Overview
On April 2, 2023, 31-year-old Alan Colie, a DoorDash driver, shot 21-year-old Tanner Cook, a YouTuber known for his prank channel Classified Goons, inside the Dulles Town Center Mall in Sterling, Virginia.
Cook walked up to Colie with his phone in hand, using a text-to-speech app to play bizarre phrases while filming. Colie repeatedly told him to stop, but Cook kept getting closer, standing and advancing just inches away. Seconds later, Colie pulled his legally carried handgun and fired one shot, hitting Cook in the abdomen.
Cook survived, and the shooting quickly made national headlines — not just because it was on camera, but because it raised serious questions about what qualifies as a reasonable threat and how far self-defense really goes.
Click here to watch the video of the incident (viewer discretion advised).
The Incident
From the video, it’s clear that Colie didn’t start the confrontation. He asked Cook to back up several times, but Cook ignored every warning. Even as Colie tried to walk away, Cook kept following and crowding him.
Still, when the shot was fired, Cook wasn’t physically attacking — his hands were visible, holding only the phone. That’s where the line gets blurry. Was Colie reacting to an imminent danger, or did he simply reach his breaking point after being pushed too far?
Anyone who carries a firearm knows that feeling of tension when someone won’t respect your space. But that moment — right before you act — is where judgment matters most.
Legal Proceedings
Colie was charged with:
- Aggravated malicious wounding
- Use of a firearm in the commission of a felony
- Discharging a firearm within an occupied building
The jury acquitted him of the first two charges, agreeing he acted in self-defense. But they did find him guilty of firing a gun inside an occupied building, which in Virginia is a Class 6 felony.
He was sentenced to time served, but that conviction likely means he lost his Second Amendment rights — the right to ever legally own or carry a firearm again.
So yes, he won in court on self-defense, but it still cost him his rights, reputation, and livelihood. That’s not a win anyone wants.
Legal Analysis
Under Virginia law, you can only use deadly force when you reasonably believe you’re in immediate danger of death or serious bodily harm, and there’s no other safe option.
The jury clearly believed Colie’s fear was real and reasonable. But as an instructor, I look at this through a different lens: just because it was legally justified doesn’t mean it was tactically necessary.
He had other options — verbal commands, creating distance, or using OC spray. Even a better retreat could’ve changed the outcome. Instead, one round fired in a crowded mall changed his life forever.
This is why I constantly remind students: the gun is the last resort, not the first reaction.
Lessons for CCW Holders and Armed Security
This case is a tough reminder that being legally right doesn’t mean you’ll walk away unscathed.
- De-escalation always comes first. Don’t take the bait — walk away, use your voice, and control the tone.
- Distance equals time and options. Don’t let anyone get inside your reaction gap.
- Train with your less-lethal tools. OC spray or verbal control can end an encounter without ruining your life.
- Think about your surroundings. Firing inside a mall or business creates massive liability.
- Winning in court doesn’t mean you really won. A single bad decision can cost you everything — even if you’re found not guilty.
The Role of Self-Defense Insurance
One of the biggest lessons from this case is that Alan Colie was reportedly covered by USCCA, and that membership helped pay for his legal defense.
A shooting like this can cost tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees — even when you’re cleared. Without insurance, most people simply couldn’t afford to fight for their freedom.
Whether you’re a CCW holder or armed professional, self-defense coverage is something you can’t afford not to have. It protects you from the financial fallout of doing what you believed was right.
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Instructor Commentary – Mark Schneider
In my opinion, the jury made the right call. Alan Colie wasn’t the aggressor — Tanner Cook caused this by pushing boundaries and ignoring clear warnings.
That said, I don’t believe Colie had a clear, immediate, and unavoidable threat of death or serious injury. This situation didn’t require deadly force. With a little more training in de-escalation or OC spray, it probably never would’ve come to that.
This is exactly why I emphasize judgment, awareness, and communication in my classes. It’s not enough to be accurate with a gun — you have to know when not to use it.
A firearm should be your last resort. Every other skill you build — your voice, your awareness, your composure — will do more to keep you free than any caliber ever could.
Call to Action
Train Before You Carry.
Real-world encounters happen fast. Whether you’re a CCW holder, armed guard, or law enforcement professional, training is what separates a justified defense from a bad decision.
👉 Sign up for your Colorado Concealed Handgun Class
Build Confidence Through Realistic Training.
At Concealed Carry Classes of Denver, we don’t just teach theory. We teach judgment, awareness, and how to stay calm when it counts.
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- Portland Cannabis Store Employee Acquitted in Double-Homicide Case After Robbery Attempt
- Baltimore Bouncer Chokehold Incident: Every Element of Self-Defense Violated
- The Gavin Dainsaur Shooting: Self-Defense, Ego, and the Cost of Bad Decisions
Additional Resources
- 🛒 Shop Tactical Gear & Training Equipment
- 🛡️ Compare the Best Self-Defense Insurance Plans
- 🎯 Browse Our Shooting Drills & Qualification Courses
- ⚖️ Understand Colorado Self-Defense Laws
Disclaimer
The information in this article is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice or establish an attorney–client relationship. Readers are encouraged to consult a qualified attorney familiar with their state and local laws before making any decisions related to self-defense or the use of force.
All opinions expressed are those of Mark Schneider, Senior Firearms Instructor, and are based on training, experience, and publicly available information about the case.
