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"Flash" mobs in downtown Chicago


vito

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Today's Trib reports that a large mob of teenagers was rampaging through the downtown area, although not apparently robbing people or attacking them as has happened in the past. But with summer approaching this type of planned action might well become more common, and possibly more violent. Reality is that a single armed civilian might would still be at great risk if threatened, due to the large number in the mob. Would such a mob disperse if a legal concealed carrier, in fear for his or her life, shot several, or would the shooter be overwhelmed and possibly killed by the mob? It seems the likelihood of multiple armed civilians being in the immediate vicinity is pretty slim, as is the chance of a single armed individual having the firepower to handle a mass attack. Maybe the prudent thing, armed or not, is to just not come to downtown Chicago at all if one has the choice.

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I read a couple articles about this - sounds like there were some robberies and assaults taking place. No pictures and only one arrest (somehow) so not positive the youts were from a protected class.

 

To answer your question Vito, I would do everything in my power to avoid this confrontation but I would definitely not go down without a fight - if overwhelmed, so be it, I would be a martyr and likely change the course of human history.

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I not only avoid Downtown, I avoid Chicago entirely.

 

As much as possible...............

 

 

Exactly. Not always possible. The Loop and the Mag Mile are just about the safest places you can go in the city. There are cops everywhere. I will avoid the city any chance I can. It's not just the crime. It's the high gas prices, taxes, scumbag politicians, parking nightmare, traffic, hordes of people, etc, etc.

 

That being said...self-defense is more about mindset than the tactics (IMO). If something breaks out, do your best to avoid it. Get away. Run. Hide in a building. Whatever. Do what you need to do. If that's not an option, you have no alternative but to fight...with everything you have. That includes your sidearm. Who knows if it will be enough? No one. But most modern firearms carry 15+ rounds. That's actually quite a lot.

 

Have you ever heard a handgun go off while not wearing any hearing protection? It is quite an assault on your ears...even in an open outdoor space...especially when you're not expecting it. My guess is the average person will duck for cover at the very least. Most will probably run away. I'm certain confusion will ensue.

 

The confusion may bring about an opportunity to escape.

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Flash mobs. Take their phones away!

You know you are onto something sir. Couldn't they use a cellular blocking device as some theaters do? Or is that breaking some law and hurting the feelings of said hood jumpers and shouters?

I also like Bear repellent out of a firetruck to quell the mob of idiots.

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Cell phone blocking would not be practical. You have to block a very large section of the city, which would cut off the phones of a vastly larger group of people who have nothing to do with the rioters. People in the area would not be able to use their phones for business or emergency. The ability to call 911 would be greatly inhibited. "Man Dies of Heart Attach in Park - No Cell Service Available." The arrangements to riot may be made hours ahead of the disturbance.

 

Confiscation would be too late. The event would already have happened. Cell phones are not illegal. Confiscation would probably not withstand a legal challenge. Not every member of the planned mob would need a phone. One person could notify several accomplices several hours ahead of the riot.

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Flash mobs. Take their phones away!

You know you are onto something sir. Couldn't they use a cellular blocking device as some theaters do? Or is that breaking some law and hurting the feelings of said hood jumpers and shouters?

I also like Bear repellent out of a firetruck to quell the mob of idiots.

 

I think it causes problems for thousands of people in a congested area like Michigan Ave. 911 won't work, cellular back ups to alarms won't work. As opposed to taking their phones away, twitter, FB, Instagram, (your app here) need to do after action scans of their servers to identify the participants and either rat them out to the cops as having been involved or kick them off the service.

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http://www.cwbchicago.com/2017/07/motorist-accused-of-pulling-gun-on.html

 

As much as I've been tempted don't do it. The critical massholes can sometimes get out of hand and damage cars, this goes down every month. I realize different crowd but potential to put you in the same situation.

 

If you draw without actually physically getting attacked you will lose. And if you get attacked and shoot someone that wasn't attacking you will also lose.

 

Mobs attempt to provoke you. Don't react.

 

Not worth it IMO even if you get your stuff stolen, unless you are 100% going to die.

 

Rule #1 of self defense really aught to be don't go stupid places at stupid times with stupid people.

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So, this would seem to be a textbook example of why magazines with the capacity of 15 rounds or more, and carrying multiple magazines, as well as a backup firearm, is quite justified.

 

In this sort of situation, if you cannot flee, tactically the best defensive option is to put your back against a wall or, if possible, in a corner so that the mass attackers are limited in their approach angles.

 

Then, defend yourself with all due and necessary force, until either the threat stops or you cannot defend yourself any longer. At least, it will be a costly victory for the violent criminals who are engaging in such uncontrolled mayhem.

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On 2 different occasions , I have seen a group of 30 - 40 people run towards the sound of gunfire while it was happening. This in a small town.

In the 2 or 3 videos Ive seen of someone being robbed, often 3+ to 1 ratio e.g at a gas station where they picked an off duty officer, once that first shot went off the guys that still could were running fast and far away.

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So, this would seem to be a textbook example of why magazines with the capacity of 15 rounds or more, and carrying multiple magazines, as well as a backup firearm, is quite justified.

 

Anyone that doesn't see the value in rifle caliber pistols or pistol PDW's has never set foot in Chicago.

 

Before I left I was seriously considering keeping a g17 w/ optics and a happy stick as a car gun.

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http://www.cwbchicago.com/2017/07/motorist-accused-of-pulling-gun-on.html

 

As much as I've been tempted don't do it. The critical massholes can sometimes get out of hand and damage cars, this goes down every month. I realize different crowd but potential to put you in the same situation.

 

If you draw without actually physically getting attacked you will lose. And if you get attacked and shoot someone that wasn't attacking you will also lose.

 

Mobs attempt to provoke you. Don't react.

 

Not worth it IMO even if you get your stuff stolen, unless you are 100% going to die.

 

Rule #1 of self defense really aught to be don't go stupid places at stupid times with stupid people.

Totally agree with your rule #1 about stupid stuff.

 

I do not agree that I will not defend myself unless I'm 100% sure I'm going to die. By then, I'm probably dead.

 

I'll go with a lower threshold, like a very reasonable fear that my life, or my family's, is in immediate grave danger.

 

When you're talking about your life, if there's any room to wiggle, I say save your life. You can worry about all the lawyers later. But only if you're alive.

 

Not worth it unless I'm 100% going to die? That's not wiggle room. That's suicide by mob action. No thanks.

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For the last few years the only times I go to Chicago is for the Art Institute or the Shedd Aquarium, both of which I am a member. In both cases I park immediately adjacent in handicapped parking (long story, but works to my advantage). Even without the flash mobs, the high sales tax rate is enough to keep me or my wife from wanting to shop anywhere in the city, and I can find plenty of good restaurants around in the suburbs or elsewhere so downtown Chicago is just not a place I need or want to go. Not being a sports fan, I have no desire to go to any of the major sports venues. I am somewhat surprised that out of towners still flock to the downtown area despite the worldwide publicity about the high crime rates throughout the city. And going to Chicago unarmed seems more than foolish to me. And why have a gun and carry it if your plan is to just turn it over to the thug when he accosts you?

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