THE AFTERMATH OF A SELF-DEFENSE ALTERCATION

Race and gender are both deeply intertwined elements of identity that shape how individuals are perceived, particularly in the aftermath of a violent attack. These factors not only influence how a person experiences the world but also play a significant role in how others perceive them. In this article, we’ll reference law enforcement, media and the general public. When an individual is involved in a critical self-defense incident, identity markers may influence fair treatment potentially leading to unfair biases and assumptions. In many instances, those assessing the situation, like a jury, judge and prosecutor may not have the same understanding of one’s lived experiences. 

In particular for Black and Brown people, race can be a compounding factor that heightens the scrutiny and suspicion in any given situation. In the context of a violent attack, black folks may be more likely to be seen as the aggressor, even when they are the victim, simply because of racial stereotypes that associate Blackness with danger or violence. This bias, 

rooted in centuries of systemic racism, can lead to disproportionate police responses, wrongful arrests, and harsher legal consequences. Candidly speaking, the stakes are higher for us, and that means preparation must be multifaceted: mentally, physically, emotionally, and legally. Being ready to articulate your decision-making clearly and confidently is part of ensuring you don’t just survive the encounter—but that you can also survive what comes next.

We begin that preparation by understanding what happens during a defensive shooting. Imagine how the body responds when startled, fatigued, or frightened. If you’ve ever been in a car accident or a physical fight - you may have gotten a taste of your nervous system’s automated responses transitioning into ‘fight or flight’ mode.

Humans are literally built for survival and when those instincts take over - they rely on best-known movements, thoughts, and habits. We can count on our bodies to do things like redirect energy towards vital muscles and organs. Our pain tolerance is heightened, and our endurance is increased. However, this automatic reaction also means that our ability to process complex scenarios or evaluate long-term consequences may become compromised. That’s where preparation comes in. Training isn't just about mastering techniques but about teaching your body to respond correctly under stress. It's about creating muscle memory for decision-making. 

In every instance that you are forced to present or pull your weapon - be the person to report it to the police. A tragic example of how injustice and failing to report first can have dire consequences comes from the case of a political organizer from Michigan who was involved in a self-defense shooting. She was involved in an incident where she was harassed and threatened by a non-black person. Fearing for her life, she retrieved her unloaded legally owned firearm and presented it in hope of de-escalating the situation.  She ended the threat successfully and non-fatally, but the true aggressor called the police first. The Michigan woman was later arrested, charged, and convicted for the incident, despite her actions being a defensive response to an immediate threat.    Law enforcement and the prosecution’s case were framed around the 

attacker’s account of the story, which painted her as the aggressor. The absence of a self-reported defense narrative meant that the legal system did not properly take into account her side of the story—one that would have likely justified her actions under self-defense laws. This case serves as a cautionary tale for anyone who might find themselves in a situation where self-defense is necessary. It underscores the importance of being the one to report to the authorities, especially when you are the one forced to present a firearm. When you wait for someone else to control the narrative, you give up the ability to set the stage for a favorable outcome.

While preparing your mind and body to react in high-stress situations is crucial, equally important is knowing how to handle the aftermath.  Especially, when it comes to navigating the 911 call and interacting with law enforcement.

This aspect is often misunderstood, so let’s make it clear. In the immediate aftermath of a defensive shooting, your main job is to position yourself as the defendant. You need to make the situation as easy to interpret as possible and avoid presenting as the aggressor. The key here is clarity—any ambiguity could be misinterpreted, and in a high-stakes situation, those misinterpretations can have lasting consequences. Be acutely aware that law enforcement will likely approach the scene with heightened caution, especially if there are multiple individuals involved or if the situation

escalated rapidly. Their initial perception of the event may be shaped by their own biases, preconceived notions, or the tense environment. We must be mindful and vigilant in those moments as they can have a profound impact on how the investigation unfolds

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When you dial 911, remember that your primary goal is to protect yourself. Provide critical information, such as your location, that you are the victim of an attack, and that you need immediate help. Do not embellish the situation or offer unnecessary details. To the best ability, keep your tone calm even though you may be in a heightened emotional state. 

Don’t be surprised that when law enforcement arrives, they may not immediately know who the victim is and who is the perpetrator. This is why it’s essential to remain composed. Keep your hands visible at all times. Avoid sudden movements, as officers will be assessing potential threats. Don’t make excuses or over-explain. When asked what happened, simply 

state that you were attacked and acted in self-defense. Avoid going into the specifics of the encounter. The details of what transpired should be shared only once you have legal counsel. Law enforcement may try to extract more information from you, but it’s important to stick to the basics. When they ask questions, remain respectful, but consider invoking your right to remain silent. You can politely inform them that you will provide a statement only after consulting with a lawyer. This is key—anything you say at this stage could be used against you later, even if your intentions are innocent.

Lastly, remember that posture is everything. How you present yourself in these early moments can impact how law enforcement and even the public perceive your actions. The goal isn’t just survival—it’s ensuring that your rights are respected and that you’re not unfairly criminalized. By handling the 911 call and your interaction with law enforcement strategically, you give yourself the best chance to navigate a situation that, though incredibly difficult, doesn’t have to spiral into something more damaging. Training, understanding your rights, and knowing how to respond when faced with life-threatening situations can help you not only survive the immediate danger but also navigate the legal matters that follow. It is highly recommended to partner with a certified instructor, retain firearms legal protection, and join a community of folks working towards similar goals. Protecting the black tradition of arms is truly an honor but it does require a heightened awareness and mindfulness.