While on your normal evening walk, you suddenly come under attack, taking several punches and see a gun in one of the attacker’s hand. With no way to flee, you grab your firearm from your back waist and fire two shots, stopping your attacker instantly while the other flees. What do you do next? Follow the steps below to ensure your physical safety and emotional well being.
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If there are no longer any threats, take deep breaths and try to calm down.
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Call 911 and give your location.
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Stay put (if safe to do so) and don’t move anything at the scene.
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When officers arrive say, “I feared for my life,” or for the lives around you, and respectfully decline to give any other statement without speaking to a lawyer first.
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Expect to be treated as a criminal. Officers are investigating a potential murder in their eyes, so they may treat you disrespectfully.
The first few days and often times weeks can be emotionally taxing for individuals who have used deadly force to protect themselves or others. Below is a list of emotions you may find yourself going through immediately after protecting yourself as well as down the road:
Elation – Rejoicing at the death of another, euphoria resulting from surviving the attack along with the release of endorphins and other sensory and mood enhancing chemicals into the bloodstream.
Revulsion – Becoming nauseous, vomiting or even fainting from the emotional shock
Remorse – A normal feeling of sadness or sorrow at having been forced to kill
Self-Doubt – Questioning yourself such as: Did I really have to shoot, could I have avoided the attack, etc.
Acceptance – This is usually the last emotional stage. Rationalization, accepting that your actions were both justified and necessary
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – Flash backs, recurrent nightmares, and the inability to function normally. Most people do not develop PTSD.
We recommend two methods to deal with the aftermath of protecting yourself:
1 – Counseling
One of the most effective and widely used ways that human beings have of working out their problems. Find a counselor you trust and are comfortable with to guide you through this emotional and stressful time.
2 – Use Self- reinforcement
Repeat to yourself any of the sentences below that will help you, or create your own:
I am a good person.
I did not choose to attack another law-abiding citizen.
I did not attack anyone. I was attacked by a criminal.
I did not invade the sanctity of another’s home.
My attacker was the one who chose a lifestyle and sequence of events that led to his injury or death.
I was morally justified in protecting my life with deadly force.
I have quite possibly saved the lives of others by stopping this predator from harming future innocent victims.
I had no choice but to use deadly force to stop my attacker.
I am a moral person.
Whatever method you use, do not be afraid to ask for help from someone you trust. Many individuals have never shot or killed another human being, so the entire experience can be one of the most stressful events you may experience in your life.
Protect yourself and your family today; get certified today.
