Dear Black Bag Confidential Reader,
This week’s must-read articles touch on what to do when a crowd turns ugly. Read on to discover how you can avoid trouble altogether as well as ways to defend yourself if you have to put up a fight. Plus, how to protect your home and those you love.
Let’s get started.
1. Watch: Mass Riots Erupt in Philadelphia as Fans Celebrate Eagles Triumph
On Sunday evening, the Philadelphia Eagles beat the New England Patriots 41–33 and the City of Brotherly Love went wild. As you can see from the article above, which features a collection of photos and videos from eyewitnesses, it’s difficult to tell whether folks were rioting or celebrating.
People were climbing light poles, flipping cars, setting fires, smashing windows and looting stores. Several arrests were made and some injuries reported.
Even though the destruction was caused by a few individuals, hundreds of people were endangered by the chaos. This is why it’s especially important to maintain situational awareness in crowded spaces. Stay on the perimeter, where it’s safest. If violence erupts, evacuate the area immediately — there’s no reasoning with an angry mob.
2. Protect Yourself in a Crowd When Sh*t Goes Sideways
I carry a concealed firearm wherever I am legally able for personal protection. However, I realize that’s not an option in some cities and states. If you live in one of these areas, you should still carry something on your person to defend yourself against an attacker.
Click on the link above to learn about my favorite alternative self-defense weapon. It’s so easy to use that anyone can wield it — and its incredible stopping power will put down even the largest assailants. Plus, it’s so covert you can take it practically anywhere. And it’s 100% legal for anyone to own.
It’s a dangerous world out there. Don’t walk around defenseless. Click on the link above to arm yourself today.
3. Gray Man Theory: The Art of Blending in During Disaster
Sometimes you’re going about your business and — before you know it — you find yourself in the midst of a dangerous situation. In these cases, it’s critical that you know how to blend into your surroundings so you can escape unnoticed.
This piece from The Bug-Out Bag Guide breaks down what survivalists and covert operatives refer to as the “gray man theory.” As the author points out, “While it is generally referred to as the ‘gray man theory,’ this theory can of course be applied to anyone, man or woman, of any age, who needs to blend into a crowd amidst a disastrous situation to conceal the fact that they have survival skills and/or are carrying tactical gear.”
Click on the article above to learn the steps to becoming a gray man (or woman): how to act, move and dress. Plus, the best ways to carry your everyday carry (EDC) gear for quick and easy access.
4. What You Need to Know to Protect Your Home From Looters
The thing about riots is they aren’t easy to contain. Violence tends to multiply quickly and spill from one area to the next. Not only that, but in the aftermath of a major disaster, there are those who will take the opportunity to prey on their neighbors and take what isn’t theirs.
This in-depth editorial from Survivopedia outlines what to expect when looting starts, five things you can do to protect your castle and whether or not you can and should use deadly force to defend your property. Take a look.
5. 14 Unusual Everyday Carry Items
The fact is having the right gear in your car, in your laptop bag or on your person could save your life in an emergency. Even in a nonemergency, the right gear makes life a heck of a lot easier.
This post on Everyday Carry Gear runs down 14 uncommon items you might consider adding to your EDC gear — and why they would be useful in certain situations. Give it a read and see what makes sense for you.
And as always…
Stay safe,
Jason Hanson
