In the event that you’re confronted with a crazed, knife-wielding attacker on public transport, of course the best course of action is to leave the situation. However, being on a train, for instance, often means you’re in an enclosed space with no way out. So, here’s a few things you can think about.
• Are there signs of visible agitation?
• Is someone incessantly mumbling to themselves?
• Do they appear to be praying?
• Are they excessively staring at people?
• Do they look visibly wound up or emotional?
• Is there anything visibly protruding from their waist or jacket?
• Is there an outline of something weapon-shaped?
• When they walk, are they holding something to stop it from moving around or falling out of a pocket — are they trying to conceal something?
None of these things guarantee that someone’s armed, but they’re good indicators, and paying attention to these signs can potentially stop you from putting yourself in a shit situation in the first place.
Assuming you are in the shit situation and don’t have a way out, you’re going to have to accept that you’re likely to get cut or stabbed. While there’s no safe way of getting stabbed, there are definitely safer ways — and safer places — to take a cut.
You’re unlikely to remember some fancy martial arts move you learned from an Instagram reel, so you’ve got to keep it simple. Are there any weapons nearby? Are those lads on the train who are singing some football song about? Do they have a load of cans? Bottles? You can pick those up and launch them or use them as a club. Are there any newspapers (not as common these days, I know)? These can be rolled into what’s called a Millwall brick (look it up). What about all that heavy furniture? That can be launched at an attacker, or if it’s too bulky, you can at least use it to block an aisle and slow down their progress towards you. What about a laptop? That could be a shield for a moment. Your phone? Someone else’s phone? All of these can be used as improvised projectiles or clubs. An umbrella? That’s a spear. It might be a shit spear that breaks, but it’s better than nothing — and it might buy you a second, which could allow someone else to come to your aid, or give someone else a chance to move away from whatever deranged lunatic’s coming your way.
Can you find anyone else to assist you? Can you encourage anyone else to help? People are more likely to step in if they know you’ve got their back, and they feel braver in groups — for good reason. If you show that you’re willing to fight back, others might too. If you’ve thought of this stuff already, don’t keep it to yourself. Other people might be frozen in fear and have no idea what to do — so tell them. Tell them in simple terms: “Hit him with that bottle.” “Throw that laptop at his head.” Then lead by example. Shout, make a lot of noise, try to rally people near you into coming to each other’s aid.
There’s more to say on this so Part 2 coming up.
BREAKING: Counter Terrorism Police have confirmed the name of the suspect in the Manchester synagogue attack as 35-year-old Jihad al Shamie.
They have also announced that there are now three people in custody in relation to the attack.
Read more: https://t.co/bus3AXHSAJ
Absolutely no words. £5000 raised for the @MindCharity ahead of my marathon attempt on September 7th. From the bottom of my heart thank you so much, your support and kindness truly means the world. The last month of training begins tomorrow ❤️
#ProjectAfrica Day 302-304
Day 302: 65km
Day 303: 66km
Day 304: 54km
Total raised for charity: £182,492
Total distance covered: 13,270km
Days left until finish: 48
Off into rural Sahara now boys & girls. Tarmac has finished and just clinging on to last bit of signal now. I knew this would be a particularly rough part of the mission but these sandstorms are different gravy. Body is absolutely wrecked. Constant state of pain. Last stretch. Will make it happen. See you on the other side🫡