A police-involved shooting of an armed suspect fleeing a traffic stop has led to looting, arson and senseless racial violence in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It also serves as yet another example of how quickly the social order can break down, particularly in America’s cities under the Obama administration and why it’s important to carry the tools and skills with which to keep yourself and your family safe.
The suspect in Milwaukee, no stranger to the criminal justice system, died at the scene with a handgun reported stolen in a burglary in March.
A large crowd numbering about 100 began forming shortly after the incident near 44th and Auer streets. The local NBC News station described the crowd as “protesters”, but troublemakers would prove a better description. The “protesters” threw rocks in addition to expletives at the cops, taunting law enforcement while ignoring lawful orders to disperse.
Word spread on social media and the crowds doubled in size and became more violent.
Within hours, the crowd had begun looting businesses, setting at least five of them on fire. Gunfire prevented firefighters from responding. Besieged employees of an affected BP filling station had to be rescued by a police department armored car before fire consumed their building.
The local media retreated from the area because of violence directed towards them from the mob. One Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reporter got a beat down from the crowd before fleeing with other reporters and a photographer. Other media outlets pulled reporters as well before they became victims of the crowd’s violence.
The “protesters” reportedly targeted whites for beat downs – including reporters and passersby in vehicles.
Lessons to be learned
The violence in Milwaukee serves as another illustration of how quickly things can go sideways in our world. The veneer of civilization is a lot thinner than most Americans might think.
It’s also a living, breathing example of why The People of the Gun should practice personal preparedness in their lives in addition to situational awareness.
For people from Rio Linda, that might include carrying your concealed carry piece. I know many people have carry licenses or the ability to carry without a license in nearly a dozen states, but don’t carry everyday.
Carry. Every day.
For those who carry a tiny pocket pistol for their personal protection needs might want to reconsider their carry choice given the changing nature of threats in America’s cities. A .380 might make a fine carry piece – as a backup to something more substantial particularly if you’re in or traveling through urban areas.
Especially if your family is traveling with you.
Yes, the best way to avoid confrontations is “to not be there”, but sometimes America’s criminal class doesn’t play by the rules. After all, they don’t call them criminals for nothing, right?