Just before noon on Tuesday, January 31, 2023, police responded to a Target in west Omaha, Nebraska, after receiving at least 29 reports of an active shooter. Within six minutes, officers located the 32-year-old gunman inside the store, shooting and killing him. There were 250 individuals inside at the time, but fortunately, no one was injured or killed in this incident.
Upon clearing and investigating the scene, law enforcement located shell casings, suggesting that the shooter had fired rounds inside. The rounds were from an AR-15 style rifle which is said to be purchased four days before this event, and the suspect had a total of 13 loaded magazines on his person. The shooter’s motive remains unknown.
Witness Responses Reinforce A.L.I.V.E. Protocol
In interviews with news sources, witnesses inside the store shared how they responded during the incident. Some decided to run and get away from the situation. Others found places to go where they could defend themselves if necessary.
For example, one store employee reported that she got inside a fitting room. Inside that room was a stool, and she was ready to use that stool to defend herself if needed as that’s what she learned in her training.
Both responses align with the protocol taught in the A.L.I.V.E. Active Shooter Survival training program. “A” stands for ASSESS the scene, “L” stands for LEAVE if you can, “I” stands for IMPEDE the shooter, “V” stands for using VIOLENCE if necessary, and “E” reminds people how to carefully EXPOSE their position once they believe the event is over, and to law enforcement once they are on scene, following their commands.
Two Responses That You NEVER Want to Do in an Active Shooter Incident
Some people in active shooter situations find themselves either freezing in fear or they use those critical first seconds trying to figure out what to do. Either of these responses can be deadly, giving the shooter time to zero in on you.
When in a stressful situation, your body reverts to your training. That’s why it is so important to get active shooter survival training now — before you find yourself in the middle of a life-or-death situation.
A.L.I.V.E. offers Nebraska-based Active Shooter Survival training programs, or you can take our active shooter training program online. We have several options available, enabling you to choose the best one for you.