Dept. of Homeland Security funds video on surviving a spree killing; Accurately depicts armed attacker passing "no-guns" sign

by Chad D. Baus

A video recently published on YouTube by the City of Houston, and reportedly funded by the Department of Homeland Security, may have accidentally brought the reality of where spree killings typically take place to a whole new level of national awareness.

The video, entitled "RUN, HIDE, FIGHT. Surviving an Active Shooter Event," is designed to provide tips on how persons involved in such an attack can reduce their risk of injury.

While the video states realities, such as "sometimes bad people do bad things," and "unfortunately, you need to be prepared for the worst," the video fails to address a central and deadly real-life problem that is clearly depicted in the video: Thanks to the "no-guns" signs present at the vast majority of spree killings, only the bad guy has a gun.

At 58 seconds into the 6 minute video, the "bad guy" is shown passing a "no-guns" sign as he enters an office building to begin his attack.

A second "truth" depicted in the video is the spree killers' choice of weapon - or perhaps more accurately it's what he doesn't use that is of note - a semi-automatic sporting rifle, which gun ban extremists incorrectly term an "assault rifle."

The video presents information parents with students in public schools who employ "lock down" procedures may find disconcerting. Namely, that the best option for surviving such an attack is to RUN:

"First and foremost, if you can get out, do. Always to an escape or evacuate, even when others insist on staying. Encourage others to leave with you, but don't let them slow you down with indecision. ...Leave your belongings behind and try to find a way to get out safely. Trying to get yourself out of harm's way needs to be your number one priority."

Unfortunately, schools and college campuses often ignore that first survival step entirely, and instead opt for what the video considers the next best option: HIDE.

Finally, the third step recommended in the video is to FIGHT:

"If your life is at risk, whether you are alone or acting together with a group, fight. Act with aggression. Improvise weapons. ...Commit to taking the shooter down no matter what."

But again, had the "no-guns" sign not been posted on the door, the "victims" depicted in this video would not have to have been depicted as using a fire extinguisher, office chair, and belt to try and stop the mass murderer. Instead, they could be shown using using the same tools the police will eventually use to stop the attacker - firearms.

I sincerely doubt it was intentional, but this DHS-funded video has exposed the stark reality of the defenseless situation law-abiding citizens are forced into with the posting of "no-guns" signs. I truly hope MANY people watch this video - and are prompted to work to get those deadly "no-guns" signs down.

Chad D. Baus is the Buckeye Firearms Association Vice Chairman.