Some of you may be aware of the below article and the recent shooting in downtown Chattanooga, TN.  This is something that we discussed during our recent Parent/Student Self-Defense Seminar hosted at SJS, but in light of this tragic incident, I wanted to share this with the wider community.  There is a difference between social aggression and asocial violence.  Unfortunately, most every day, law abiding, rational people do not know the difference.  In my class (to borrow a phrase from Mr. Tim Larkin), it’s what I call, “Never Slap a Killer.”  I want to say that I do not know any facts of this case.  I did not know the victim, but I am aware of the suspect from my time in law enforcement.  Not knowing any facts, other than what has been reported in the media, but based on my experience and knowledge of the suspect, I suspect that the suspect was “panhandling” or soliciting money in some way, and asked the victim for such.  The victim probably said no.  At that point, the suspect probably said something inappropriate, and the victim probably responded.  After responding, the victim walks away (or responded as he walked away) and was then shot.  The victim was engaged, in what he thought, was social aggression (two men posturing and exchanging possibly heated words); however, and unfortunately for the victim, the suspect had no problem engaging in asocial violence.  The lesson that I would like to impart is this – Always be aware of your surroundings, and never assume when questioned or spoken too negatively that it’s only social aggression, especially if it’s by someone that you don’t know.  If you find yourself being spoken to by a “panhandler” and asked for money, giving them money is totally up to you.  Sometimes I do, and sometimes I don’t, but just know, if you say no, some of them will insult you as you walk away. Just keep walking. Pride and ego aren’t worth it, and you never truly know who you’re dealing with.  

Prominent Chattanooga Businessman Shot And Killed In Downtown Chattanooga; Arrest Made – Chattanoogan.com