Most were probably not even prepared to run.Very good point, PowderMonkey. Most people, especially the youth, lack basic preparedness--simple judgment. Shoes, jackets, water...not to mention awareness of surroundings. Most are in what Jeff Cooper called "condition white", blissful unawareness of surroundings.
I carry a small tactical flashlight when I go to the theater. In this low light env the high intensity light would have blinded the shooter long enough to approach or evade. It will be a bullet magnet, so do not leave it on continuously, or activate it when it is center of mass?! Of course I'd just shoot him, but I avoid gun free zones. I am armed generally unless there are metal scanners or pat downs.
Years of ingrained professional habit precludes "condition white" from being part of my makeup ever again:
- I never attend large crowded venues. Won't do it. Not even for the Second Coming.
- I never enter any location unless I've established a way out. A quick one.
- I never sit with my back to the door.
- I never visit sidewalk cafes or sit by the front window.
- Unattended parcel, backpack, or attache' case? I leave the area.
- No guns allowed? Metal detectors? You won't see me there.
- Ring my doorbell at O'dark Hundred? Talk loud. Talk fast. Get off my porch.
- Baggy pants gang bangers approaching on the sidewalk? I've already selected 1st, 2nd, and 3rd targets before they've made up their minds to jump me.
- Active shooter? I'm an Olympic gold medalist in the high hurdles (I don't have to outrun the shooter, I just have to outrun you)
Flight not possible? I empty both mags into the sumbitch.