Jason Falconer, a part-time police officer and firearms instructor, killed an attacker wielding a knife Saturday at the Crossroads Center mall in St. Cloud, Minn. (Avon Police Department)
Jason Falconer is a part-time police officer, but he didn’t have to carry a concealed firearm to Crossroads Center mall in St. Cloud, Minn., on Saturday. He wasn’t on duty when a knife-wielding man went on a rampage. He was—like the thousands of concealed carry permit holders across the country—an American citizen exercising his constitutional rights. But his decision to do so saved dozens of lives, and his quick thinking and good training kept the situation from getting much worse.
Falconer was shopping when Dahir Adan entered the mall and began stabbing shoppers (reportedly after asking whether or not they were Muslim). Adan managed to wound nine people before Falconer arrived, gun in hand, and put a quick end to the terrorist’s plot. According to police, surveillance video shows Adan falling and getting back up three times before the fatal shot.
“He was put in unfortunate circumstances. I believe there was divine intervention,” Corey Nellis, the police chief in the neighboring city of Avon, said at a news conference Monday. “I think he was the person that needed to be there to prevent it from being worse than it was.”
Most mainstream media accounts (except perhaps this piece by the LA Times) lead readers to believe that Falconer’s position as an off-duty police officer is enough to explain his possession of a firearm. It doesn’t. Falconer has maintained a low profile since the incident, but it’s clear that his decision to carry a firearm on Saturday was an exercise of the Second Amendment rights shared by all Americans.
The Second Amendment gave Falconer the right to carry a firearm, and his training gave him the skills to use it. Falconer is the former police chief of Albany, Minn., and current owner and president of Tactical Advantage LLC, a shooting range and tactical training facility, according to the LA Times. He’s also active in three-gun competitions and is an NRA-certified firearms instructor.
In short, he takes seriously his job as an officer and his right to carry a deadly weapon.
“If I was going to ask anybody to fire live rounds in a crowded mall, I would trust his abilities next to anybody’s,” Nellis told reporters.
While first responders and mall patrons are no doubt grateful for Falconer’s actions, the mall’s gun-free-zone could have kept anyone from stopping Adan until police arrived. Crossroads Center Mall prohibits firearms on its premises. Independent Journal Review notes that police officers whose training is in good standing may carry firearms in the mall, but that rule doesn’t appear in the mall’s Code of Conduct.
Whatever the case—whether Falconer ignored the mall’s policy or was permitted to carry a firearm—his decision to bear arms stopped yet another terrorist plot on American soil. If an armed citizen like Falconer had been present in Charleston or San Bernardino, those horrific incidents could have ended much differently.
LISTED BELOW ARE SOME OF THE ROTTEN PEOPLE AND POLITICIANS WHO THINK JASON FALCONER DID THE WRONG THING.
The biased media supports Hillary and idiot Democrats. The network news media and Hillary, Billy, and Chelsea supporters, such as Obama, Tim Kaine is Hillary’s selection for Vice President, Pelosi, Feinstein, Boxer are rotten gun control politicians from California, Gov. Brown of California, Gov. Brown of Oregon, Gov. Inslee of Washington, Bloomberg is a major gun control idiot who contrives with Katy Couric to make the pro gun people seem to be confused and stupid on network news, Soros is a major gun control idiot who is a friend of Hillary and owns Progressive insurance, Sen. Schumer of New York wants to stack the U.S. Supreme Court with gun control Democrat justices, Katie Couric who contrived with Bloomberg to make the network news represent pro gun people as confused and stupid, Attorney General of Massachusetts Maura Healey who dictated that certain common guns are illegal, Sen. Harry Reid of Arizona who, as Majority Leader of the Senate, refused to hear Republican legislation, Dan Gross who is leader of the gun control Brady Bunch, Rupert Murdoch who is a biased gun control Democrat of FOX NEWS, Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine says she will not vote for Trump, and so does Rep. Sen. Lindsay Graham and Rep. Sen. Mitt Romney, and all have something in common and it is the fact that all are ROTTEN TO THE CORE and do not know what is best for the United States !!!!
Remember Hillary’s comment about the four Americans killed in Benghazi –
“JUST FORGET ABOUT THAT” !!!!
BENGHAZI, LIBYA – WE HAD THE TIME, SHIPS, AND PLANES. WE DID NOT HAVE THE LEADERSHIP !!!!
To clarify: MN law pertaining to CC in malls is a tricky entity. The liberals tried there best to word the laws so that people would be discouraged to exercise their rights.
The reality is that while a Mall facility can post a “Gun Free” sign, it can not require the individual shops to do the same. Due to this all the Mall can do is ask you to leave. I was told by multiple MN officers, “Just walk out & re-enter through an attached store. Mall of America, that has had terror threats made against it, is no exception & was actually the mall in question in my conversation.
In WI we have a Law that states if a business refuses to allow weapons its premises they are legally liable for the well-being & protection of its employees & customers. If something happens they can be sued for denying the persons injured their right to personal protection.
Rouge1,
Are you anti gun, anti police, anti America or just hate our government? You sound very angry. Jason Falconer did a very heroic deed by stopping this radical terrorist from harming more people. If put in the same position I hope I will perform as well. I carry concealed and am always aware of my surroundings. I hope I never have to but am willing to take action if the need arises. I was told in my last weapons training class, to always carry, then you never have to think about it as it becomes 2nd nature to pack. Great job Jason and thank you for being there.
How many were assaulted, and how many fewer might have been if other citizens at the scene had been armed?
This incident proves several things.
One, a knife can be just as formidable and deadly as gun. Two, bladed weapons are much quieter than any gun, even one that’sthat’s suppressed or muffled. Three, it takes great courage, training, and equal or greater force to stop a rampaging lunatic. Four, gun-free zones are the preferred targets for those bent on committing such heinous crimes. Five, there will come a day when the good-guy/gal with a gun can’t or won’t, shoot back… and they’ll be criticized, ridiculed or perhaps even sued by the victims, for neglecting to use their weapon to save lives… because sadly, that’s how twisted our society, our gun laws, and many people’s expectations of universal safe space wherever they go.
where’s BLM now??
Great news. Shoot back I mean shoot first !!
As one who has spent time training others to shoot the M-16 and the S&W Model 15 in the USAF, I totally concur with this mans actions!
I carry a gun now most everywhere I go these days when I used never consider carrying unless I was going hunting or just out target practicing!
The world has gotten more dangerous under the Half-White Trash Obomination and now Ghetto Thug Trash and Murdering Muslims feel like they can rob, rape, murder and pillage with impunity, judging by the latest news reports and incidents!
I don’t give a damn and pay no attention to stupid Gun Free Zones these days!
My personal safety and that of my family mean more to me than some ASININE rule stupidly designed to give the advantage to criminals and Murdering Muslims!
KUDOS to Mr Falconer, a true American Patriot!
I agree with you and thank you for reminding me the meaning of ASININE (I use B.S., it is more practical).
Mr. Falconer – we fellow NRA Instructors SALUTE YOU for your life(s) saving action, that we all hope we never have to face but will if necessary. Actually, in retrospect I find I do not carry often enough – wearing the gun is bulky and immediately steps up your mental responsibility state when wearing, so to remain ever vigilant in spotting all the anti-CCW signs posted here in Ohio.
Salute, again from a fellow NRA/Hunters Ed/CCW Instructor & Vietnam Vet.
The owners/operators of facilities should be aware that a CCW person has been through official scrutiny and can make a difference when needed. If the owners/operators still choose to not allow concealed carry weapons, or any weapon, then they are responsible for the safety of their patrons and their personal property on hand. This could turn into quite a legal situation. Perhaps the the “No weapons allowed” sign on the entry of facilities should also include “enter at your own risk”.
The mall us a prime soft target, the bad guy knew there weren’t supposed to be any folks with guns in there because the mall is a gun free zone! The mall is also a sitting duck zone for shoppers! Thank goodness a good guy with a gun put a stop to the stabbing … I bet that moron with the knife was wondering what the heck just happened when the lead hit him! Good work and congratulations on cool and swift thinking on the good guys part!
It makes me mad how the media frames comments. they dont want people to believe that guns in the hands of citizens as afforded by the second amendment are what saved the day . not a police officer , not a trained weapons person but a citizen who legally carried a pistol because the constitution granted him the right to defend himself. who saved the day. any other citizen who carried a pistol could and likely would have done the same thing. but we are not suppose to see the carrying of a constitutionally granted pistol as a citizen of america as the hero no ! they don\’t want people to think that way, it doesn\’t further the agenda of removing arms from the citizens.
they frame it as a policeman saves the day ! that they are the ones who we need to rely on for defense of threats. although i love the police and they do a great job ,we the people have a right to defend ourselves as granted by our constitution and that will be taken away from us by hillary clinton without a doubt,if she has her way. and her handlers who obviously in my opinion edit the media. also i have not seen this news anywhere else ,i don\’t think it will hit the main stream, it doesn\’t fit the narrative that \”guns are bad\”
That muslim scum bag “pos” got exactly what he deserved!!
“The Second Amendment gave Falconer the right to carry a firearm”
It did no such thing, God gave him that right. The second amendment is there for the government to
know there job, what we as the people demand to have protected by the “government” our employees.
We are an ignorant people by design. Go to Nationallibertyalliance.org and learn how to save our America then
commit to peaceably help to change things. This is still doable all is not lost, not yet.
You are correct. The Second Amendment affirms that right and puts into writing. The right to keep and bear arms and to protect yourself, your family, and your property was part of the English Bill of Rights. Much of our rights and freedoms can be traced back to that piece of history.
Oh my Lord thank you for making truth that perfectly clear!!
The media controlling the lack of coverage is a disgrace to all Americans, white/black, it doesn’t matter. This man stopped the attack at its core, he should be awarded for his actions, not cloaked away by bureaucrat BS. If this doesn’t speak for itself, and to the Leaders of this nation that want out guns, may god help us all. I say this man is a HERO. Thank You!
Always good news when a scumbag gets a dirt nap instead of three hots and a cot via the taxpayers.If we send more of this ilk to their allah,it’s a win win for us.I don’t patronize any gun free zones so I won’t have the chance to drop one of these turban headed miscreants ,but thank goodness there are some good guys around to do it for us
it is nice but not enough, and even discriminatory, that only current or retired l.e.o.s can peaceably exercise their 2a rights in public places. ccw permit holders should have the same ability and national reciprocity.
All Gun laws are unconstitutional. Your government is corrupt and the media is complicit and it’s on full display. In most cities and states in America just exercising your inalienable constitutional rights can be a death sentence from leo. No courts and no accountability just dead. At least the bitch in Tulsa will be slightly harassed for killing one of our American brothers. They over charged like they did in Baltimore so she will get off. Another government tatic to appease and placate the dumb masses.
Or else the system worked. Remember, you can’t carry that gun if you have a felony, and some misdemeanors. And the American brother should get down on the ground when told to. Compliance is key. The “resist authority” crowd have a special place for them in the ground. You wouldn’t have that attitude if you were in Moscow. Some Russian cop yells at you to get down with an AK leveled at your ignorant self, and you would be sucking ants off the pavement. But in the land of apologists, you think you can do it your way. Sometimes you can, sometimes you can’t. If you’re wrong, you won’t have to worry again.
The truth was told when it was reported that Jason was not only a firearms instructor but also a USPSA competitor. No other sporting venue trains shooters to react under pressure and make fast, accurate shots under the stress of time like that bunch does. Yes, IDPA has it’s place, but pound for pound USPSA produces the best shooters in the world…….
I have a CCP and frankly would ignore any “Gun Free Zone” sign other than government property where you really don’t have a choice since they will either pass you through metal detectors or wand you. This is the exact reason this dirtbag decided he would attack in this mall, and I guess he got a major surprise.
Gun Free Zones = Target Rich Environment. As far as I am concerned they should be illegal. It is my right to carry my firearm into any establishment and restricting that right is no different than refusing service because of the color of one’s skin. A constitutional right isn’t to be “infringed” by anyone.
Why did you seek the corrupt governments permission to bear arms? I thought that was a civil right and inalienable constitutional right and with rights you don’t need the government’s aproval? If you need a permitt ie permission it’s not a right.
You make a valid point, rouge1. The problem is it’s a subtle point, and people are missing it. If we accept for a moment that we need the government’s permission to concealed carry, then we’ve already given up the right to open carry, and have already given up our right to avoid unreasonable search and seizure as well as self-incrimination. What I have in my pocket, what I have in my house, and what I do in my bedroom, are absolutely not the government’s business. I refuse to grant the government the right to demand I convict myself by confessing what’s concealed in my pocket. The thing is, if you accept that the government has a right to regulate what you’ve concealed upon your person, you’ve already given up the right to carry in the open. It’s a simple step to banning concealed carry “in the public interest”, and 100% gun control has been established. You wanna know what’s in my pocket? Molon labe. Might wind up dead, but that’s the price for violating my rights.
You don’t have the right either way. A felony conviction is a disqualified. You can’t sell coke or rob people and expect to keep your rights.
Good for him, one more crazy person out of action, for ever. This should also be a wake up call to everyone that those who are Muslim practice a religion that is anything but peaceful. What the “thing” this good man put down was doing is what his religion SPECIFIES. If you find a non-believer, kill them. It is the will of Allah. That is a key point in their religion, and “it” was following it. “It” was not a fanatic but a faithful follower of his cult. His religion specifies the killing of non-believers, or infidels as they are called. Get a good book that explains islam, openly and truthfully, and be very afraid. They mean it, and this guy was doing it. They understand force, and respect that. Anything else, they laugh at. I would recommend two books, one written by 2 Pakistani brothers, born into an Islam family, later became Christians. The book is “Unveiling Islam”. The other book is “ISLAM, Muhammad and the Koran”, by Dr. Labib Mikhail. Got someone being nice to your daughter who is islamic, it would be best to end the relationship, NOW. She is an infidel to him, and his reasoning, when he acts to rape and or kill her, is that he is following his religion.
As for the reported shooting incident, well done, sir, very much well done. Maybe there were anti-gun people in that crowd that will now change their minds. That would be very excellent.
Jason is also a United States Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) Certified Instructor. He is certified to teach “Concealed Carry”, “Basic Handgun”, and “Home Defense” through USCCA. You can go to the USCCA website (USCCAinstructors.com) and look his extensive training background. Jason is the kind of guy I want in the mall shopping when I am there. He puts into practice what he teaches!
We have got to put pressure on gun free zones. It is unbelievable that a public place such as a mall can discriminate against gun owners and think a sign posted with no firearms will stop a criminal. Any public place that posts no gun signs s should be sued and shut down. Statisticaly permit holders have less criminal acts using a firearm when compared to police officers. first responders my or may not be the police. It’s more likely you or me that are first responders.
God Bless this kind and intelligent man for his actions, bravery, and the common sense to ignore idiotic Mall of America policy that would have resulted in more injuries and deaths. Wake up America! We are at war right here on American soil, and You are the Minutemen/First Responders in that war (no matter what the brain-dead liberals tell you).
Hillary couldn’t even bring herself to call this, or the NY/NJ bombing a terrorist attack (Must be PC at all times, or it might offend someone). Yeah, well I’m offended by her.
Why am I just hearing about this good Samaritan on Guns America? I heard nothing about him in the mainstream media, and not much coverage of this terrorist attack. I guess if the act wasn’t committed by, “evil guns,” it’s not worth the coverage. Why doesn’t the Obama administration have this gentleman in Washington, D.C. receiving a medal for his bravery, and showing our Nation how to neutralize terrorism and keep our Country safe? I think you know why.
I completely agree! Unless there’s something bad happening, the media won’t report on it! It’s too bad the media is in the anti’s pocket! The mall will probably try to charge this man with some bogus crime for carrying and ban him forever! Hurray for this brave citizen in doing the right thing!!
If the Mall is a No Gun Zone what could they do if they catch a person carrying a concealed weapon? Not a whole lot, except maybe trespass him/her from the mall. As far as I’m concerned I will carry anywhere I wish because I’m a retired police officer in good standing and federal law allows me to carry. I tell my family that I discourage them to shop in a “gun free zone” store. A bad guy could kill a hundred people or more before a police officer arrives to stop a threat or terrorist act.
Roger T it’s nice the corrupt federal government gave you leos a right to bear arms because of your traderous enforcement of unconstitutional laws. They give you the rights that you stole from the citizens. By the way the evil empire will do you next. “Thats what scorpions do”
Are you the rouge people talk about putting on a pig? Yep, thought so.
Sounds like the Sovereign Nation weirdo group.
Score one for the good guys…!!!!!!! And this is how it SHOULD go if these fanatics want to keep coming at us. This guy is a hero!! Bad guys, BEWARE!!! Americans are getting tired of taking your crap. If you persist with these attacks, you may get a few of us….BUT it will cost you DEARLY!!!
Draino,
You don’t get it? They (the terrorist) don’t want to live? They want to go meet their God. They don’t care whom they hurt/kill, it does not matter.
Not all of them. Osama hid in his cave, and sent others to die so he could look at pornography in his cave. And if they don’t care about dying, that shouldn’t limit our celebration of their demise. Hey, if they get 72 virgins that way, I might as well send them on a nice trip.
I believe the number of virgins was revised recently, now they get 85. It was a new PR campaign to recruit more towel benders…