Q&A for How to Clear a Building with a Firearm

Clearing a building or room with a firearm is discouraged without proper training. In situations where a potential threat is perceived, calling 911 is the first step, allowing trained professionals to handle the situation. Room clearing is considered an advanced skill, requiring training beyond intermediate firearm use. It is emphasized that attempting such actions alone is risky, and involving law enforcement is the safest approach to ensuring an effective response to potential threats.

When the need arises for room clearing, ensuring proper execution requires a minimum of two individuals. Effectively clearing a building, however, necessitates a recommended minimum of nine individuals. This entails one team securing the hallway and surrounding areas, while another, composed of individuals trained for room clearing, enters to address the situation. Additionally, there should be a separate team assigned to hold off perpetrators and cordon off a few blocks away from the scene for comprehensive security.

You can't, at least not easily. Commandos and SWAT teams preforming Breach and Clear maneuvers will sometimes use red lights instead of standard lights as red light is much dimmer than standard LED bulbs, but also have a much shorter range of effect at only 2 meters or so. Remember that you can use strong lights to your advantage if you know where the other person is, as you can blind them easily. However, except for tactical red lights, use of flashlights in the dark is almost impossible to be done unnoticed.

Make contact with him/her; make sure he/she is safe and knows you are hunting for an intruder with a firearm.

Most people preference a shotgun in this type of situation, and with good reason. However, many ex-military and firearm instructors suggest using a military-type rifle as a better alternative. Each has advantages and disadvantages, depending on the situation.

I would act the same way moving throughout the building. These steps are designed to be tactically defensive, ensuring you are in the most protected position as much as possible. Once you have spotted the intruder, confirming they are a threat and not a loved one, I would go ahead and attack if necessary, trying to use the element of surprise. I would strongly suggest buying a firearm, as there are many tactical advantages in the distance and stopping power.

You shouldn't. Wait for the police to come; they have teams and negotiators trained to handle these situations. Someone who's reached a point of taking hostages is desperate and unpredictable. Trying to save hostages yourself could result in them being hurt or killed.