Houston Community Discusses Active Shooter Scenario at Lakewood Church

In a terrifying incident, an armed woman entered the Lakewood Church in Houston on Sunday, wielding an AR-15 rifle. The incident has sparked discussions within the community about how to protect oneself and loved ones in an active shooter situation.

During the exchange of gunfire between the woman and the officers, her 7-year-old son was tragically struck by a bullet. As of the latest update, the young boy remains in critical condition.

To shed light on what individuals can do in such harrowing situations, KPRC 2 Investigates Bill Spencer spoke with Jim Napolitano, a former U.S. Secret Service Agent who has protected four different presidents.

Scenario One: Active Shooter in a Restaurant or Nightclub

When faced with an active shooter in a restaurant or nightclub, hiding under a table is not the best course of action. According to Napolitano, this only presents the shooter with a stationary target. Instead, he advises individuals to run as fast as possible to the nearest exit, using zig-zag movements to make themselves harder to hit. It is essential to seek cover while running and to continue until a safe distance is reached.

Scenario Two: Active Shooter in a Church or Movie Theater

In the event of an active shooter in a church or movie theater, it is crucial not to stand up or remain still in your seat. Napolitano advises utilizing the concealment provided by theater seats and the darkness of the room. Individuals should immediately drop to the floor and crawl on their hands and knees towards the nearest exit.

Scenario Three: Active Shooter in a Store or Mall

When confronted with an active shooter in a store or mall, simply running in the opposite direction can be dangerous. This action puts individuals directly in the shooter’s line of sight, making them an easy target. Instead, Napolitano advises running towards something that can provide cover or hiding behind, inside, or on top of objects. The goal is to create a barrier between oneself and the shooter, making it harder to be targeted.

Napolitano emphasizes the importance of always having something substantial between oneself and the active shooter. This strategy makes it challenging for the shooter to hit their intended target, potentially leading them to focus on another, easier target.

These expert tips provided by Jim Napolitano highlight the importance of proactive actions during active shooter incidents. By remaining vigilant and knowing how to respond in different scenarios, individuals may increase their chances of survival.

For more information on the Lakewood Church shooting and related news, please visit the following links:

• Child, man injured and suspect killed in Lakewood Church shooting in Houston
• Pastor Joel Osteen calls for healing and unity after deadly shooting at Lakewood Church
• Houston Lakewood Church shooting suspect identified as Conroe resident in search warrant
• 7-year-old fighting for life, man released from hospital following Houston Lakewood Church shooting
• Houston Lakewood Church shooting suspect endangered family several times, woman’s ex-mother-in-law says