Why Did None of the Gun Owners at Mass Shootings Try to Stop the Shooter?

The Aurora shooting and the Walmart shooting remain some of the most tragic and widely discussed mass shootings in the United States. But have you ever wondered why none of the people who had guns during these events attempted to intervene and stop the shooter? This phenomenon can be explained by a phenomenon known as 'Buck Fever', also called 'Condition Black', where individuals freeze up and hesitate under extreme pressure.

Understanding Buck Fever

Buck Fever, or 'Condition Black' as some refer to it, is a condition that affects hunters for the first time when they encounter game. Instead of reacting and making a decision, they experience a hesitation. This can be likened to the moment when a deer is frozen in the headlights of oncoming traffic, unable to act due to fear or shock.

It is easy to critique individuals for their reactions from the comfort of a chair, but until a person is faced with an actual threat, they will never really know their true response. In a moment of frozen hesitation, people often fail to react, leading to potentially disastrous outcomes.

The Lack of Clear Shot

In the case of mass shootings, the environment is far from the controlled conditions of a firing range. Events like the Aurora shooting and the Walmart shooting occurred in chaotic, open spaces with people running, hiding, and trying to escape the immediate danger. This complexity makes it very difficult to take a clear shot at the shooter.

The conditions of the Aurora shooting were particularly challenging. The room was closed and chaotic, filled with screaming, smoke, and the sound of gunfire. Hiding and escaping were the primary responses for many, and the idea of engaging the shooter became a tertiary concern.

The Walmart shooting, too, unfolded in a confusing environment where the victims were uncertain of what was happening and were simply trying to avoid further harm. In both these instances, the environment was far from favorable for someone to take a clear, effective shot.

Collateral Damage and the Dilemma of Intervening

Another significant factor in the inability to intervene is the risk of collateral damage. When the decision is made to intervene, there is a risk that innocent lives could be put in harm’s way. This ethical dilemma adds an additional layer of difficulty to the situation. Could you shoot a woman or child to take down a shooter? The answer, often, is a matter of cold, hard math.

The power levels of firearms escalate from pistols to assault rifles to hunting rifles, with each creating a greater risk in terms of potential collateral damage. Choosing the right moment to engage without causing further harm to innocent bystanders is a complex and nuanced decision that cannot be made easily.

Further Complexity: Fighting or Flight Mechanism

Most people have a natural inclination to fight or flee when faced with a threat, and in school settings, orientation to flight is often emphasized and practiced. However, in moments of extreme crisis, the fight response may be a safer and more effective option. The challenge lies in the split-second decision-making required to weigh the risks and choose the best course of action.

During training, individuals are often given the option to choose their response. In one such scenario, a trainee who had witnessed a shooting freeze up and waited for instructions, while another trainee had the confidence to take action. This stark contrast highlights the impact of training and the psychological factors at play in real-life situations.

Conclusion

The decision to intervene in a mass shooting is fraught with challenges. The environment, the risk of collateral damage, and the psychological impact of the event all contribute to the hesitation often seen in individuals with the means to act. While it is crucial to understand why this phenomenon occurs, it is equally important to support those who do take action and recognize the bravery involved in making such decisions.

These individuals often live with the 'what if' scenarios, but it is important to remember that armed or not, they all equally deserve our support and understanding.

References and Further Reading

The research on human psychology in high-stress situations, particularly in relation to firearm use and mass shootings, is constantly evolving. For further reading and in-depth analysis, consider the works of psychologists and criminologists specializing in this field.