On July 17, 2022, the Greenwood Park Mall in Indiana became the site of what could have been a mass tragedy. A heavily armed gunman entered the mall’s food court, opened fire, and killed three people. But before he could inflict more carnage, 22-year-old Elisjsha Dicken, a legally armed civilian, drew his concealed carry handgun—and ended the threat in just 15 seconds.
With no police officers present, and hundreds of lives at risk, Dicken stepped into the role of first responder, firing 10 rounds from a distance of over 40 yards, hitting the attacker with 8 of them. He wasn’t military. He wasn’t law enforcement. He was a trained, licensed concealed carrier—and a hero.
🛡️ One man. One gun. Dozens saved.
BBC News confirms the shooter was stopped just 15 seconds after opening fire.
The Heroism of Elisjsha Dicken
Elisjsha was at the mall with his girlfriend, shopping and enjoying a typical Sunday. But when gunfire erupted, he didn’t hesitate. He took cover, identified the threat, and drew his legally concealed Glock handgun. Witnesses said he motioned for others to flee behind him while he held his ground.
His actions earned widespread praise—even from police. Greenwood Police Chief James Ison said:
“He engaged the gunman from quite a distance with a handgun and was very proficient. He is a true hero.”
According to WTHR News, Dicken had no formal military or law enforcement training. He learned to shoot from his grandfather and practiced regularly.
Concealed Carry Civilians Stop More Active Shooters Than Police
Dicken’s story isn’t just a one-off. In fact, armed civilians stop active shooters more often than you think—and more effectively than many assume.
A 2024 study by Dr. John Lott of the Crime Prevention Research Center shows that from 2014–2023, armed citizens stopped 51.5% of active shootings in non–gun-free zones, compared to 44.6% stopped by police. Armed civilians also faced fewer fatalities and injuries than law enforcement in the same scenarios.
This research echoes a hard truth:
When seconds count, police are minutes away.
The Clock Doesn’t Lie: Response Times Matter
According to the FBI, the average police response time to an active shooter is between 3–4 minutes (source: FBI.gov). That’s considered fast. But when a shooter can kill a person every few seconds, even the shortest delays can cost lives.
In contrast, Elisjsha Dicken stopped a mass shooting in just 15 seconds.
Being a Concealed Carry Hero Requires More Than Just a Gun
Carrying a firearm does not automatically make you ready. You need training, mental readiness, and constant practice. According to The Armory Life’s guide to range safety, even experienced shooters must continually reinforce safe gun handling, target identification, and emergency tactics.
This is why training is not optional. It’s essential.
If you’re in New York, you can’t afford to skip the 18-hour NY CCW Class offered by NY Safe Inc.. It’s not just a legal requirement—it’s the training that prepares you to protect your life, your family, and others.
What You’ll Learn with NY Safe Inc Concealed Carry Classes.
- NY Use of Force Law
- Situational Awareness & Threat Avoidance
- Defensive Marksmanship
- Firearms Safety & Storage
- Legal Aftermath: What Happens After You Pull the Trigger
- Strategies for De-escalation and Conflict Avoidance
Whether you’re in Nassau, Suffolk, or NYC, this course prepares you to carry legally and responsibly in one of the most regulated states in the country.
Check your county-specific application guides:
Are You Ready to Be the Hero?
Elisjsha Dicken didn’t wake up that day planning to be a hero. But he was ready when it counted. He had the skills, the mindset, and the courage to act when innocent lives were on the line.
If something happened today—at a mall, in a school, in a church—would you be ready?
Would you know what to do?
Would you be the one standing between chaos and safety?
Get trained. Be ready. Become the protector your family needs.
🛡️ Enroll in the NY CCW 18-Hour Class Now »
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