How to Defend Someone Being Held at Gunpoint

Staring down the barrel of a gun is a terrifying experience.

This explains how to defend someone being held at gunpoint should the gunman not be aware of your presence. Before attempting, please be aware that no form of defense against an armed assailant is foolproof. The danger that you or the person you are trying to protect could be shot in the process is very real. It is ultimately up to you to decide what is the best course of action in such a situation.

Instructions

1. Stand behind the gunman. The element of surprise in this technique is critical. If the gunman knows you are there, there is no point in attempting this technique.

2. Take a step forward to the gunman’s right side, making sure to stay unheard. Use the open palm of your left hand to strike the gunman in the back of the skull, pressing forward to push the head down. Simultaneously leap forward to the gunman’s side and reach for the gun with your right hand. Grab the back of the gunman’s hand and press the gun down and to the left to clear the barrel past the person it was aimed at.

3. Take a wide stance, keeping your left leg firmly behind your opponent’s right leg. Keep your left hand pressing the attacker’s head down. Twist the attacker’s arm inward so that the gun is pointing directly against his chest.

4. Press the barrel of the gun hard against his chest, angling downward. Simultaneously kick his right leg out from under him, striking at the back of the knee with your left leg.

5. Grasp both hands around the gun hand of the attacker. Twist the arm up and around, past the shoulder, making sure to keep the barrel of the gun pointed directly at him. Twist the gun back so the barrel is pointing toward the ground behind the attacker to loosen his grip and simply wrench the gun up and away.

6. Take a few quick steps back and away from the attacker. Take up a two-handed grip on the gun and aim it at the attacker until help can arrive. If the person the gunman was holding up is able, have her call the police while you keep the attacker in your gun sights.

Tips & Warnings

• The inherent dangers involved in this technique are even greater than if you were the one being held at gunpoint. In this case, you are responsible for not only your own life but the life of the person you are attempting to defend. Should you fail to disarm the attacker, or should the attacker have the opportunity to fire the gun while you attempt to disarm him, the chances of a stray bullet striking the person being held up are great. For these reasons, it is entirely up to you to decide whether or not to attempt this technique.

• Remember. If the attacker simply wants money and other valuables, it is far safer to give them to him and let him leave.

Resources

• Video demonstration of the described defense technique