A Hero steps forward amidst insanity, crime, and self defense at the Oregon High Desert Museum

Oregon man helps save museum worker threatened by a man at knifepoint

We've been to the museum a few times. We've also been both mugged and attacked by an armed assailant, yes, more than once. We just seem to be lucky. 

​More below the fold.

This is a tragedy, and one of the unpredictable problems which can arise in everyday life. This very large man, seems to have lost his grip on reality and taken a small woman prisoner, threatening to kill her. Fortunately for the woman, Duncan McDonnell was there to help, because it appears his cajoling resulted in Berger releasing her, and leaving the building. 

The fear then was that Berger might have a gun in his car. 

Portland man steps in as armed man threatens to kill Bend museum employee

This kidnapping, and serious life threatening attack was reduced before the police arrived in the best manner possible. But, it points out a few things. First, these situations occurs even where we don't expect them. This is not South side Chicago where the politicians and gangs are in cahoots and violence in endemic.

This was in rural Oregon in a small out of the way museum. Second, situations like this can escalate. While Berger did not come back into the museum with a gun and begin firing, that outcome was always possible with someone as unstable as Berger. 

Concealed carry was not the answer here, and we would caution every concealed carry licensee to use this as a lesson. Attempting to defuse the situation without resort to a weapon is alway preferable. Concealed carry is like auto liability insurance. It should always be kept in force. One should always carry, even if when faced with a situation like this the best outcome is to negotiate the solution, and not use force. 

Had the situation changed and Berger returned with a gun, or even just with the knife he already had, it would be very difficult for any person or even a group to reduce the threat of a 6' 6" 425 lb. man intent on murder or mayhem. Like the auto insurance policy, the concealed carry stand ready once things reach the stage where there are no additional options, and a stand off weapon is necessary to protect oneself or others from serious bodily harm or death. 

Our appreciation goes to Duncan McDonnell for everything he did in this situation, he had no obligation to place himself in danger, he did, and he was successful. Ooh Rah!

Condolence to the victim, whomever she is. This will be difficult for her, we wish her well.

Our appreciation goes out to the State Trooper, it is a difficult eventuality to take the life of another person. However we suspect that this too was the only available outcome. Our thoughts are with he and his family.

Finally, our condolences to Berger's family. This is a tragedy. It will be difficult to find a way through this but we wish them luck. 

If you are of the mind to carry, obtain your concealed carry license, and train weekly. Also, one should take a course or two in this type of conflict resolution, and understand the weapon is an absolute resort. Groups like Armed Citizens Legal Defense Network can help with this.