"AMOK" - Active Killer incidents
Over the past weeks there have been several successful, failed and foiled Active Killer (AK) incidents in the world, including the US and the EU.
Some of the latest examples:
- 26/08/2015 - US - Disgruntled employee shot and killed 2 people, after which he killed himself
- 21/08/2015 - France - Lone wolf terrorist tried to shoot people on board a Thalys train
Active Shooters, Homicide-in-Progress, Mass Crowd Shooters... An AK is an individual or a group of persons (up to 4) who is/are actively engaged in killing or injuring as many people as possible in a confined and populated area, either for criminal or terrorist objectives.
"AMOK" is the code that police and security services use.
In most cases AKs use one or more firearms, knives and/or explosives, and choose their victims randomly.
Because AK incidents are often over within 10 to 15 minutes, before police arrive on the scene, individuals must be prepared mentally as well as physically to deal with an AK situation.
How to recognize an AK incident:
- Listen to people shouting "killer", "murderer", "shooter" whilst running away
- Listen for gunshots - don't mistake gunshots for fireworks! There is a distinct difference, watch this video
- Look out for people who are killed or injured by gunshot or stabbing wounds
- Look out for people with firearms or knives
What to do during an AK incident:
RUN > HIDE > FIGHT
Surviving an active shooter event
1. RUN
If there is an accessible escape route, attempt to evacuate the premises away from the attackers. Be sure to:
o Have an escape route and plan in mind
o Evacuate regardless of whether others agree to follow
o Leave all your belongings behind
o Help others escape, if possible
o Do not attempt to move wounded people
o Prevent individuals from entering an area where the active shooter may be
o Keep your hands up and visible
o Follow the instructions of any police officers
o Do not stop to ask officers for help or directions when evacuating, just proceed in the direction from which officers are entering the premises
o Call "101" when you are safe and provide the following information:
▪ Who you are
▪ Where you are
▪ What’s going on --> clearly state “AMOK”
▪ Who, how many shooters, how are they dressed
▪ Type of weapon(s) and/or explosives used
▪ ~# of injured/dead
▪ Where are you now, with how many people
▪ Answer questions
▪ Stay on the line (if safe)
2. HIDE
Only if evacuation is not possible, find a place to hide where the AK is less likely to find you.
o Your hiding place:
▪ Should be out of the AK’s view
▪ Should provide protection if shots are fired in your direction (i.e., an office with a closed and locked door)
▪ Lights should be turned off
▪ Mobile phones should be silenced
▪ Should not trap you or restrict your options for movement
o To prevent an AK from entering your hiding place:
▪ Lock the door
▪ Blockade the door with heavy furniture
3. FIGHT
Only as a last resort, and only when your life is in imminent danger, attempt to disrupt and/or incapacitate the AK by:
o Acting as aggressively as possible against attacker
▪ Ideal ratio: 3 people to fight 1 attacker
· Throwing items
· Improvising weapons
· Yelling
▪ Focus on the weapon first, then take down the attacker: watch this video
o Committing to your actions
The US DHS made an excellent AK awareness video. Watch it here.
What to do after an AK incident:
o Remain calm, and follow police instructions
o Get medical attention, if required
o Contact your family to tell them you're OK and NOT to come to the AK scene
o Ask for and receive victim support counseling
It is very difficult for police, security and intelligence services to predict and prevent the next successful incident, but individual and group awareness, as well as knowing what to do in such cases, can effectively and significantly decrease the number of people killed and injured.
Please do not hesitate to contact AWDC SO for more information, questions or remarks.
