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Do you think about an active shooter when you are in public?

Posted at 4:09 PM, Jul 08, 2016
and last updated 2016-07-08 17:42:06-04

HAMPTON ROADS, Va. - It's horrifying to listen to and see people screaming and taking cover in Dallas while an active shooter is trying to do one thing, kill.

Retired Navy SEAL Don Mann said, “The more seconds that go on, the more people are being killed.”

Mann said he spent years training law enforcement and others on how to handle an active shooter and describes it as “one or more people come in with the intent to kill a lot of people at close range.”

He said police handle active shooting situations very differently than other types of calls they would go on compared to a hostage situation or barricaded suspect.

“We got to get there as quickly as we can and we have to stop the killing very fast,” said Mann, “It's a whole different mindset with an active shooter you have to go where the chaos is.”

Complete coverage: Dallas police shootings

Of course, there is no way to predict other peoples’ actions.

But Mann said there thing you can do to protect yourself when you’re at work, in public or even at home.

He said always have a plan in case chaos erupts.

“If they have some sort of a plan on where they can hide or where they can escape to or they can go to a place that will most likely not be seen. If they have that in your mind already you are much better off and they should brief their family on the same thing,” said Mann, “I like how my back to the wall and I like to know where the entrance and exits are.”

He says being aware of your surrounding could help.

The Department of Homeland Security has information and advice about dealing with an active shooter. Click here for more information.

This tragedy has people angry, upset, and scared.

The law enforcement community is hurting along with the rest of the country.

Virginia Beach Union President Brian Luciano said, “What affects one city or one state affects everybody so we would want Dallas to know we stand behind them and if there's anything that we can do we would be more than happy to help them… Obviously it's a tragedy in our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone in Dallas and the entire state and throughout the one law enforcement community because it is a small community.”

Full statement from Virginia Beach Benevolent Association 34:

“We at the Virginia Beach PBA offers our heartfelt condolences to the men and women of the Dallas Police Department. We offer those same condolences to their families, to their friends, and to the entire state of Texas, as it grieves this horrible event. Though we are half a nation away, we stand side by side and shoulder to shoulder with you. We offer ANY and ALL support you may require. Those responsible shall be held accountable. Today every department will honor you by standing with you. They will honor you by attending roll calls and musters throughout the country. In cities large and small they will honor you by preparing for duty.”

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