Just a couple of thoughts here. I'm not sure what the story about a mall stabbing was all about -- I didn't see/hear it -- but I can imagine given some of the whackjobs out there today.
First, what to yell. What works for me is simple;
STOP! Don't Move!
Now to the scenarios;
1. Someone stabbing one or more people in the mall. You're there, armed and the person looks like they're going to continue injuring others.
If the threat looks imminent - i.e. the attacker is headed for someone, do your duty as quickly and effectively as you can without endangering others. No time for a warning.
2. Same as above but the attacker is looking around for another victim as people are moving away and/or attacker is headed to the exit.
My view is that if they're headed to the exit, let them exit, follow them and THEN confront them outside. Otherwise, yell the above while fixing the front sight COM. If they comply, the next order is to "drop the [weapon]" followed by Get on the ground NOW!. Failure to comply will probably result in serious injury.
3. Crowded mall - attack in progress or just finished.
You may need to yell EVERYONE DOWN, NOW! to clear the area as best you can whilst taking aim. Obviously decsions will be based on circumstances, the reaction of the mall-walkers, etc. Don't forget that you can move too, so move to the point where you have the least likelihood of hitting someone beyond your primary target.
All of the above apply only to attackers using a weapon other than a firearm. If the attacker is using a firearm there is no point, IMO, of attempting to verbally stop them. Observe enough to know that you are not drawing on another CCW carrier who's interrupted a different crime. Visually check to see if they have backup in the crowd. If you are sure you have a BG in the act, stop them as quickly as you can. Then prepare to spend a looonnng time talking to the cops.
Not to pick on anyone, but when I read a post like this, I am reminded that hope is not a strategy - Plan your reactions to this kind of event and do your best while recognizing that no battle plan survives first contact with the enemy..
First, what to yell. What works for me is simple;
STOP! Don't Move!
Now to the scenarios;
1. Someone stabbing one or more people in the mall. You're there, armed and the person looks like they're going to continue injuring others.
If the threat looks imminent - i.e. the attacker is headed for someone, do your duty as quickly and effectively as you can without endangering others. No time for a warning.
2. Same as above but the attacker is looking around for another victim as people are moving away and/or attacker is headed to the exit.
My view is that if they're headed to the exit, let them exit, follow them and THEN confront them outside. Otherwise, yell the above while fixing the front sight COM. If they comply, the next order is to "drop the [weapon]" followed by Get on the ground NOW!. Failure to comply will probably result in serious injury.
3. Crowded mall - attack in progress or just finished.
You may need to yell EVERYONE DOWN, NOW! to clear the area as best you can whilst taking aim. Obviously decsions will be based on circumstances, the reaction of the mall-walkers, etc. Don't forget that you can move too, so move to the point where you have the least likelihood of hitting someone beyond your primary target.
All of the above apply only to attackers using a weapon other than a firearm. If the attacker is using a firearm there is no point, IMO, of attempting to verbally stop them. Observe enough to know that you are not drawing on another CCW carrier who's interrupted a different crime. Visually check to see if they have backup in the crowd. If you are sure you have a BG in the act, stop them as quickly as you can. Then prepare to spend a looonnng time talking to the cops.
I'd say a "Drop it!", with gun drawn should do it. If that doesn't work, a hip shot would hopefully immobilize the attacker. Hopefully, a bullet that didn't expand immediately in the attacker might fragment on the floor.
Not to pick on anyone, but when I read a post like this, I am reminded that hope is not a strategy - Plan your reactions to this kind of event and do your best while recognizing that no battle plan survives first contact with the enemy..