1 Killed in Shootings at Virginia Tech

[UGAalum94]

Originally Posted by DeltAlum

In most cases, it's probably better to wait for professionals who have some training in these situations rather than trying to take matters in your own hands.

Do you think we can really conclude that?

I don't know what the answer is, and I think that a post Columbine change in police techniques is promising.

But we might be better off if people thought in terms of getting the heck out of places in an every man for himself way (which seemed to help some students at VT and Columbine survive) or trying to attack and disarm a person threatening the group (which has occurred with people with weapons at schools and I want to say in an airplane scenario, post 9/11) rather than locking the place down and waiting.

I think "wait for the professions" was great advice when we assumed in most cases what people wanted was money or attention in their lifetimes (bank robberies, political hijackings or hostage taking with demands). But when people are killing out of straight up craziness and evil (like VT and Columbine) or suicidal terrorism (take your pick), by the time the professionals arrive, people will almost certainly be dead.

[DeltAlum]

Originally Posted by AlphaGamUGAAlum

Do you think we can really conclude that?

Yeah, I do, although I have no personal experience or expertise to back up my opinion -- so, it's just that, an opinion. Or, as you say, a conclusion.

It's a tough decision, but trying to run out or whatever would just cause chaos, I think. A lot of people were killed or injured at both Virginia Tech and Columbine, but the vast majority weren't.

Trying to confront a gunman (gunperson?) unless there are a whole lot of people who have time to organize and plan something would almost always be fatal, I think.

My gut feeling would be to leave it to the professionals.

Not that they're always right either.