I doubt this small congregation had an organized, trained security force such as seen at a bank or place of business with valuables - say diamonds, etc.
The incidence of such shootings is so rare - likely less than lightning fatalities - although i do not have exact statistics at hand.
How many churches/places of worship have trained , armed security to evaluate every person walking in as a threat.
Entering a sanctuary in a bulky coat in winter is not unusual, and would not in and of itself create suspicion of a mass shooter entering. The individual was not wearing a mask - or other feature to identify him as a threat to the congregation.
Should this small congregation have had a trained "Security" apparatus to protect them
I am not willing to blame a church "Security" service until I am sure they had a "Security " service trained, and effective in such interventions. Sounds to me that they were somewhat organized - as multiple people drew weapons - but only One person fired - a restraint that speaks to some training in handling firearms under stress.
Please correct if more than one congregant fired to stop the threat.
As in many incidents - it is a learning process for our society -
One thing is clear - the individual was mentally ill and possessed a firearm - ILLEGALLY!. That is a far better focus for prevention efforts
My thoughts - Thank You for bringing up the topic and a good debate on the subject, Sir.
Originally Posted by oeb11
thank you Sir.. I would probably quit posting in this Forum, if you, and 1-2 others who post infrequently, did not have worthwhile things to post.. I get wearied by post-after-post of insults, hit-and-run stupid brief posts, that advance nothing, other than the belief that the poster is a Right-Wing Imbecile.
you are right, I think, that the Security Force was somewhat ad hoc, not fully trained to deal with a range of possible threats. but the Media has held up the Security Guy, Jack Wilson, as a Hero who did all he could.. I say he didn't.. Wilson is an ex- Reserve Sheriff's Deputy, and instructed on Firearms. it may be he emphasized shooting accuracy over detection and prevention. Wilson should have done more.. I place blame on him, the guy in charge.
https://gazette.com/ap/national/meet...5a35e94b3.html
if you recall what I wrote earlier, I said because of
2 things that happened IN TANDEM... the bulky coat AND the obvious disguise, that should have set alarm bells to ask for the removal of his coat. Wilson was already hair-trigger ready, he spotted trouble when it walked in, but something held him back.. was it the idea that this is Church, the guy should be left alone? was it the idea that "I'm ready if/when this guy strikes"? I would like to know his thinking.. Wilson had a reason to leave the guy alone enough to kill 2.. I believe his judgement, if any was utilized, was flawed.. sort of like placing your hand near a burning stove, thinking you had a half inch of room before your hand caught fire.. you miscalculated and got a quick, small burn, but you praise yourself for pulling your hand back rapidly, and keeping your thumb and fingers intact.
the other 6 did not fire. it was over too fast, I assume.. but the one Security guy who was killed had drawn his gun to shoot.. too late. see my point, though? they were willing to play fast and loose, hoping they could get off rounds before the Murderer did.. frankly, he out-smarted them by walking away, to receive communion, to create space so he could draw his shotgun and fire first.
I think Wilson should be transparent, admit his team (himself, really) could have done more, and that would help lead a discussion on future prevention. frankly, I consider it a bit cowardly to bask in the praise that is only loosely deserved. I cringe at the idea he will trumpet his shooting, in ads this Fall, while running for County Commissioner.
https://texasscorecard.com/local/her...-commissioner/
