Flash Mobs

[Bob in Big D]

This may fall under the catagory of what happens when this "flash Mob" encounters someone with a gun that starts blasting away? Besides the 7or so shot unless the shooter reloads......would the shooter be justified? I am thinking the shooter is the good guy because the mob is intent on robbing, beating, etc.
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/08/10/fl ... otivation/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[boba]

I can see why someone would shoot at rioters and looters, but why would anyone shoot at a flash mob?

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[Bob in Big D]

I understand there are two kinds of Flash Mobs. The kind that you showed are fairly harmless, but the kind that was shown on the fox video are attacking stealing and beating people.

[boba]

Those sound more like angry mobs or looters.

[speedsix]

...flash mobs come in all flavors, from fun to deadly...what a world we live in...

[canvasbck]

IANAL, IMHO, and all that..................I would think that the disparity of force in a mob attack would make it a good shoot.

[Beiruty]

IANAL, IMHO, and all that..................I would think that the disparity of force in a mob attack would make it a good shoot.

I am about to be attacked by many rioters, mob, a gang, with or without deadly weapon visible, it would go

[boba]

...flash mobs come in all flavors, from fun to deadly...what a world we live in...

Right. And every gun on TV news is an assault weapon.

[chasfm11]

...flash mobs come in all flavors, from fun to deadly...what a world we live in...

Like a lot of things, flash mobs are a force for good or a force for evil. Somehow, I cannot equate 700 singers from the Philadelphia Opera Society showing up unannounced at the downtown Macy's store (was originally Wanamakers) to sing the Hallelujah Chorus from Messiah and a group of thugs descending on a convenience store to rip it off by calling them both the same name.

There is a lesson in both for all of us. It takes planning to pull off a flash mob type event. Therefore, it is not a spur of the moment decision. If something goes wrong, it needs to be judged as premeditated. I can only hope that our legal system treats it accordingly.

[baldeagle]

This may fall under the catagory of what happens when this "flash Mob" encounters someone with a gun that starts blasting away? Besides the 7or so shot unless the shooter reloads......would the shooter be justified? I am thinking the shooter is the good guy because the mob is intent on robbing, beating, etc.
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/08/10/fl ... otivation/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

If you're going to shoot into a flash mob, you'd better have plenty of ammo and be a really good shot. Even with thirty rounds into thirty targets, you're still going to be dealing with a number of others that you can't shoot (because you're out of ammo) who will now be intent on doing you serious damage.

The way I see it you have the following options: escape if at all possible. If that's not possible, find a small area to retreat into that limits the number of people that can get to you at one time and doesn't allow anyone to get behind you, like a one door store entrance. (They like to hit you over the head from behind with blunt objects.) Ideally that area will also provide you some cover. Then draw your weapon, yell that you will shoot anyone that advances, and stand your ground. Be prepared for someone in the mob to be armed and perhaps fire first. Conserve ammo. You're gonna need it. Only fire when absolutely necessary. And call 911 immediately. Get the police on scene ASAP. They will be your saviors, if you make it.

Flash mobs should be avoided if at all possible. Even if you have to leave valuables behind.

[ddurkof]

The key to surviving any encounter is situational awareness. The sooner that you realize that things are going south the sooner you can take actions to remove yourself from the situation. If you are walking around with your head in the clouds then you will be surprised.

Back in the 1970s, in New York I believe, they did a study on why cops are rarely robbed on the street. The conclusion was that they acted like "cops." They were aware of their surroundings and the crooks pick up on this.

Flash mobs are by their genesis not well organized and normally do not have a central figure that others look to for leadership or direction. They have a goal to hurt people, break things and or steal things. Their survival is based on numbers and not unit cohesion. Once firm resistance is met they revert to survival of the individual and will rapidly leave the area.

Retreat is always the best plan when dealing with overwhelming odds, but the retreat should not just be a "run for the hills," but more of an organized movement. In other words don't look like prey running away or they will chase. Know the area where you are at and have a plan. Don't run in to dead ends. It is also better to move through a number of corners. If someone is chasing you and you ambush them as they come around a corner they are much less aggressive at the next corner. Very few street thugs, if any will pursue someone who can handle a tactical retreat. It is not in their best interest nor does it accomplish their goal.

This is basic crime prevention. Make yourself a non-target, if that fails, make yourself a "hard" target that is deadly. Watch video of rioters when the police show up. They run in the opposite direction. Remember the Korean grocers during the Rodney King Riots? These men stood on top of their stores with weapons and the rioter decided not to loot and burn them down. The rioters knew that the rules of engagement were much different for these men that it was for the police. While the police had their hands ties by politically correct administrative staff and politicians the Koreans did not have that to work against them.

An old DPS Sergeant told me during rioting training in the 1970s, "Shoot the first line the rest will leave.......It worked at Kent State." While not very PC it was an accurate portrail of the crowd actions after the shooting started.

[esxmarkc]

I understand there are two kinds of Flash Mobs. The kind that you showed are fairly harmless, but the kind that was shown on the fox video are attacking stealing and beating people.

And then there are Mime flash mobs..... And that's where I draw the line. Screw on the silencer then it's "Muerte a un Mimo" for the lot of em'

[Bob in Big D]

Avoidance of bad situations is always the best policy IMO.....but sometimes that may not be possible as shown in the fox video with a guy walking down the street and gets jumped as he comes up on a group of thugs. If he had recognized the group as a threat when the distance was further away he could have crossed the street and maybe saved himself a beating.
I would think that at some point the "flash mob" thugs will encounter someone with a gun who will start shooting.