TERRORISM: Armed Citizen Response to Bombers

A superlative article by Greg Ellifritz from Armed Response Training.

Armed Citizen Response to the Terrorist Bomber

Written by Greg Ellifritz
Active Response Training

* I’m reposting this one in response to the terrorist bombings in Belgium today. It’s important for folks to have a plan to deal with the future suicide bombing attacks we will likely see here in the USA. Pay attention.

– Greg

Terrorists worldwide use bombs as their weapons of choice. Occasionally, these bombs will be supplemented by sniper fire, grenades, or active shooters but it’s the bombs that get media attention. Many of my readers have been to numerous shooting schools and have trained in martial arts for years. How many of you have ever taken a bomb class? While this article isn’t a substitute for formal training, it will give you some tips that may prevent you from being blown up should you happen to be caught in the middle of a suicide or homicide bombing.

I will be referencing some of the most recent “western” terrorist bombings of civilian targets…the Moscow airport bombing and the bombing of the government building in Oslo, Norway (both in 2011). While the bombers used different tactics (The Moscow bombers were suicide bombers. The Oslo bomber placed the bomb in a car), the tactics of avoidance, minimization of risk, and response remain the same. The two events serve as very useful contrasts and case studies to teach proper response tactics for anyone involved in a similar incident or anyone who might have to respond to the aftermath.

We haven’t seen many bombings (specifically suicide bombings) in the USA, but they are coming. Bombs are the weapons of choice among terrorists worldwide. It’s only a matter of time that they become more commonplace here. Read the information below NOW, so that you’ll be ready when it happens here!First, get it out of your head that a bomb looks like a bunch of taped up road flares with an alarm clock attached. Bombs can look like or be concealed in ANYTHING! In one bomb class I took, we made a bomb and concealed it in a flowerpot with a live plant covering it. We had it triggered with a motion detector that detonated the bomb when someone came within two feet of the flowerpot! If the terrorist wants to blow you up badly enough, he’ll probably succeed and you’ll never know what hit you.

Despite this fact, some terrorists and bombers are not that smart. Sometimes you might be able to identify a suicide bomber before he detonates. Here’s what to look for:

Clothing that is bulky or excessive for the weather (to hide the bomb)

Hands hidden (possibly holding the switch to detonate the bomb)

A strange chemical odor or excessive cologne to cover up that smell

The bomber focused, but unresponsive. Suicide bombers often have the “1000 yard stare” and are usually unresponsive to questions or commands

Heavy luggage or backpacks that don’t fit the situation. The average weight of a bomb used by a suicide bomber is around 20 lbs. The Madrid train bombers all had very heavy backpacks. The Moscow bomber placed his bomb in a rolling suitcase. Not all the bombers wear their bombs.

Nervousness, excessive sweating, or repeated mumbling of a prayer or mantra

Exposed wires anywhere on a person’s body

Repeated attempts to avoid security checkpoints and/or police officers

Beware of any suspicious packages. The bomber might not be a suicide bomber. He or she might just plant the bomb and walk or drive away. Although it didn’t get nearly the attention of the 2011 Russian airport bomb, on the same day a bomber blew up a bus in the Philippines. Two people were killed and over a dozen injured when two bombers placed a package under the seat of a bus. The package contained a modified 81mm mortar shell and a cell phone. The bombers left the package, got off the bus and called the cell phone, thus triggering the bomb. If the bomb is not worn by a terrorist, it is most likely to be hidden in a car, discarded backpack or duffel bag, or placed in a trash can.

What should you do if you notice a person with one or more of these descriptors or even a suspicious package? GET AWAY! Time, distance, and shielding are the only defense. Realize that a 20lb suicide bomb vest loaded with shrapnel is dangerous within 400 meters. That’s a long distance! Recent research has determined that 15 meters (about 50 feet) is the distance that means the difference between life and death in most suicide bombing incidents. If you are within 15 meters of the bomber when he detonates, you will likely die. If you are beyond 15 meters, you will likely live, but may be seriously injured. Ultimately, whether you live or die depends on the terrain, the type of bomb and shrapnel and how far away from the bomb you are. The farther away you can get, the better off you will be. Ideally, distance combined with some type of cover that will stop shrapnel and projectiles is best. For the 500kg Oslo car bomb, people were likely hit by shrapnel up to 1/2 mile away!

Personally, if I noticed a suspicious package or thought someone might be carrying a bomb, I would make it my primary objective to get myself and loved ones as far away from the bomb/bomber as possible. Once I’ve made it to safety, I will report the person to police. I’m not going to hang around in the kill zone looking for a policeman.

If you are armed with a firearm, should you shoot the bomber? That is a tough call. If you are right about your guess and kill the bomber before he detonates, you will be a hero. If you are wrong you will be either blown up or arrested. It makes the decision a little difficult.

I will say this…if you decide to shoot the bomber, you must expect to die. Remember that danger zone of 400 meters I talked about earlier? How many of you can make a head shot at 400 meters with your concealed carry pistol? If you can’t, you are in the kill zone. If the bomber detonates you may be seriously injured or killed. By definition, if you are close enough to take a shot, you are going to be within range of the bomb’s blast. If you do shoot the bomber, you must go for a head shot. If he is wearing a bomb vest, your bullet will likely detonate the bomb if you hit it.

The biggest problem is that you don’t know how the bomb is set to go off. Even if you instantly incapacitate the bomber with a brain stem shot, the bomb still may detonate. It could be on a timer, it could be command detonated by another person watching discreetly from afar, the terrorist could have a “dead man switch”, or your bullet could cause it to blow. The possibilities are endless. Like I said, if you engage you have to expect to be blown up.

On the other hand, how quickly can you run 400 meters or get to cover? For most of you reading this article, consider 90 seconds a bare minimum of time necessary to get to safety. That’s a long time. Running might not assure your safety. Your best chance may be shoot the bomber. There’s just no guarantee that he won’t blow himself up before you get away.

See what I mean about it being a tough call? Damned if you do. Damned if you don’t. If you carry a defensive firearm, you need to decide what you are going to do BEFORE it happens. Study the subject and make your decision now. You won’t have time to consider all the variables in the heat of the moment.

There’s a whole lot more, including topics about “After the Engagement or Detonation” and “Medical Care”. This should all be mandatory reading for anyone prudent and serious about their personal safety. Ignorance might be bliss, but it won’t safe your life should you have the misfortune of first-person experience with goat romancing suicide bombers and their equally evil handlers / “security” people.

Go. Read it all here.

Fair warning, if you have Attention Deficit Disorder, you’re going to find a long list of great educational material sprinkled throughout his blog.