... I would start retreating with me between my family and the mob. I would not draw unless the attack seemed fatal.
Definitely a tough scenario to envision and not one I think any of us hope to face. But, these sorts of things can and do happen. I agree, one must make that split-second assessment as to whether a situation requires the use of deadly force or not.
My wife and I found ourselves in a similar situation in 2006, leaving the Arlington Parks Mall, when about a dozen black kids harassed us. I say a dozen—to be truthful, there were a dozen there—but, there was really only one that genuinely wanted a fight, and two or three others who were willing to half-heartedly commit in an attempt to act tough.
After making the split-second assessment and reading the situation, I did not feel our lives were threatened. It was not a pleasant experience, but it did not warrant the use of deadly force.
These kids were not gang-bangers—they were black affluent teens who fancied themselves ghetto! I put myself between my wife and the more aggressive one and deescalated the situation by speaking to the eight or nine other kids who (I sensed) did not want trouble. I simply said,
“This won’t end happy if your buddy doesn’t settle down.”
Homey’s buddies started pulling him back and admonishing him to,
"knock it off man, you’re gonna get us in trouble!" With a little bit of persuasion, Homey backed down and the posse moved on. My wife and I, continuing to track the group, made our way to our Tahoe and continued on our way home.
BUT, this Akron group of 50 seemed bent on beating someone that night. I would argue that for every scenario you face, there will always be a number of ways in which you can respond. It is important to keep a clear head and not panic with a knee-jerk reaction! But, you might not always be able to retreat, especially if a group (like this one) is intent on harming someone.
If an individual or a mob begins threatening the lives of innocents, I’m going to take steps to eliminate the threat (or, 50 threats as the case may be!). And, if I draw, I'm shooting... if they keep coming… I’m shooting until I’m out of ammo! The end result would be 27 lead souvenirs given out to a good number of the party!
... If you killed a teen, you better be prepared for all types of retaliation.
With regards to retaliation, I recognize that is a very real possibility. But, according to the
Link Removed, the Marshalls already say,
“they fear retaliation at home or when they go outside.”
Fear of retaliation cannot be a consideration in the moment of that split-second assessment. That thought of hesitation might be the difference between you successfully exercising your right of self defense or your simply becoming another homicide statistic!
Do I fear loss of life and/or great bodily harm? If I do, I’m going to exercise my right to self defense and do whatever it takes to STOP the threat!
leasantry:
