10 THINGS YOU SHOULD DO AFTER A SELF DEFENSE SHOOTING

Even though most concealed carriers got their concealed carry permit in order to defend themselves and their loved ones from a deadly threat, very few are actually prepared for what to do when

they actually do pull the trigger in self-defense. After the shooting stops and the smoke clears, there is a lifeless body lying in front of you or an injured attacker running away from you. Here are 10 things you should do next.

1. First, re-holster your weapon when threat is over. The last thing you want is for a police officer to arrive on the scene, see you with a drawn weapon, and shoot you before you have time to proclaim that you shot in self defense.

1. Call 9-1-1. Give your name, location and a short statement such as “ A man tried to attack me and I had to shoot him in self defense.” Ask for an ambulance and police to be sent to the scene immediately. Do not provide any more information than that. 9-1-1 calls are recorded and can be used as evidence in a trial.

1. Don’t touch the Crime Scene. It will just make you look like a crime suspect to the police and create grounds for arresting you for hiding evidence or tampering.

1. Look around you and make mental notes of where the attacker’s weapon is and where the witnesses were located. Create a mental grid of where people are standing. Take pictures of witnesses with your cell phone and any license plates in the area. You want to have some witnesses that can testify on your behalf if necessary.

1. Cooperate with police. Be polite and respectful. The police on the scene will need some information to be able to determine what happened but keep your statement very short and to the point.  Make 3 statements:

• I am the victim here and willing to cooperate with you but would like to speak to an attorney.
• I was the victim of a crime and was afraid for my life and those that were with me. I had no choice but to act in self-defense.
• I do want to assist you in this investigation bud would like to consult with my attorney before I answer any questions.

1. Decline to answer any questions from anyone until you speak to your lawyer. That goes for your family members as well. Whatever you or they say can be used as evidence against you in court.

1. If the police inform you that you’re under arrest and decide to lock you up, do not resist arrest or argue with the police. Stay quiet and do as you are instructed. Be prepared to stay in jail until you’ve had a bail hearing. Again, don’t answer any questions from anyone or make any social media posts until you have talked to a lawyer. Whatever you say or post can be used against you in a lawsuit.

1. Contact a lawyer as soon as possible. Even if you are arrested, you are entitled to a phone call. Every concealed carrier should have the name and card of an attorney they can contact for just these types of situations.

1. Try to remember all the details of what happened and get it down on paper as soon as possible. What provoked you to draw your gun and shoot? Was the person you shot armed? How many witnesses were there? Did you know any of the witnesses?

1. Never speak to the media. If you are not arrested, be prepared for news reporters to seek you out and try to take photographs and interview you and/or family members.  Shooting someone makes a good news story. If you can avoid them, call the police and tell them media crews are trespassing on your property. If you have to leave your house and they are in your face, just say “No comment” and continue on your way.