On August 11, 2025, tragedy struck outside a Target in Austin, Texas. A man with a long history of violent crime opened fire in the parking lot, killing three innocent people: a young employee, a grandfather, and his 4-year-old granddaughter. He then assaulted the grandfather’s wife, stole their vehicle, and continued his rampage before police could stop him.
It’s a heartbreaking reminder that violence doesn’t always happen in dark alleys or “bad neighborhoods.” It can happen on an ordinary afternoon, in a place where families shop, in broad daylight.
And it highlights something I stress in every class I teach: personal protection is your responsibility. Corporate policies, “safe spaces,” and even quick police response times can’t always protect you in those critical first seconds.
Why Personal Protection Cannot Be Outsourced
Target, like many retailers, has a policy requesting that customers not carry firearms. Their intent is to create a “safe and inviting” atmosphere. But as we saw in Austin, criminals do not respect policies. The attack happened outside in the parking lot, and the victims; normal, everyday people had no way to defend themselves.
Businesses have some responsibility to provide a reasonably safe environment, but they cannot anticipate or prevent every act of violence. That means you and I must approach the world with eyes open, prepared for the unexpected. Personal protection begins with you.
The Five Pillars of Personal Protection
In my firearms and women’s self-defense classes, I teach what I call the pillars of personal protection. These are the skills and habits you can control even when criminals control the time, place, and force they bring.
1. Equipment
Whether it’s a legally carried firearm, pepper spray, or another defensive tool, having the right equipment matters. But remember: a tool alone won’t save you.
2. Training
Owning a gun or self-defense tool isn’t enough. Training is what builds the muscle memory, confidence, and skill to act under stress. Without training, equipment becomes little more than false reassurance.
3. Skills
Skills are sharpened through consistent practice. That means range time, scenario-based drills, and even fitness. Skills don’t appear in a crisis, they’re built long before.
4. Awareness
The most powerful defense is avoiding a fight altogether. Being alert to your environment gives you precious seconds to react, avoid, or escape before a situation escalates.
5. Mindset
Mindset ties it all together. It’s the decision, long before anything happens, that you will protect yourself and your loved ones. That means accepting that threats exist, and deciding now. Not later, that you will act if necessary.
What Criminals Control vs. What You Control
Criminals control the time, place, and level of force they bring to an attack. That leaves you at a disadvantage if you’re unprepared.
But you can control your equipment, training, skills, awareness, and mindset. That’s where your power lies.
A Call to Action: Make Personal Protection a Priority
The Austin Target shooting is a sobering case study in why personal protection matters. Police responded in four minutes, a fast response by any measure. But for the victims, it wasn’t fast enough. Corporate policies didn’t help. Hope didn’t help.
What helps is preparation.
So ask yourself:
- Do I carry the right tools for personal protection?
- Am I trained and confident enough to use them?
- Do I practice regularly, or am I relying on luck?
- Am I alert to my surroundings in parking lots, stores, and public spaces?
- Do I have the mindset to protect myself and those I love?
If the answer to any of those is “no,” then today is the best day to take that next step.
Final Thoughts
Tragedies like Austin remind us of the harsh reality: criminals do not care about laws, policies, or good intentions. But you don’t have to live in fear. With the right training, awareness, and mindset, you can walk through the world with confidence and control.
Personal protection starts with you. Don’t wait until tragedy strikes to prepare.
Ready to take the first step? Join one of my upcoming classes or reach out for one-on-one training. Together, we’ll build the confidence and skills you need to protect yourself and your family.
source: fox7austin