worst of the
wounded first, is that you?
To survive you must stop the loss or flow of blood. One method is direct
pressure on the wound or just above the wound. If you are going to lose
consciousness, find a hard object and place it under your body above the
wound and lay on top of it. Your body weight and the hard object will
constrict your arterial blood flow. The pressure on the wound will continue
even after you have passed out due to the loss of blood. Remember; if possible
elevate the wounded area.
11. Learn basic first aid to help others who are injured. The Red Cross offers
these classes. When the shooting stops and the injured are screaming for help,
you will have only seconds to make a decision on a wound. Every second
counts when someone has been shot and bleeding profusely. Triage takes over
and it may be your job to identify whose life can be saved. The shooter may
have left the room and moved on. Do what you can to save lives.
When fire rescue gets on the scene time is critical. There may be eight (8), ten
(10) or at Virginia Tech over forty victims with gun shot wounds.
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Prior to fire rescue arriving try to identify students who’s injury is life
threatening and can be saved. Those who are shot and will die anyway should
not be treated at this time. It is a very difficult decision but every second
counts. Help will arrive but only after the shooter has been isolated or killed.
It may be minutes or several hours.
Triage
Fire Rescue will arrive but in most cases ill prepared to treat ten, twenty or
forty victims. Upon arrival the fire captain will immediately implement
TRIAGE. The paramedics, fire fighters and fire rescue teams will spend
seconds with each victim. In a matter of 10 or 20 seconds they will determine
if you are already dead, most likely going to die, can be saved or can walk out
of the building and be treated later.
12. If you get out safely, the police will need to talk to you. They will need a
description on the gunman, who is still inside, diagrams of the building, all
exits, who has been shot, weapons used by the subject etc.
Try to compose yourself so you can give the police the most up to date,
complete and factual information as possible. You have survived and will be
emotionally and physically traumatized. Get over it, your safe. Describe to
the police what has happened, how many gun men, where he is etc.
One important thing to remember is the police may not know who the shooter
is. As you exit the building do exactly as the police tell you to do. You will
be treated as if you are a suspect or even the gunman until you have been
positively identified as a victim. Many times hostage takers dress like their
hostage or victims in an attempt to escape and confuse the police.
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Police Response
When the first call arrives at police dispatch there will be some confusion. You have
an active shooter, numerous calls from witnesses coming in and people panicking.
The students want to get out and relatives and parents want to get in. All this is
occurring as the first police officer arrives on the scene.
It will be chaotic and disorganized for several minutes. But once the police arrive
and asses the situation they will make a decision on what to do. It is our opinion as a
police officer and former SWAT Team Leader is to assault the shooter. Make entry
and neutralize the shooter.
Inside the structure are injured and dying human beings. Every minute the police fail
to make entry, lives are being lost. The shooter(s) may still be killing victims and
victims who are shot are dying. They are lying there injured, bleeding and
traumatized waiting for help to arrive. The police must arrive, assess the threat,
make a plan and make entry into the building….now.
Police Officers are trained to save lives. Their job is dangerous and gets more
dangerous everyday. Every police officer jeopardizes his/her safety every time they
respond to a call. Therefore, they must put their lives at risk to save lives. It is your
duty and responsibility as a police officer to assume this risk. Duty calls. Assault the
building, assault the room and assault the killer.
When a massacre is in progress, police officers should respond, enter and resolve the
problem. They should not be outside holding a perimeter, hiding safely behind trees,
not hunkered down pointing their guns at the structure, not trying to negotiate and or
waiting for the SWAT Team or other Federal Agents to arrive. Get in there and take
care of the problem. Your job just got more dangerous.
The gunman will continue to kill until he/she is stopped. Students and victims are
dying inside while the police are on the outside. At Columbine the police reacted but
held a perimeter due to the possibility of booby trap bombs. Police Officers cannot
wait; they must enter and enter now.
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First Officers on the Scene
Once the gunman is identified or has shot and killed someone the police will be
notified. The first officers on the scene should do the following:
1. Gather information as fast as possible
Basically who, what, when, where, why, how, and description
Who is shooting, who is injured etc., what is happening now, where is he,
where has he been, when did you see him last, why is he shooting, and
description of the shooter.)
Time line: 10 to 15 seconds
2. Determine if anyone has been injured, shot or dead
Time line: 5 seconds
3. Call fire rescue
Delegate this task to someone else. Request multiple units. Order more
than you think you will need.
4. Patrol Officer(s) Enter and Neutralize the Shooter.
If shots are still being fired, the police officer(s) should respond to the shots
being fired, he/she should get another officer (time permitting), listen to
locate where the shots are being fired, conduct a fast plan, enter and
neutralize him before he kills anyone else.
Time line: Arrival, gathered information and making entry into the
building in less than 30 seconds.
As you make entry you will be forced to pass numerous
victims who are shot and bleeding. They will cry for your
help, you must not stop and render first aid. Your objective
is to seek out the shooter and neutralize him.
One thing you do, either alone or with someone else is
advise other units of what has/is happening inside the
building.
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For example: The scenario is a shooter in a school. You
have made entry and you are making your way toward the
shots being fired.
When you clear a room, advise. You say on your radio,
“Cafeteria, four dead, three wounded. Library, two dead,
five wounded etc.”.
The only problem here is that many patrol officers are not trained to do this.
Police departments in the future will begin to offer immediate action
training classes.
5. Other officers arriving if not utilized can call the SWAT Team. When
patrol officers cannot handle or control the situation SWAT Teams are
notified. SWAT Teams are specifically trained for massacre shootings in
school, churches, malls, etc. They arrive with negotiators, all the right
entry tools, automatic weapons, chemical weapons etc. Get them en route
in the event the shooter is holding hostages, barricades himself, etc.
SWAT Teams take time to arrive. The team must get dressed, put on entry
vests that stop larger caliber bullets, get their automatic weapons, get to the
scene, coordinate a plan, enter etc.
Give the North Hollywood and the Los Angles SWAT Team credit. This
heroic act occurred during the North Hollywood California Bank of
America robbery in 1997. The SWAT Team dressed in shorts and sneakers
put on make shift SWAT gear and equipment and kills one of the robbery
suspects.
They did not take the time to get dressed in their SWAT gear. They
arrived, grabbed what they could and handled the situation.
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SWAT Teams first were originated when events like this occurred in the
past. The very first time law enforcement recognized the fact they needed a
tactical response was at the Texas tower in 1966.
Since then many times SWAT Teams have been utilized or needed to
respond to such mass murder occurrences, barricaded subjects, wanted
felons etc. My point is you can’t wait for the SWAT Team to arrive on
these massacre situations. Time is of the essence.
In some smaller police departments SWAT Team officers work the road as
patrol officers. Dispatch should send these officers first to any critical
situation.
Police Training: Active Shooter
Police Departments are now actively training their personnel to respond to a gun man
who is shooting students, teachers, victims etc. The new term for the shooter is
“Active Shooter.”
Police Officers are now arriving and forming “Active Shooter Teams.” A command
post will also be established outside the danger area. Look at what happened this
time in Fort Hood. The police officer(s) arrived and responded to the threat and
neutralized Major Nidal Malik Hassan. She was shot but she got four rounds into the
gunman taking him down. An outstanding job because she was recently trained on
how to respond to an Active Shooter.
Monday, April 16, 2007
History repeats itself and a lone gunman again enters a building and
kills innocent people. The death toll so far is 33 and the coward killed
himself rather than be killed. I’m not sure if it takes more courage to
kill yourself than to let the police kill you. Bottom line, a copy cat
massacre has occurred and he has set the standard with an untold death
count of 32 dead teachers and students. There are also about 12
additional victims shot and some still in critical condition. Who’s next
and how do we stop it? I do not have all the answers. I can only make
suggestions on how to survive when the killing begins.
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Surviving Virginia Tech and Columbine
Thursday, November 5, 2009
One of their own kills 13 and wounds 23 army soldiers. Major Nidal
Malik Hasan, an Army psychiatrist armed himself with one of the most
deadliest weapons sold to civilians and fired over 100 rounds killing 13
and wounding over 30. The shooting occurred in the readiness or
processing area for Army personnel departing to Afghanistan.
In Closing:
This is going to happen again. In fact it happened a day after Fort Hood in Orlando.
There are copy cats out there who want and need attention. The worst case scenario
is the mentally unstable who watched Fort Hood on television and stated to himself
deep down inside, “I can do that and I can do it better.” Prepare for your worst
nightmare.
Biography on the Authors and Course Instructors:
Walter Philbrick
Walter Philbrick is the President of International Protective Services, Inc. (IPS) a gun
store and training company in Hollywood, Florida. Walter’s company IPS has
trained over 150,000 people to carry a concealed firearm in Florida and several other
states. IPS or the 911 Training Academy trains police officers, individuals and
corporations in classes from Terrorism, Officer Survival, SWAT Techniques,
Firearms, tactical skills, rape prevention and Gun fight survival just to name a few.
Walter has been featured on 60 minutes with Leslie Stahl, CNN, Inside Edition,
Today Show, Time Magazine, News Week and many other TV and newspapers
worldwide.
Mr. Philbrick is also a Reserve Lieutenant with the Hialeah Police Department. He
retired in 1999 after 22 years of service. Philbrick was a SWAT Team Leader
(Sergeant), Homicide Sergeant and SWAT team member for over thirteen years.
Walter also is a fifth (5) degree black belt in judo and jujitsu, United States Masters
Judo Champion and World Police Judo Champion. He is certified to teach numerous
different subjects.
Page 20
Surviving Virginia Tech and Columbine
Hector Delgado
Hector Delgado is currently a Senior Special Agent with the Department of
Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), in Miami Florida.
Mr. Delgado is attached to the National Security Division.
Lt. Delgado is a United States Navy SEAL and has been a team member for over
twenty years. He just recently returned from a combat tour in Iraq as a Naval
Reserve Officer. He has participated in tours of duty in the Middle East, Europe and
South America.
Hector has trained thousands of students in the use of weapons, demolition, physical
security and executive protection. He served as an adjunct instructor at the United
States Merchant Marine Academy teaching maritime security and is a certified ISPS
instructor.
Mr. Delgado also served as a Deputy U.S. Marshal and Federal Air Marshal. Mr.
Delgado is a member of ICE SAC Miami Special Response Team and has
conducted numerous criminal investigations, search and arrest warrants.
To contact Walter Philbrick or Hector Delgado call:
911 Store: (954) 922-0301
IPS: (954) 922-9258
24 hour toll free number: 1-800-510-0820
Email: FL911Store@aol.com
See the following pages for class information.
3 Hour Survival Class
Monday, December 7, 2009
The 911 Training Academy
Will be offering a 3-hour class on Surviving Virginia Tech and Columbine.
The class will be held at our training classroom at the 911 Store
located at 2231 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, Florida.
Monday, December 7, 2009
6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M.
The course fee is $35.00.
To register contact the 911 Store at (954) 922-0301
Or the 911 Training Academy at (954) 922-9258.
See following pages for registration information
3 Hour Survival Training
Surviving the Massacre at
Virginia Tech and Columbine
Armed Gunman Killing Children, Students and
Innocent Victims in Churches and Colleges.
Bemidji, Minnesota, Littleton, Colorado, Jonesboro, Arkansas, are just a few names of towns you
never heard of until a student went on a killing rampage and shot and killed innocent students and
children. Now the killing has reached horrific proportions with the 32 dead at Virginia Tech. This
type of mass murder will not end in Virginia. It will happen again and again. Be prepared to act
and do something to save your life.
It is occurring more often in America and now we have to actually train our students, teachers and
workers to defend themselves from being killed at work or school.
This three (3) hour class will increase your chances for surviving. What will actually determine
your survival will be your training and experience. Your instructors are Navy SEALS and Police
SWAT Team Leaders.
Surviving an Armed Gunman Attack
1. History of Massacres in America
2. Psychology of the Shooter
3. Six Elements for Survival
4. What stops bullets
5. Tactical Movements to stop the shooter
6. Basics of Firearms
7. Last resort gun disarming techniques
8. Surviving after being shot and Triage
9. Police Response
10. Certificates for attendance
Date: Monday, December 7, 2009
Hours: 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M.
Fee: $35.00 (Deposit required in advance)
To Register: Call the 911 Store at (954) 922-9258
Email: FL911Store@AOL.com
Surviving the Massacre at Fort Hood,
Virginia Tech and Columbine
Monday Night: December 7, 2009
6:00 P.M. to 9:00 PM
Name: ____________________________________________________
Address: ___________________________________________
City, State and Zip: __________________________________
Telephone Number: __(______)_________________________
Occupation: __________________________________________
Reason for taking this survival training:___________________
______________________________________________________
Course Fee: $35.00 Deposit Amount: $__________
911 Store
911 Training Academy
2231 Hollywood Boulevard
Hollywood, Florida 33020
Phone: (954) 922-9258 Fax: (954) 922-7009