ISIS Mall Attack - How can we prepare?

[Cedar Park Dad]

With the world political situation as it is and our porous southern border, I'm becoming more concerned about a potential attack by ISIS in a high profile Texas location. What about a machine gun attack in a crowded mall? Grapevine Mills comes to mind as it is theoretically a GFZ. Or an AMC theater?

What if a crew of determined jihadis decide to take a Mills Mall hostage w/ full-auto "Fast and Furious" AK's that they picked up in Mexico, on the way to Texas? I'm afraid that my carry piece (Walther PPK/s) isn't going to cut it. I'm thinking it may not even be enough to fight my way back to my car where I sometimes have my AR-15.

Does anyone (other than OCTC) carry a rifle or other long gun regularly (maybe concealed)? I can almost get my Ruger AC-556F Full-Auto folder into a backpack. It would be a SBR if it wasn't also select fire. For now I leave it in my bug out bag. I'm afraid they search backpacks at AMC (mostly for outside food, but I doubt an AR would go over well).

In the real world if you're having a multipoint attack on a mall Nigeria style, your best bet is to haul keister. So I guess I'd recommened preparing by practicing wind sprints.

[victory]

With the world political situation as it is and our porous southern border, I'm becoming more concerned about a potential attack by ISIS in a high profile Texas location. What about a machine gun attack in a crowded mall? Grapevine Mills comes to mind as it is theoretically a GFZ. Or an AMC theater

Could be divine retribution. Best bet is to gather your loved ones and get the Lot of you away. And don't look back.

[Charles L. Cotton]

My plan is as follows:

Stay out of malls - hate them anyway.
Stay out of theaters - you'll be able to watch it at home soon enough.
Stay out of cities - nasty places anyway.

I already told the wife: no mall trips without me, and it's not easy or fun to try to get me to go to a mall.

As the Lord said about King David, "a man after my own heart!"

Chas.

[MechAg94]

1. Any gun is better than a knife or sharp stick.

2. Against rifle carrying bad guy(s), a pocket gun might not be the best carry option. You should consider your strategy and options and determine what is best for you.
I have keltec sub2000 that fits in a little gym bad with a mag pack of several magazines. Unless I am carrying a backpack around, it isn't very convenient and if I am already outside at my vehicle, there is usually no reason to go back in.

3. Carry extra magazines. Maybe also consider a gun with a higher capacity.
This is one reason I still carry my full size Glock .45 (13 rounds) and my XDs 9mm with the 19 round mag. I don't know if I would survive to kill that many bad guys, but I don't want to die because of lack of ammo. That said, your goal to avoid having to face several attackers. I would hope a group of people like that would be noticeable at a distance.

4. It has come up on a few threads here or elsewhere, but if you do carry, have the forethought to determine when and where you will use it. I heard someone mention a 2nd hand story (different state) where a concealed holder decided not to pull out his gun because he was afraid of a gun fight with his family right next to him. He just got his stuff stolen, but in a Mall attack like you describe, I doubt the bad guys are there just for theft.

5. I agree with the advice above. Best strategy is to find a hiding place or exit and use it. Have enough gun to accomplish that. My preference would be stores on the outside perimeter which are likely to have a loading dock or back door.

[gljjt]

5. ... <Snip> ... Best strategy is to find a hiding place or exit and use it. Have enough gun to accomplish that. My preference would be stores on the outside perimeter which are likely to have a loading dock or back door.

Situational Awareness.

[MechAg94]

5. ... <Snip> ... Best strategy is to find a hiding place or exit and use it. Have enough gun to accomplish that. My preference would be stores on the outside perimeter which are likely to have a loading dock or back door.

Situational Awareness.

Yes, that is probably your first defense and almost more important than if you are armed.

[Tic Tac]

In a situation like that, my weapons are for exfil only. A society that decides to license and tax my RKBA is unworthy of those arms in its defense.

[The Annoyed Man]

It strikes me that if we act preemptively by blowing up all malls........


.......then I can die happy.........





......oh, and then ISIS can't blow them up.......

[Keith B]

It strikes me that if we act preemptively by blowing up all malls........


.......then I can die happy.........





......oh, and then ISIS can't blow them up.......

Wonder why they never thrreaten to attack Cabela's, Bass Pro or Gander Mountain?

[TomV]

The big infidel holiday of excess and gluttony is coming soon. Lots of people packed in small places make easy targets. If I were stuck in the wrong place at the wrong time my first goal would be to get to cover quickly and avoid getting trampled by people running for the doors. My next goal would be to probably stay put as long as I could and protect myself and anyone around me.

[Vol Texan]

A society that decides to license and tax my RKBA is unworthy of those arms in its defense.

Ooooh...I'm going to have to borrow that one.

[TomsTXCHL]

Amazon.com

Yeah that they're charging TX state sales tax now causes us to examine "other sellers" there for tax-free, but otherwise it's not slowed us down.

We find ourselves in shopping malls maybe once every three years or so. Odds are with us.

"Run, hide, take cover" is the best advice--our CCWs ain't gonna help us against automatic weapons.

Now let's all say together "Thank You BHO and The US Govmint" for this newest threat to the American way of life.

[mr surveyor]

I quit the mall thing fifteen years or more ago when the "punks" found them to be a good hang out. If the LSH (any of those that customarily wear the "little sheets on their heads") decides to take over the malls I'm familiar with, maybe the punks will be the first to get tagged.

If I can't find it in Podunk Center, downtown Stumpwater at Bubba's Hardware and Grocery, I probably don't really need it. Life is too short to waste on a mall or movie theater.

JD

[Charles L. Cotton]

In a situation like that, my weapons are for exfil only. A society that decides to license and tax my RKBA is unworthy of those arms in its defense.

I'm not sure I understand. This thread is about a terrorist attack in a mall. Are you saying you wouldn't help defend innocent people because Texas has a concealed handgun law?

Chas.

[MechAg94]

That is the rub when considering this scenario. In terms of defending yourself and your family, what to do is a no-brainer. Going further and counter attacking is something to consider as well though it might depend on what you carry. In my list above, I was sort of visualizing everyone in a particular store evacuating out the back.

I thought I heard the Nigeria attack came in from all directions so the odds of one or more CHL holders being confronted at the mall entrances is pretty high. For me, I am not sure I am comfortable counterattacking with my pistol (as in the other side of the mall). However, the opportunity to seize a rifle would provide a much better opportunity.