This recently-released security camera footage shows 24-year-old Connor Betts being shot by police after killing nine people and wounding 17 more in 2019. The takedown occurs on the very threshold of a crowded nightclub, where Betts could conceivably caused many more casualties. Viewer discretion is advised.

This video definitely represents a close call, as there is every reason to believe the suspect would have continued to shoot in such a tightly packed area. However, the bouncer working the front door deserves mention and praise. He lets bystanders into the club (including a guy who manages to get stuck on the door handle at 0:15 for what must have been the longest second of his life) while watching for the shooter. By rights, he could have ran with the rest, but he waited, preparing to face Betts despite being unarmed. At 0:22, he does appear to flee, but this isn't the case. Betts arrives and goes down at 0:26 (having been shot a total of 30 times by law enforcement, per autopsy report) and the bouncer appears behind Betts. It appears that the bouncer deliberately tried to flank the active shooter and take him down. He takes the shooter's weapon and butt-strokes Betts several times before holding him at gunpoint and eventually stepping away with the AR-style pistol. While this does impede its use as evidence, the desire to separate Betts from his weapon in the heat of the moment is certainly understandable, and, indeed, commendable.

About the Author

Cole Simms

Cole Simms is an Air Guardsman, NASA enthusiast, police officer, and security contractor with particular experience in austere environments. Outside of work, he volunteers as a Stop The Bleed instructor for area schools. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and blends his knowledge and experience to write analysis for Funker530.

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