A U.S. citizen and a Canadian citizen were robbed and attacked by armed suspected Mexican cartel terrorists, in the Jacumba Wilderness.
When the hikers refused to follow the armed subjects’ commands, the assailants fired a volley of shots toward the hikers, striking one victim in the leg.
The shooting victim was airlifted to a San Diego hospital.
In the Valley of the Moon, Blue Angels Peak area...
That area is long famous for illegal travelers. Not so much drugs back in the day. Lots of people carry in Cali; in spite of regulations. I had a confrontation early morning in down town San Diego on my way to my Jeeps parking garage that almost ended badly for the confrontee. I was taught don't bother drawing when your weapon is in your pack, just shoot thru the pack. Takes too long. The term "tunnel vision" under duress is true at least it was for me. Rules regarding weapons were different for California back then, I suppose.
@Pivo
Broadly speaking, as there are a bunch of exceptions, in CA, you can open carry at your campsite. In unincorporated areas. And in areas of Natl Forest & BLM land where shooting is not probibited. Plus you can always carry anywhere you want as long as you don’t get caught. As far as I’m concerned, stepping foot in CA these days is stupid.
Besides, I doubt a cartel member is going to call 911 to say that the hikers he’s shooting at are shooting back at him.
Serious question, anyone know what type of firearm the cartel members were using when they shot at the victims?
Unless an expert marksman under duress, as would be expected when someone is shooting at you, it seems a 9mm or even a 45 isn't going to be much of a bother to someone with an automatic rifle, as is suggested with the sentence:
When the hikers refused to follow the armed subjects’ commands, the assailants fired a volley of shots toward the hikers, striking one victim in the leg.
Now, I'm not suggesting people shouldn't carry if it makes them more comfortable. We all remember the Prescott bear attack incident and how a certain someone felt the need to tell another member that if they felt a need to have a gun to feel safe around wildlife, they should stay at camp, or something like that, but I do wonder if it would have helped in this particular incident.
It sounds like the cartel guys were idiots; as interacting with civilians in that manner is frowned upon. Brings too much "heat" to the area. So it might be better to not brandish a weapon in that instance as the opposition has poor trigger control if they just wanted to rob them. However if you are in fear of your life and have the means to defend it then do so. They had to walk up to them to take the packs. Closer is better sometimes. Guy or guys might be carrying an AR but an unexpected 44 round from 8-12 feet in the strike zone will not bode well for that individual. All depends on how one can make a decision under pressure and react or not.
Actually I seldom carry when I am down at the border. Just one more thing to manage with cameras etc. I will when I have a heads up that things are a little off and I still want to enjoy beauty and solitude that area has.
The reality is these could have been teenagers or in their early 20's, so savvy hardened cartel enforcers I think not. They blew it in too many ways to be cartel. I'm guessing they had pistols of the auto kind, easy to carry and dispose of. No AR's ,Ak's or heavens, FNFAL's. I trust if you're gonna border wander then a simple SKS with a folding stock such as my early HAZ inspiration... [ photo ]
@Alston_Neal
Tough area for robbers of opportunity to reach from the mexican side. Also weapons are regularly stashed in the boulders on the mexican side for use when making the crossing.
LindaAnn wrote:Plus you can always carry anywhere you want as long as you don’t get caught. As far as I’m concerned, stepping foot in CA these days is stupid.
I am in agreement with not going to California, because I do travel with a firearm. Because of their firearm's regulation's and it's too expensive there. I am typically not a rule breaker and am careful to follow firearm regulations. Ignoring firearm laws and going 'Cowboy' is bad optics for all responsible gun owners.
@Pivo
You should always do what you’re comfortable with, as will I.
I’ve declared firearms at plenty of different airports across the country, including a few in CA, never had any issues there and it was never a big deal.
@LindaAnn
When MrsSloFolks was on the US Shooting Team she had to fly with her handguns and ammo as part of her "job". WorldCup events, OTC training, Mexico City, Barcelona, South America where all a piece of cake compared to California.
@LosDosSloFolks
The CA airports and Chicago have had the slowest process, but I’ve never had any issues, just more time consuming than usual. Anchorage had the fastest, and Springdale AR was pretty fast too. I’ve not run into problems at any airport, although I do wish they were all more uniform in their procedures. I don’t like to fly, so if I can drive somewhere and skip the whole airport/flying experience, I’m much happier.
LindaAnn wrote: although I do wish they were all more uniform in their procedures
Yes...mainly the one about allowing the bright orange "steal me" firearm sticker to be put on the inside of the suitcase as allowed by federal law instead of the outside.
@LosDosSloFolks
When was that? My sons competed in Junior Olympics shooting, flew to Colorado Springs and Atlanta with their firearms when they were under 18 years old, checked them as baggage. I'll send you a private message about it.
There is a point of no return unremarked at the time in most lives. Graham Greene The Comedians
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