Feds Release First Guidelines for Confronting a Church Shooter

RELIGION NEWS SERVICE
By Lauren Markoe

WASHINGTON---For the first time, the federal government has issued written guidelines for houses of worship that are confronted with a homicidal gunman. Beyond seeking shelter and waiting for police to arrive, as many Newtown victims did, the new rules also advise adults in congregations to fight back — as a last resort — in a bid to stop the shooter. The new federal doctrine is “run, fight or hide.” According to the new rules, gathered in a 38-page document called “Guide for Developing High-Quality Emergency Operations Plans for Houses of Worship,” fighting back is advised for “adults in immediate danger.” [link]