A few years ago, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) released a training video that teaches civilians how to survive an active shooter situation.
The video underscores the importance of being alert and aware of one's surroundings, having a plan of action, and knowing how to respond in an emergency.
The video focuses on the "run, hide, and fight" approach to surviving an active shooter situation.
The strategy encourages people to take quick and decisive action to protect themselves and others in the event of an attack. By running away from danger, hiding out of sight, and fighting back only as a last resort, individuals can greatly improve their chances of survival.
It has resurfaced in the wake of several high-profile shootings, particularly one at a shopping mall in Allen, Texas last week that resulted in the deaths of eight people.
You can see the video below.
The FBI's "run, hide, and fight" approach is endorsed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and has been widely adopted by police departments, university campuses, workplaces, and other community spaces.
The tactic has been used for decades to teach civilians their options if confronted by an active shooter.
The video emphasizes that being prepared is key. Knowing the location of alternate exits, keeping hands empty and visible when exiting a building, and locking and barricading doors can all help to minimize the risk of harm.
By working with others to improvise weapons and coordinate an ambush, the FBI recommends, individuals can also increase their chances of success if fighting becomes necessary.
But in the wake of several mass shootings, the video has been met with a collective gasp of frustration about what kind of country we are living in.
We as a society have made a choice about our priorities...
So we are learning to defend against an attacker and teaching battlefield first aid and not choosing to outlaw weapons of war owned by civilians.
— Dominick (@DeltaTango) May 9, 2023
Over the weekend, a disturbing tally of seven shootings, including the deadly attack in Allen, has brought the total number of mass shootings in the United States this year to over 200, as reported by the non-profit organization, Gun Violence Archive (GVA).
According to GVA's data tracker, there have been 202 instances in 2023 where four or more individuals, excluding the perpetrator, were shot. Comparing the numbers to the previous years, the country has already surpassed the 200-mark in mid-May, an alarming trend that indicates the escalating rate of gun violence in the nation.
In the years 2020 and 2019, it was not until mid-to-late June that the US hit 200 mass shootings, while from 2016 to 2018, the grim milestone was reached only in late July. These figures highlight the worrisome and persistent problem of gun violence in America, which demands immediate attention and action.
