Truth and Consequences

After my presentations on personal safety, I always have one audience member who says something about my direct and truthful style. I’m grateful for the feedback and I always smile - as I really do not know another way. In every presentation the subject of firearms is addressed, directly by me or indirectly through their questions. We live in a country that has more firearms than people, so it is natural for this subject to be at the forefront of the minds of the audience. It is also the first tool espoused by politicians after a national tragedy. I’m sharing here what I tell those audiences: in the hope that it helps someone.

We are all shaped by our experiences. Though I have been in law enforcement and private security for more than 32 years, I have been using pistols since I was a boy. When I was 16, I wanted a Colt 1911 for my birthday. My father gave it to me and said, “If you draw it, it is for real, you better be ready to take a life and deal with the consequences.” I have always known that just because you have a gun, it does not make you a gunfighter. There is so much more to it.

As a young Deputy Sheriff, I saw the tragic consequences of firearm misuse and will never forget the funeral of my friend and fellow Deputy who was killed by his partner during a fight with a domestic violence subject. As an FBI Special Agent, I have been in a “stack” of law enforcement personnel serving a warrant and have felt the unmistakable press of the barrel of another Agent’s gun in the back of my ballistic vest. I have instructed at length on the lessons learned from the numerous and tragic examples of FBI Special Agents being shot by other Special Agents. Because of these experiences, I fundamentally believe those who carry firearms have a duty to themselves and our society to be competent in their use. This is not a widely held belief.

If you decide to carry a firearm – especially as a private citizen - please know there are three possible outcomes to a violent encounter. Three doors that your actions can take you through. Yes, your actions. And with all action, there are consequences. They are real, they are tangible, and they can be final.

When politicians want to arm teachers, they only see one door, the Hero Door. They do not speak of the other two potential outcomes, and they certainly are not an authority on violent encounters.

Let’s look at all three options now, they are:

Door #1: The Hero Door

This is the one we want to see. The “bad guy” is hurting innocent people, and the “good guy” or armed individual, happens to be in the right place, draws the weapon and eliminates the threat. We have seen this on a number of occasions from a mall in Indiana to a Church in Texas. For those who practice and carry responsibly, I am grateful.?

Door #2: The Door of Unintended Consequences

This is the situation where the “bad guy” is shooting innocent people and a “good guy” decides to enter into the fray. The “good guy” draws, fires, misses, and kills/injures an innocent bystander or shoots the "bad guy" when the imminent danger no longer exists. The “good guy” now has a new title: Subject.

Unlike a police officer – private citizens do not have Qualified Immunity.

The Police will then begin their criminal investigation. The “good guy” is now being questioned and is quickly realizing the consequences of their action. I pray they listened when someone recommended liability insurance and lawyer retention. Worst case scenario, the District Attorney charges the “good guy” with Homicide, Manslaughter, or Involuntary Manslaughter, all of these are life changing. Jail is not pleasant.

Best case scenario, the District Attorney does not bring charges. The “good guy” is certainly going to be looking at a Wrongful Death lawsuit from the family. This is going to be a long and painful process, which I am not sure the “good guy” considered when he/she decided to enter the fray.?

Let’s say there is not a criminal or civil trial, not likely, but for argument’s sake let’s pretend it is all over. The “good guy” is going to have to live with the knowledge that an innocent person is dead because he/she missed. That can lead to another sort of hell on earth.

Door #3: The Death Door

That’s right, our “good guy” can enter an armed confrontation and die. There is no S on the chest and very few armed citizens wear ballistic vests. The real world of violence does not care about “good guys” and “bad guys.” It is completely indifferent. I have seen “bad guys” shot in the head and survived and “good guys” shot in the arm and bleed to death. Murphy is real and there is no rhyme or reason as to who survives these encounters. Though I will say the one most mentally prepared to deliver violence usually has the best chance of survival. That is an article for another day.

In conclusion, if you carry, please practice, get insurance, know the law of self-defense, keep your carry set-up simple, and walk into that world with your eyes all the way open. If you provide instruction in this area, I beg you to address all three potential outcomes. If you are looking for an instructor in this area, please make sure they fully understand the 4th Amendment and clearly explain the use of Deadly Force. If you cannot find someone – call me.

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Live with courage -?

James Hamilton

Hamilton Security Group, LLC

Confidential, 2024