Sometimes you might be able to identify a suicide bomber before he detonates. Here’s what to look for:
– Clothing that is bulky or excessive for the weather (to hide the bomb)
– Hands hidden (possibly holding the switch to detonate the bomb)
– A strange chemical odor or excessive cologne to cover up that smell
– The bomber focused, but unresponsive. Suicide bombers often have the “1000 yard stare” and are usually unresponsive to questions or commands
– Heavy luggage or backpacks that don’t fit the situation. The average weight of a bomb used by a suicide bomber is around 20 lbs. The Madrid train bombers all had very heavy backpacks. The Moscow bomber placed his bomb in a rolling suitcase. Not all the bombers wear their bombs.
– Nervousness, excessive sweating, or repeated mumbling of a prayer or mantra
– Exposed wires anywhere on a person’s body
– Repeated attempts to avoid security checkpoints and/or police officers
Source: Armed Citizen Response to the Terrorist Bomber | Active Response Training
