Homegrown Terrorism in the US - A Growing Threat To Our Communities
Homegrown Terrorism in the US - A Growing Threat To Our Communities
From the mass shootings in our children's schools to the violent attacks on abortion clinics, the homegrown terrorism in the US is clearly on the rise. While some believe that stricter gun laws will help protect our loved ones from these horrific crimes, the truth is that we'll never be able to keep weapons out of the hands of those with murderous intentions. The only thing we can really do is educate our loved ones and remain vigilant in terms of our safety and security.
The recent shooting in Hesston, Kansas serves as an example of how gun laws don't always protect citizens. According to The Guardian news report, the shooter of this mass crime—who took the lives of four people and injured 14—was not a legal gun owner. The guns used in this mass shooting were supplied by a woman, who has since been arrested.
Statistics on Active Shooter Incidents in the U.S.
Even with the changes in gun laws over the last decade, the Federal Bureau of Investigation reports an increase in mass shootings in the recent years. In their study of active shooter incidents between 2000 and 2013:
Approximately 11.4 active shooter incidents occurred annually.
The average number of incidents per year increased from 6.4 between 2000 and 2006 to 16.4 incidents between 2007 and 2013.
Forty (40) out of the 50 states in the US have had an active shooter incident, along with the District of Columbia.
The majority of shootings occurred in school and business settings.
What Can Individuals Do to Protect Themselves Against Homegrown Terrorism
When it comes to how to put an end to the mass shootings that occur throughout the United States, there is no quick fix. The only thing we can do as residents, employees, and business owners is ensure our communities take the necessary steps to protect against such violence through innovative security devices.
Security expert, Jordan Frankel—a pioneer in transparent security devices—recommends schools and businesses invest in OnGARD security door braces and security glass protection film such as BlastGARD. With this protective film applied to the glass surfaces of windows and doors, facilities can achieve an effective barrier that can protect against forceful entries and even deadly flying glass via a bomb blast.
Mr. Frankel recommends that BlastGARD be applied to all ground floor windows at the very least. For buildings where a threat of terrorism is a higher probability, Mr. Frankel highly recommends floors 1 through 12 have BlastGARD applied to the glass surfaces. In the unlikely event a bomb blast occurs, the BlastGARD film can help keep the broken shards of glass intact and stuck to the film, hence reducing the likelihood of deadly flying glass.
Other ways BlastGARD can protect occupants of schools and businesses are as follows:
First and foremost, when the facility goes into lockdown mode, BlastGARD film helps slow down the shooter in terms of entering the premises by strengthening the windowpanes. BlastGARD can protect against forceful kicks to the glass and even strikes with the butt of a rifle, not just during a crisis, but 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If the intruder shoots through the glass, the film will remain intact in a spider web effect, hence providing some protection from the shooter gaining entry into the premises. In addition, when a bullet travels through the glass, occupants won't have to worry about the tiny particles of glass (known as Spalling) that can be breathed in, injuring the lungs as well as causing injury to the cornea of the eyes.
We're In This Together
As today's statistics and news reports show, our country's homegrown terrorism is a serious problem that isn't going to go away anytime soon. Until we find an answer to how to stop these mass shootings, it's up to citizens like you to encourage our schools and businesses to increase the security around their facilities in hopes to prevent or at the very least decrease the number of casualties. To get the ball rolling in your community, talk to your local school officials and businesses and encourage them to invest in the safety of those they serve through additional security devices such as BlastGARD.
Sources:
1. The Guardian (2015). In Hesston, Kansas, small town America copes with another mass shooting. Retrieved from http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/feb/28/hesston-kansas-small-town-america-mass-shooting
2. Federal Bureau of Investigation (2013). A study of active shooter incidents in the United States between 2000 and 2013. Retrieved from https://www.fbi.gov/about-us/office-of-partner-engagement/active-shooter-incidents/a-study-of-active-shooter-incidents-in-the-u.s.-2000-2013
Jordan Frankel, commonly known as The Security Sensei develops revolutionary security products and solutions that protect both lives & property. Countless agencies and corporations such as NASDAQ, the US Military, and law enforcement entrust Mr. Frankel with their security and safety. Jordan Frankel is also frequent media guest addressing the personal and financial consequences associated with home invasions, burglaries and other serious threats. In addition, Mr. Frankel's security products & inventions have been featured on Oprah, FOX news and in countless publications. Jordan's ability to outsmart the proverbial bad guys - coupled with his commitment to making security an affordable reality for everyone is the key to Global Security Experts Inc success. Mr. Frankel (The Security Sensei) is available for media interviews by appointment only.
Mr. Frankel is a proud member of:
The American Society for Industrial Security.
The International Association for Counter Terrorism & Security.
The Society of Professional Locksmiths.