MEMPHIS, Tenn. — An attack at a BP gas station, where a large group of teens charged a man, is sparking debate over what level people should go to in order to protect themselves.
Those with handgun carry permits are faced with the difficult decision of when to use their weapons, a decision some said is even more difficult when the threat is coming from kids.
WREG spoke with a firearms instructor about what you can legally do to defend yourself if you are ever caught in a mob situation.
Chris Fowler has been a licensed firearms instructor for more than 20 years.
As former law enforcement, he has had personal experience with having to defend himself against a mob.
“Inside a public housing unit, we had a huge riot,” he said. “We had guns, sure. Would I have shot? Absolutely, to protect my life.”
Fowler works at Top Brass Sports in Millington and said they have seen an increase in people coming in to get handgun carry permit.
Last September, a mob of teens attacked customers and workers at a Kroger store.
This weekend, the BP at Poplar and Cleveland was swarmed by students from Northwest Prep Academy.
A man trying to help an elderly woman to her car was attacked.
Some, like Memphis resident Michael Wilkens, said if they were in that same situation and feared for their life, they would not hesitate to shoot.
“I wouldn’t take the chance,” Wilkens said. “Whatever consequences come behind, I’ll just have to suffer the consequences rather than be laying there dead.”
Fowler said it can be a hard choice to make, especially when teenagers are involved.
“The field of fire would be catastrophic. You’re shooting into teenagers. Public opinion would turn on you in a heartbeat,” he said.
Fowler said if you find yourself in a mob situation, the best thing you can do is get inside a vehicle or building and lock the door.
If you cannot get somewhere safe, you can also draw your weapon and give verbal commands.
But he said legally if you feel your life is in danger, you can use your weapon.
“If you’ve got your gun and you believe that you’re going to have serious bodily injury or death, you can fire,” he said.