Fargo, N.D. – Many are perhaps wondering what they can do to better protect themselves during a mass shooting in the wake of a deadly weekend of gun violence in Fargo.
One person was killed and two others were hurt in a shooting downtown along Broadway on the morning of August 3rd.
A short time later, a second shooting took place leaving one dead along the 4700 block of 16th Avenue South.
There are some who might think buying a gun in response is the answer.
John Wilson, who is a firearms instructor at the Red River Range, expects to see more guns bought but says it’s important to know how to use it.
“There’s no point in carrying one if you’re not going to practice, train or educate yourself,” Wilson said on WDAY’s ‘Bonnie and Friends’ on Monday.
Recalling similar situations, Wilson says he saw a lot of people purchasing weapons during the pandemic, fearing an apocalypse was coming and never saw them at the range.
Listen: John Wilson on Bonnie and Friends
In terms of how legal gun owners should react during a mass shooting, Wilson says situational awareness is vital.
“If you don’t know where the shooter is coming from, you don’t want to draw your weapon and randomly fire,” said Wilson.
Wilson recommends getting behind an object for cover, and deciding if it’s worth confronting the situation with your weapon.
“You need to know where you’re at, why you’re there, what time it is and be paying attention.”
Wilson says a gun carrier might not even have to fire a shot to stop it.
Last month in Michigan, a concealed carry holder who drew a weapon and didn’t fire a shot was credited with helping to stop a man who stabbed eleven people in a supermarket parking lot.
“You have to understand it’s a tool,” said Wilson. “You have to understand how to use the tools available.”
