It’s Time to Shift Mindsets: Every Active Shooter Is a Potential Suicide Bomber Be wary of black puffer coats as they’re one of the easiest garments to conceal bombs inside, and Al-Qaeda has shown that repeatedly, including in their December 2023 video teasing their upcoming homeland plot. At least... 10% of the attackers in the homeland plot are expected to be suicide bombers. That means you can’t treat an active shooter as “just” an active shooter anymore. You must assume he’s also a suicide bomber because that’s exactly how they designed it. Here are some basic SOPs for civilians and venue staff when a shooter may also be a suicide bomber: (1) Distance is survival: If a bomber is still mobile, the blast radius is the threat. Move away and create as much distance as possible: 30–50 feet minimum, 100+ if available. (2) Don’t rush to “help” the downed attacker: If the attacker drops, do not approach. Many vests use dead-man switches, pressure triggers, delayed chemical binaries, or can be remotely detonated by an overwatch. (3) Also, in the same vein, don’t dogpile an attacker: limit engagement to 1–3 responders to reduce the risk of additional casualties. Focus on controlling the attacker’s hands. The most critical element in any close-quarters fight is using firm, targeted restraint techniques to prevent detonation or access to a weapon. (4) Avoid chokepoints: Stairwells, elevators, and bottlenecks become kill zones in a blast. Keep moving toward open space and hard structure. (5) Expect secondary devices: Al-Qaeda doctrine routinely includes follow-on blasts. Treat abandoned bags, jackets, or dropped items as potential IEDs. (6) Clothing–behavior mismatch matters: Watch for heavy coats indoors or in warm climates, and for uneven weight distribution inside of clothing. Also, watch for attempts to evade placing items on belt scanners. (7) Choose hard cover, not concealment: Concrete, pillars, and engine blocks save lives. Drywall and furniture do not. (8) Communicate the right words: When calling 911, say: “Active shooter, possible suicide vest.” It triggers an immediate tactical shift in response. Law enforcement around the country has been preparing for this scenario, give them a leg up with concise reporting. (9) Control the flow. Push crowds away from the attacker, not toward him. Prevent panic surges toward gunfire as suicide bombers seek density. (10) After evacuation, don’t cluster. Most mass-casualty terrorist attacks anticipate crowds gathering outside. Move far and disperse; attackers often plan waves, and clustering makes you a target for a secondary strike. (11) Bombs may contain caustic chemicals. Stay clear of the area until a full HAZMAT assessment is completed. If you feel weak, dizzy, or unwell, seek medical evaluation immediately.show more

Sarah Adams

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