If recent mass shootings have taught us anything, it’s that the greatest threats lie within. Homegrown terrorism and mass shootings have superseded extremist groups in priority tasking of law enforcement.
Instead of deterring religious zealots bent on the destruction of American principles, authorities are now vexed by the growing trend of domestic shootings. We no longer look for the anomalies in those seated next to us on train or busses. More often than not, the perpetrators of such crimes now more closely resemble the quiet neighbor next door instead of the cold, calculating jihadist that was broadcasted on CNN almost daily.
Following the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, anti-terrorist task forces, including the CIA and FBI, began to focus on how to prevent future attacks from religious extremist groups. We implemented aggressive security screenings at airports, terminals, and prominent sporting events. Religious fundamentalists with a zest for explosives are known for their desire to make grand statements by attacking symbolic venues.
While we were successful in stomping out Islamic terrorism on American soil, we are faced with a sobering reality: our greatest enemy is more likely to come from down the street than across the seas. With we can be frank with you for a moment, the inconvenient truth that so many of our lawmakers choose to ignore is that most acts of mass terror and panic in America is committed by seemingly everyday Americans.
From Eric Rudolph and Timothy McVeigh to Adam Lanza and the Virginia Tech shooter, some of the nation’s worst crimes were committed by Americans and not international extremists, as the media so often portrays this growing epidemic.
U.S. Safe Room headquarters escapes tragedy
Recently, this morally conflicting reality of quickly dissolving melting pot came a little too close to home facility in Wilkesboro, N.C. On Aug. 11, Jimmy Roger Minton Junior eluded authorities after surreptitiously stealing a pellet gun from a nearby sporting goods store before clandestinely entering the neighboring Walmart Supercenter. Fortunately, authorities were able to quickly locate the deranged man and subdue him before he could do any real harm. Prior to his arraignment, Minton stated that he was inspired by recent mass shootings and had hoped to “kill a bunch of people” in a copycat style crime in his hometown Walmart.
“I opened the door and asked if he was okay and he told me the reason why he did what he did. (Jimmy) said he has seen what had happened at the recent shootings in El Paso, TX, and Dayton, OH and wanted to go to Dunham’s and Walmart to kill a bunch of people,” the report reads.
With a population of less than 3,500, Wilkesboro is a far-cry from some of the larger metropolises that terrorists have previously targeted. Unfortunately, small towns, which are the very fabric of American society, are now ground zero for mass shootings and domestic terrorism. The harrowing displays that flicker on our televisions late at night are now unfolding right before our eyes without a filter or cut-away to censor these violent acts. Mass shootings in small towns are the new normal.
Safe room saves when deterrents fail
Here is another uncomfortable truth surrounding mass shootings: in the majority of all mass shootings in America since 1966, the shooter has actually stopped shooting before the police arrive. In most cases, the shooter commits suicide or has fled the scene by the time help has arrived. Occasionally, a vigilante will intervene to halt the onslaught, but it’s far too late to completely stop the loss of life.
With so many factors working against you in such a scenario, what can you do to escape such a shooting unscathed? While there are no guarantees in life, we do offer a few precautions that could ultimately make the difference between life and death. If nothing else, our fortified and heralded steel safe rooms are a welcomed reassurance in an uncertain time.
These units are nearly impervious to any threat and can accommodate dozens of people if necessary. Reinforced with quarter-inch steel panels, our units are up to the task of stopping almost any round ammunition. With comfort and feasibility in mind, these steel welded safe rooms could be easily installed into schools, community center and churches. Even if you’re armed, why risk a deadly confrontation with a shooter when safe confines are only a quick sprint away? Such confrontations could easily anger a determined shooter, which may result in further casualties.
