Mistaken Identity Leads To Brutal Attempted Murder
GRAPHIC. Could you have defended yourself from this? This video makes me nauseated, and I hope it does the same to you. There are plenty of Active Self Protection lessons here about the difference between self-defense and vengeance. Don't get caught up in this kind of mob violence!
Original surveillance video from Philadelphia PD: http://get-asp.com/obid
More details on the story: http://get-asp.com/z3u7
Details on the victim from his family: http://get-asp.com/95y4
How can I protect myself from an angry mob?
1. There is no replacement for situational awareness and threat assessment. By the time this poor guy recognized what was happening to him, he was being assaulted with pepper spray and then a hammer. Threat assessments allow you to be aware of your situation at all time, and knowing that someone was coming your way with reinforcements right behind them can let you run like crazy if you can.
2. Pepper spray is a nasty force multiplier. Notice that the attacker who got a face full hated it, and it also took the fight right out of the victim. (if he had any fight to begin with) While in this instance pepper spraying the man was a crime and indefensible, it's worth noting that it has good effect and should be part of your force multiplier plan. (I carry this one: https://get-asp.com/lesslethal it's nasty!)
3. Multiple opponents can kill you in a hurry. Even if the initial attacks weren't deadly force (the hammer clearly was!), the final attack was certainly a threat to life and limb. Against multiple attackers, it is reasonable to fear for your life when being attacked in most cases. (of course, your jurisdiction's laws take precedence)
4. There is a reason that I tell you that spiritual fitness is so important, ASPers. This guy was just having a fine day and then he was bleeding and unconscious on the sidewalk. He may not make it. Please hear me: make peace with God today, because you don't know when the balloon goes up if it's your day to meet your Maker.
Attitude. Skills. Plan.