@MassGuy - I understand what you are communicating here about the average citizen and in this case most of the volunteer searchers involved in this instance having possibly never encountered someone with a firearm. Possibly some never even seeing a firearm before IRL. Many people are horrified of guns and I appreciate that. I posted about this just moments ago (good to know you don’t read my posts, duly noted).
As adults we need to take responsibility for our own feelings and emotions. In Colorado that means seeing people with guns about. Plus in many areas you can actually shoot on your own property or in designated open areas, including where families recreate. Guns and Colorado are copacetic. Maybe that was a bonus to BM, to be able to roam about with his pistola - I don’t know! Sounds right. Coming from IN maybe he thought he was living the Wild West life and often roamed his property with his gun, he is a hunter/outdoorsman. Again, yes the absolute worst optics on that day!
There are many scenarios that can be perceived as threatening, very large man who could pound you into oblivion by shear size, people with large dogs, a person under the influence of drugs or mental health issues, a large group approaching (riot) and for a woman just a single man in a place that is even “safe” she can be overpowered, as maybe Suzanne was in her very own home. Threats exists everywhere in our world. They have become too commonplace, if our adult minds perceived all threats around us daily, we’d perhaps not leave the house. Any lunatic at the store could have a gun and decide to start shooting. I feel this story has been “grown” for clicks and that’s too bad.
I know your dislike of BM is deep, I fully understand that. And I await what is hopefully coming. I’m not trying to excuse or defend here. I do like to present facts that aren’t being discussed.
I’m sorry you’ve had anyone at anytime point a gun at you- terrifying and traumatic. You are lucky to be alive.