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Minneapolis Mayhem and Mindset
Real-World Lessons from Recent EventsBy Trevor (OSS | Street Smarts | Threat-Proof Coaching)
Minneapolis, January 2026.
The recent fatal shooting involving federal agents (ICE/Border Patrol) in our own backyard is a stark reminder: high-stress law enforcement encounters can escalate in seconds. Whether the command is lawful or not, the priority is survival—not winning the argument in the moment.
If you carry a gun every day (open or concealed), these basics are non-negotiable. They’re drawn directly from John Farnam’s “Rules of Stupid” and decades of practical training in personal protection.
John Farnam’s Rules of Stupid (The Foundation)
WHY DO I HAVE TO KEEP REPEATING THIS!
Don’t set yourself up for trouble before it starts:
* Don’t go to stupid places
* Don’t associate with stupid people
* Don’t do stupid things
* (Often added: Don’t do them at stupid times)
These rules prevent 90% of the avoidable problems armed citizens face. Stupid varies by person and context, but following them keeps you out of the wrong place at the wrong time with the wrong people.
The 3 Core Rules for Police Encounters
* Comply clearly and slowly When police give a command (lawful or unlawful), follow it purposefully. No sudden movements. Survival comes first—any dispute gets resolved later in court, not on the street.
* Never make motions toward your weapon Any hand movement toward your waistline, pockets, holster, or anywhere that could be misinterpreted as reaching for a gun is a high-risk trigger in a tense encounter. Keep hands where officers can see them. Period.
* Disclose you’re armed when appropriate If the situation allows (e.g., during a pat-down or traffic stop), calmly and clearly say: “I am legally armed.” Hands still visible, no sudden moves. It’s not always required by law, but it’s often very smart—it reduces misunderstandings.
When to Actually Resist The Police
This can be a deep subject with so many if’s that I only dare touch upon it. You'd better only do it as a measure of last resort to save your life or that of another clear innocent against unlawful (or perhaps horrible) conduct by the police without other reasonable recourse. Some states allow reasonable resistance against clearly unlawful arrest, but you will often see the myth that people think they can use deadly force when law enforcement is infringing on their rights or arresting them in circumstances they feel are unconstitutional. It’s far from that clear.
Many states will not allow resistance to arrest, even if the arrest is unlawful, short of a very specific need to protect yourself immediately from serious harm.Very importantly, the lawfulness of the encounter is never judged in the street. You can still end up very dead and even innocent, or very much a criminal, dead or alive.
The Bottom Line
The only person responsible for your survival in that encounter is you.
I carry nearly every single day.I’ve never once worried about getting shot by police because I generally follow Farnam’s Rules…generally, and I take measures to make sure everyone knows I am the good guy. See my previous posts on the subject here:
Follow these basics—Farnam’s rules + clear compliance + no reaching—and you won’t have to worry either short of some very extreme situations.
Why This Matters Now
The Minneapolis incident (January 24, 2026) highlights how quickly things can go sideways during federal operations or routine contacts. Video analysis and official statements show conflicting accounts, but the outcome was tragic.These rules aren’t about blame—they’re about stacking the odds in your favor so you go home.
Want More?
If you’re serious about responsible carry and threat response:
* Subscribe for free updates
* Want to master the basics to keep you safer from crime, armed or not? Check out my 30-Day Street Ready Challenge Course: https://academy.threatproofcommunity.com/streetready30
Be capable. Be safe. Go out there.
TrevorOSS | Threat-Proof Coachingthreatproof.substack.com
Get full access to Threat-Proof Newsletter at threatproof.substack.com/subscribe
View all episodes
By Trevor Thrasher: Green Beret, SWAT/Street Officer, Body Guard and CT ContractorReal-World Lessons from Recent EventsBy Trevor (OSS | Street Smarts | Threat-Proof Coaching)
Minneapolis, January 2026.
The recent fatal shooting involving federal agents (ICE/Border Patrol) in our own backyard is a stark reminder: high-stress law enforcement encounters can escalate in seconds. Whether the command is lawful or not, the priority is survival—not winning the argument in the moment.
If you carry a gun every day (open or concealed), these basics are non-negotiable. They’re drawn directly from John Farnam’s “Rules of Stupid” and decades of practical training in personal protection.
John Farnam’s Rules of Stupid (The Foundation)
WHY DO I HAVE TO KEEP REPEATING THIS!
Don’t set yourself up for trouble before it starts:
* Don’t go to stupid places
* Don’t associate with stupid people
* Don’t do stupid things
* (Often added: Don’t do them at stupid times)
These rules prevent 90% of the avoidable problems armed citizens face. Stupid varies by person and context, but following them keeps you out of the wrong place at the wrong time with the wrong people.
The 3 Core Rules for Police Encounters
* Comply clearly and slowly When police give a command (lawful or unlawful), follow it purposefully. No sudden movements. Survival comes first—any dispute gets resolved later in court, not on the street.
* Never make motions toward your weapon Any hand movement toward your waistline, pockets, holster, or anywhere that could be misinterpreted as reaching for a gun is a high-risk trigger in a tense encounter. Keep hands where officers can see them. Period.
* Disclose you’re armed when appropriate If the situation allows (e.g., during a pat-down or traffic stop), calmly and clearly say: “I am legally armed.” Hands still visible, no sudden moves. It’s not always required by law, but it’s often very smart—it reduces misunderstandings.
When to Actually Resist The Police
This can be a deep subject with so many if’s that I only dare touch upon it. You'd better only do it as a measure of last resort to save your life or that of another clear innocent against unlawful (or perhaps horrible) conduct by the police without other reasonable recourse. Some states allow reasonable resistance against clearly unlawful arrest, but you will often see the myth that people think they can use deadly force when law enforcement is infringing on their rights or arresting them in circumstances they feel are unconstitutional. It’s far from that clear.
Many states will not allow resistance to arrest, even if the arrest is unlawful, short of a very specific need to protect yourself immediately from serious harm.Very importantly, the lawfulness of the encounter is never judged in the street. You can still end up very dead and even innocent, or very much a criminal, dead or alive.
The Bottom Line
The only person responsible for your survival in that encounter is you.
I carry nearly every single day.I’ve never once worried about getting shot by police because I generally follow Farnam’s Rules…generally, and I take measures to make sure everyone knows I am the good guy. See my previous posts on the subject here:
Follow these basics—Farnam’s rules + clear compliance + no reaching—and you won’t have to worry either short of some very extreme situations.
Why This Matters Now
The Minneapolis incident (January 24, 2026) highlights how quickly things can go sideways during federal operations or routine contacts. Video analysis and official statements show conflicting accounts, but the outcome was tragic.These rules aren’t about blame—they’re about stacking the odds in your favor so you go home.
Want More?
If you’re serious about responsible carry and threat response:
* Subscribe for free updates
* Want to master the basics to keep you safer from crime, armed or not? Check out my 30-Day Street Ready Challenge Course: https://academy.threatproofcommunity.com/streetready30
Be capable. Be safe. Go out there.
TrevorOSS | Threat-Proof Coachingthreatproof.substack.com
Get full access to Threat-Proof Newsletter at threatproof.substack.com/subscribe