When Bodyguards Aren’t Enough

The recent prominent assassination of a CEO on the streets of New York has raised many questions and concerns regarding security of corporate individuals that may at any time, become potential targets of hate and violence. There are still numerous unknowns, but an almost certain fact is that the victim in this instance was targeted because of his professional role.

He was alone and vulnerable in public, away from home, and without a security detail, but there could be numerous alternate scenarios for other executives to contend with. There is no standard modus operandi or persona of a person that chooses to attack a corporate leader, which could be a customer, an employee, a vendor, a competitor, an ideologue, or even a friend/family member. There’s a good likelihood violence might come from a group of attackers too.

Certainly, this incident has caused other executives (and their companies) to tighten the security that protects them when traveling, at the office, and potentially at home as well. A good security organization will likely extend or at least raise concerns of extending protections to family members too—generally a sound idea.

Sometimes though, having armed guards around a family 24/7 makes the privileged feel like prisoners and to some degree, that’s what they become. It’s a downside to achieving a career that bestows prominence and wealth especially if that career invites scrutiny over decisions that affect others within the company and beyond.

Typically, protection starts with armed bodyguards, body armor (a bulletproof vest) or bulletproof clothing, a secure vehicle or convoy, a private corporate jet, and operational security procedures. Access at the office or while traveling is limited and access by outside individuals is scrutinized and restricted. Yet, even with the best security organization, an executive remains exposed to numerous vulnerabilities, particularly the more they try to keep a normal lifestyle, especially off-hours at home.

In truth, even with guards outside their home, cameras, and/or a monitored security system, attacks cannot be eliminated. A good security team will train the family on what to do when something goes down, such as gather in a safe area, turn lights off, and wait for security to notify them of an all clear.

But what if security is thwarted, there is no all clear, and the perpetrators enter the executive’s home? What is the gathered family supposed to do? They could put up a fight and might be armed to do so, but if the professionals have already been eliminated, odds are they won’t be able to hold off an assault. For that reason, a secure gathering location is crucial, especially when guards are not on-site 24/7.

For their ultimate safety, the family needs to be able to hunker down in a Refuge Room.

A Refuge Room can provide a very high level of protection against a criminal attack. It can stop a gang of perpetrators from accessing those within. Additionally, it can protect against gunshots, fire, chemical/gas attacks, explosions, building collapse, and more. If supplied properly, it (if needed) can provide a safe haven for weeks and months. In high-end designs, a Refuge Room can also include a very unexpected escape mechanism.

In addition to this high profile killing, deep divides politically and economically in the US and abroad, simmering wars, disgust with corporate overreach, pressure and erosion of the middle class, and many other factors, are strong signals to executives and well-to-do families that dangers can surface in an instant and full-scope security, including a Refuge Room, Intrusion Resistant Doors, Window Protection Panels, and more, need immediate, heartfelt consideration and action.

Certainly, the life protecting value of these systems are not limited to executives and the wealthy, nor are they limited to the home. Those safety measures have a place at work, at schools, and at houses of worship. Example scenarios might include:

• a corporate office under siege;
• a small business threatened by an irate customer or employee;
• a church endangered/attacked by an ideological faction;
• a public/government building with open access infiltrated;
• and crucially, a school assailant roaming the halls picking-off victims.

Fear, vulnerability, and defenselessness don’t have to be the norm. Evildoers, bad actors, and wackos don’t have to have the upper hand. Fortunately, the means for anyone from high visibility targets to average families to shield themselves from attack at home or work is available and achievable today. To learn how, tap the “I Need Readiness Now” button for a free 15-minute readiness consultation.