FBI-Miami Handouts

11/20/2011
The FBI-Miami Firefight
The FBI’s Miami Firefight:
Lessons That Still Resonate
By John Hearne
Rangemaster Staff Instructor
Owner, DVC Targets
www.dvctargets.com
The Most Difficult I’ve Done
• Thought I knew everything about the
event.
• Thought that the sources would agree.
• The more I learned about the event, the
more I didn’t know.
• The more I studied, the more respect I
gained for the agents and the more
contempt I had for the bad guys.
• This year is the 25th anniversary of one of
the most famous and studied gunfights in
American history.
• On April 11, 1986, eight FBI agents
attempted to arrest two heavily armed
robbery suspects.
• A four minute plus gun battle ensued in
which both suspects were killed but at the
cost of two dead FBI agents, three
grievously injured agents, and two
wounded agents.
Our Purpose
• With that said, the Agents made some
significant mistakes and could have done
better.
• The commentary and analysis is not done
to make fun of them.
• The Agents suffered for their mistakes
long after the event ended.
• We need to make sure we don’t make the
same mistakes.
A Note on Sources
Special Thanks
THEY DON’T AGREE.
• My wife for putting up with me and my site
visits.
• William April for promoting my
understanding of the deviant mind.
• The FBI’s Redacted Case File.
• Brian McKenna’s article “Not Afraid To
Die!” from Police Marksman magazine
(Officer Down by Brian McKenna)
• Interview with Massad Ayoob
• Ayoob’s interview with John Hanlon (online and print – proarmspodcast.com)
• Dr. Gary Roberts for ballistics information.
• Various Internet Resources including:
ODMP, Wikipedia, The Gun Zone, Local
Papers, Firearms Tactical Zone
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French Anderson: Forensic
Analysis of the April 11, 1986 FBI
Firefight.
• Truly impressive work.
• Spent ten years working on it and then
revising it.
• Took his time and did it right.
• Out of his own funds.
• Distributed it to LE for free.
• Hard copy available from Paladin Press.
Problems with the Power Point
• Simultaneous is hard to show
• Very three-dimensional battle
• Much higher round count than shown
more than 130 rounds (70+ by FBI, 119+
by Platt and Matix).
• Is continuous while the fight was more
intermittent.
Problems with the FBI Video
• Makes it look too easy.
• Leaves out approximately one minute
worth of events.
• Not recorded at the actual site.
• Minor errors such as Risner’s arrival time,
Hanlon’s actions, Orrantios’ charge across
the street.
• Doesn’t relate interaction with Metro Dade.
The Plan
• Provide you the same information the
Agents had.
• Give a walk through of the battlefield
terrain and discuss the weapons used.
• Run through the fight as I understand it.
• Try to understand the participants.
• Draw specific lessons for “takeaways.”
Questions?
The Morning Of…
The Morning Of…
• On April 11, 1986, agents from the Miami
and Homestead Field Offices are
conducting a surveillance operation.
• 14 FBI agents in 10 vehicles are involved.
• Random agents aren’t assigned to this
case.
• The “Criminal Squad” that deals with
violent crimes, like kidnapping and bank
robbery, is assigned.
• This is their third attempt to locate two
suspects involved in a series of bank
robberies, armored car robberies, and
homicides.
• The string of crimes goes back to October
of 1985 – approximately 7 months.
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The Previous Known Crimes
The Previous Known Crimes
• October 16, 1985 @ 12:30 p.m. – armored
car robbery, shoot guard with shotgun
almost immediately, flee before taking any
money, 3rd person possibly present.
• November 8, 1985 @ 10:33 a.m. – bank
robbery, armed with large revolver and
military style rifle, ~$20,000* taken.
• November 8, 1985 @ 12:00 p.m. – bank
robbery, armed with large revolver and
military style rifle, ~$86,000* taken.
• January 10, 1986 @ 10:30 a.m. – armored
car robbery, armed with shotgun and
military style rifle, two guards shot, one
dies, ~$112,000* taken.
• March 19, 1986 @ 9:30 a.m. – bank
robbery, armed with shotgun and militarystyle rifle, ~$16,000* taken.
The Morning Of…
The Morning Of…
• Robberies are tied together by
descriptions (clothing), methods
(immediate violence), and getaway
vehicles.
• One getaway vehicle was owned by a
missing person, last seen on October 4,
1985.
• Another getaway vehicle was obtained on
March 12, 1986 in an attempted homicide.
The Morning Of…
• Robbers repeatedly show no hesitation to
shoot.
• All of the robberies have
taken place on Fridays –
between 9:30 a.m. and
12:30 p.m.
• The owner of this vehicle, Jose Collazo,
survives the attack and is able to create a
composite drawing.
• At this time it is known that the suspects
have murdered two people, shot two
others, attempted to murder a third, and
have used the car of a “missing” person.
• They are armed with long guns and
witnesses have stated that they may be
wearing body armor.
The Morning Of…
• The Agents are aware that they are in for
a fight.
• Grogan said “Whoever comes across
these guys first will really have their hands
full.”
• McNeil’s wife noted her husbands
demeanor “He had such a personal
vendetta against these people because
they were so bad.”
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The Morning Of…
The Morning Of…
• At 8:45 a.m. Gordon McNeil, the on-scene
supervisor, briefs the involved Special
Agents.
• At approximately 9:17 a.m. Grogan and
Dove advise they have spotted Collazo’s
vehicle on South Dixie Highway.
• They advise that it is occupied by two
males.
• FBI Agents spread over several miles,
rush towards Dove and Grogan.
• The vehicle turns off Dixie Highway, into a
residential neighborhood.
• After a series of turns, it becomes obvious
that the suspects have spotted the FBI
Agents.
• There is a “a lot of activity” in the suspect’s
vehicle.
• McNeil passes the suspect vehicle and
sees the passenger loading a long gun.
The Decision To Stop
Pre-Fight Collisions
• Half of the available agents are already
present including all the SWAT agents.
• Metro Dade has been notified.
• With a gunfight seemingly imminent, and
the suspects headed towards a more
densely populated area, the decision is
made to stop the suspects now.
• A series of ramming maneuvers takes
place before the vehicles come to rest.
Pre-Fight Collisions
• Why did Manauzzi ram from behind?
• Platt was aiming his Mini-14 at
Hanlon/Mireles.
• The collision prevented the loss of Hanlon
and/or Mireles.
• Early use of violence is consistent with
their M.O.
Weapons/Ammo Used
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The Bad Guys
• Platt and Matix were armed with a long
gun and a backup pistol.
• Platt carried the Mini-14 and a S&W .357
Magnum revolver. He likely had two spare
magazines for the rifle.
• Matix was armed with a S&W 12 gauge
shotgun and a Dan Wesson .357 magnum
revolver. The shotgun had been
converted to a pistol grip only
configuration.
The Good Guys - Handguns
• The three SWAT certified officers were
armed with S&W 459’s loaded with 115
grain Silvertip JHP’s. Dove and Risner
carried at least one spare magazine.
• The remaining agents were armed with
six-shot .38/.357 magnum revolvers. The
duty load was a .38 Special +P load.
Hanlon was armed with a five shot Jframe.
The Good Guys – Long Guns
• There were two Remington 870’s onscene. They appear to have been issued
with 10 rounds of buck and 10 slugs.
• Mireles used his with buckshot and
McNeil’s was on the back seat, unloaded.
• Other agents in the surveillance had long
guns – 4 870’s, 1 M-16, 1 MP-5SD (one
agent had two in his vehicle)
• The remaining agents were all armed with
revolvers.
The Battlefield
The Battlefield
The Battlefield
• The vehicles come to rest in front of a
duplex.
• The suspect’s vehicle is under a tree.
• There is a very sharp contrast between the
shade of the tree and the position of the
involved agents.
• The bad guys are dressed in dark clothes.
• There is a large amount of dust in the air
and there is about to be a lot of smoke.
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The Battlefield
The Battlefield (2007)
The Battlefield (2007)
Scene Photos
Scene Photos
Based
Manuzzis’
on the
pistol
angle
is lost
of rounds
in the collision.
fired through
It is later
Manauzzi’s
found on
vehicle,
the passenger’s
it is very likely
sidethat
of
the
Matix
vehicle.
was tucked
Platt fires
down
oninManauzzi
the seat. atThis
least
is 6why
times
thewith
muzzle
the Mini-14
blasts don’t
fromaffect
insidehim
the
Monte Carlo. (13 .223
andcasings
McNeil are
doesn’t
found
engage
inside him
the vehicle)
initially. Manauzzi is hit by
bullet fragments in the head and shoulders as he flees the vehicle.
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Exterior of Manauzzi’s Vehicle
Interior of Manauzzi’s Vehicle
McNeil’s Vehicle
As McNeil’s vehicle approaches, Platt fires at it scoring several hits.
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Grogan
Hanlon
Hanlon,
Mireles,
and
and
having
Dove
armed
Mireles
exit
lost
with
leave
their
his
hisprimary
vehicles.
their
duty vehicle
revolver
revolver,
Grogan
and
and
draws
charge
fights
a shotgun
his
from
across
BUG
moves
theand
the
rear
street.
to
moves
and
assist
Dove
At
toMcNeil.
this
support
takes
pointa
numerous shots have
position
beenoffired
cover
Grogan.
and
in the open
presence
door.of the rifle is known.
McNeil exits his vehicle, moves to the hood of Manauizzi’s vehicle, and fires 4
rounds from his revolver. The four rounds miss Platt and Matix but are found in a
“tight group” inside the vehicle.
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Platt fires the Mini-14, striking McNeil in the dominant hand.
Mireles carries his shotgun muzzle down. As he approaches McNeil, he raises the
shotgun’s muzzle to avoid covering McNeil. He is hit in the left forearm by a .223 round.
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Mireles falls to the ground and begins to crawl to the rear of McNeils’ vehicle while
on his back.
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With the threats on the left side of the vehicle seemingly nuetralized by Platt’s .223,
Matix fires his shotgun, striking Grogan/Dove’s vehicle.
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Grogan returns fire, striking Matix in his dominant arm.
Grogan’s hit on Matix
This was a “minor wound” as it missed both forearm bones, transecting a minor
artery, and damaging the Median Nerve.
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Source: Anderson, French. Forensic Analysis of the April 11, 1986, FBI Firefight.
CD Edition. (2002)
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McNeil’s
of this
Matix in is
theprobably
side of still
the head.
Matix,
who first
has round
just been
shotvolley
in thestrikes
right forearm,
lookingMatix
behind
slumps and is struck him
a second
in the
right shoulder area. Both are
when time
McNeil
re-engages.
devastating wounds.
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McNeils’s First Hit On Matix
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Source: Anderson, French. Forensic Analysis of the April 11, 1986, FBI Firefight.
CD Edition. (2002)
McNeils’s Second Hit On Matix
At approximately the same time that McNeil fires his two devastating rounds,
Orrantia and Risner arrive on-scene. They are approximately 30 yards away.
This round transects the brachial plexus, and almost certainly caused the loss of
the use of the arm. Additionally, 900 cc of blood accumulate in the right lung.
Source: Anderson, French. Forensic Analysis of the April 11, 1986, FBI Firefight.
CD Edition. (2002)
Platt attempts to exit the trapped Monte Carlo. As he climbs out the window, Dove
fires and hits him. Platt rolls and takes two additional rounds, most likely from
Dove.
Dove’s First Hit On Platt
The
first
wound
thatofPlatt
is probably
non-survivable.
transects
thePlatt
brachial
Blood
loss
outside
the received
body is believed
to have
matched the Itinternal
loss.
will
artery,
exits,
reenters
and drives
into
the
right
lung.
lose half
of his
blood volume
from
just
this
wound.
The coroner
willcoroner
find 1.3will
liters
20%
of Platt’s
volume in
the lung.
It is estimated
The
findorthis
wound
to beblood
the principal
cause
of death.
that several hundred ml are in the arm wound.
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Source: Anderson, French. Forensic Analysis of the April 11, 1986, FBI Firefight.
CD Edition. (2002)
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Dove’s(?) Second and Third Hits on Platt
From
Once this
he rolled
position,
off the
Platthood
is hidden
of thefrom
vehicle
view
that
byhad
almost
trapped
everyone
him. ifPlatt
he drops
was inbelow
a
the
“hole”
roof generated
line. If he drops
by his below
dark clothing
hood level,
and he
lighting
is probably
conditions.
out ofThe
sight
Mini-14
to everyone.
is
probably empty after the initial stage of the firefight.
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Source: Anderson, French. Forensic Analysis of the April 11, 1986, FBI Firefight.
CD Edition. (2002)
While the exact location or time is not known, Platt received a grazing pistol wound
to his back. The round did not penetrate but Anderson believes that Platt was
aware he had been hit.
Anderson, while skeptical, tends to credit Orrantia with this hit. However, given the
direction of the bullet’s path, it is far more likely that the round was fired by Grogan,
Dove, or Hanlon. It may have been later in the fight as well.
Source: Anderson, French. Forensic Analysis of the April 11, 1986, FBI Firefight.
CD Edition. (2002)
Platt, with most likely an empty rifle, fires his .357 magnum revolver at Risner and
Orrantia’s vehicle between one and three times. One of the rounds penetrates the
car visor above Orrantio’s head.
As Platt turns to engage the Agents at Grogan and Dove’s vehicle, he is struck by
two pistol rounds. The second round was definitely fired by Risner from roughly 30
yards. Whether Risner or Orrantio fired the first shot is not known.
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Platt’s Fourth and Fifth Wounds
Platt’s Fourth and Fifth Wounds
This wound shattered the radius bone of Platt’s wrist. With this wound, he lost the use
of his thumb and the ability to hold the revolver. The revolver is found at this spot by
investigators.
This wound was definitely fired by Risner from approximately 30 yards away. Despite
the impressiveness of the shot, the 9mm Silvertip does not penetrate the chest wall and
comes to rest between Platt’s ribs and the muscles of the chest wall.
Source: Anderson, French. Forensic Analysis of the April 11, 1986, FBI Firefight.
CD Edition. (2002)
Source: Anderson, French. Forensic Analysis of the April 11, 1986, FBI Firefight.
CD Edition. (2002)
Having been hit again, it is believed that Platt reloaded the Mini-14 and placed it
against his shoulder using his good arm. While he had lost the use of his thumb,
he had not lost the use of his trigger finger.
Platt fires a single round of .223 at Risner’s and Orrantia’s vehicle. Orrantia is
reloading from a box of ammo in the glove box and the round, penetrates the car’s
dash and wounds Orrantia with flying debris and fragments.
Blood evidence shows that Matix crawled out the same window as Platt and took a
position near Platt. Matix was “lost” to the participants and he most likely crawled
out about this time.
Having engaged Risner and Orrantia, Platt fires twice at McNeil who has retreated
behind his vehicle after being unable to reload his revolver with his wounded hand.
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The first round misses McNeil but the second round strikes him in the neck. The
impact of the round paralyzes McNeil for several hours. McNeil can see and hear
everything happening around him.
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After
approximately
Dove’s 459 this
is empty,
same ittime,
is struck
Doveby
leaves
a .223his
round.
position
It isatnot
theknown
side ofwhere
the vehicle.
Dove
Dove
was when
had fired
the pistol
20 rounds,
was struck.
expending
This all
could
of the
have
ammunition
been the on
finalhis
“push”
person.
thatOne
made
of
his empty magazineshim
is found
leave in
histhe
position.
passenger side floorboard.
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Given
Dove’s
Matix’s
movement
position
leaves
relative
Hanlon
to the
watching
line of sight
the right
of the
side
agents,
of theitvehicle.
is possible
Hanlon
that
Agents
fires five
direct
rounds
theirand
at him
thenand
starts
loose
to reload.
track ofItMatix.
is possible
The two
thatare
thedressed
door was
almost
open,
forcing Hanlon into
identically.
a more exposed position.
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To do
Hanlon
this, struggles
it appearstothat
reload
Platthis
moved
J-frame,
along
hethe
feels
side
a round
of the breeze
civilian vehicle,
by and he
fired
readjusts
andhis
then
position.
continued
Hanlon
to adjust
is also
hisgrazed
position
in to
theget
scalp
a better
by another
angle on
.223
Hanlon
round. A
second later he is struck in the dominant hand by a .223 round.
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To do this, it appears that Platt moved along the side of the civilian vehicle, fired
and then continued to adjust his position to get a better angle on Hanlon
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Once Hanlon is neutralized, Platt moves forward, firing as he advances. This was
probably to suppress Grogan who was standing at the rear his vehicle.
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Risner can see Platt’s advance and shouts repeated warnings. Based on his low
cover position, the “window” to engage Platt is very narrow and the shot long. The
majority of the time, the only target is Platt’s moving head and upper torso.
Risner’s Target
Risner’s View
Platt continues to move firing as he advances. As soon as he has an “angle” on
Grogan, he shoots him in the chest.
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Hanlon aware that Platt is approaching, hears Grogan scream “Oh my God!” as
Grogan is shot. Hanlon tries to push himself under the vehicle. Platt shoots
Hanlon in the groin as he rolls around the vehicle.
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Platt continues his advance on Grogan/Dove’s vehicle. As he rounds the trunk, he
can see a kneeling and defenseless Dove on the ground. Platt shoots him twice in
the chest then twice in the head as Dove attempts to push himself up.
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As Platt moves toward Grogan/Dove’s vehicle, Matix leaves cover and will enter
from the passenger’s side.
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By this time, Metro Dade Units are arriving on-scene. They stage at the north side
of the shooting as they cannot identify good and bad guys.
Metro
Dade
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As Platt opens the car door and attempts to enter, Mireles, laying on his side and
shooting one-handed, fires round of 00 buck which strikes Platt in the feet.
Once Platt and Matix are in the car, Mireles, resting the shotgun on the bumper of
McNeil’s vehicle, fires another charge of 00 buck which hits the quarter panel.
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Mireles aims carefully and fires his last three rounds of 00 buck into the windshield
of the vehicle. It is highly unlikely that any of the 00 buck pellets, other than the
first, hit Platt or Matix.
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Platt takes Matix’s revolver from its shoulder holster and holding it in his nondominant hand, leaves the vehicle and attempts to engage Mireles.
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Platt fires three rounds of .357 magnum but none of them hit Mireles. Mireles is
not even aware of the rounds being fired at him.
After the three rounds, Platt staggers back to Grogan/Dove’s vehicle.
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Mireles
Mirelesbelieves
watchesthat
Platt
heand
is about
Matixto
attempting
lose consciousness
to start the as
vehicle.
is experiencing
Concerned
distinct
that
tunnel
they will
vision.
run over
He approaches
the downedand
agents,
firesMireles
a roundstands
a Platt.and
The
draws
roundhis
strikes
service
the
headrest
revolver.
behind Platt.
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Mireles continues to advance, firing another shot at Platt as he approaches. The
round may have hit Platt in the head after deflecting but it does not penetrate the
skull.
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Platt’s First Wound In The FBI Vehicle
Platt’s Reaction to Shots
This scalp wound was caused by a 19 grain projectile. It was either a piece of 00 buck
or a bullet fragment cause by the round first striking the window frame.
After being hit, Platt flattens himself, trying to avoid Mireles’ shots.
Source: Anderson, French. Forensic Analysis of the April 11, 1986, FBI Firefight.
CD Edition. (2002)
Source: Anderson, French. Forensic Analysis of the April 11, 1986, FBI Firefight.
CD Edition. (2002)
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Mireles continues to advance, firing at Matix as he becomes visible. Three of three
rounds strike Matix.
Matix’s First Wound In The FBI Vehicle
This round strikes the cheek causing no significant damage. If the bullet had struck ½”
to the left, it would have been fatal.
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Source: Anderson, French. Forensic Analysis of the April 11, 1986, FBI Firefight.
CD Edition. (2002)
Matix’s Second Wound In The FBI Vehicle
Matix’s Third Wound In The FBI Vehicle
Trapped
This bullet
bycatches
Platt, Matix
in thehas
orbit
noof
choice
Matix’s
butleft
to eye
make
and
himself
drivesadownward,
smaller target
burying
by lowering
itself in
Matix’s spinal column and
his head.
transecting the spinal cord.
This
Withround
the spinal
expends
cordmost
damaged,
of its energy
Matix’sdriving
body would
through
have
therelaxed,
jaw andraising
stops next
his head.
to the
spinal cord without damaging it.
Source: Anderson, French. Forensic Analysis of the April 11, 1986, FBI Firefight.
CD Edition. (2002)
Source: Anderson, French. Forensic Analysis of the April 11, 1986, FBI Firefight.
CD Edition. (2002)
Mireles continues to advance and fires his last round in to Platt from practically
contact distance through the open window.
Platt’s Final Wound
ThisMireles
round makes
fires hisit last
to C5
shot
butby
does
thrusting
not penetrate.
the barrel Itofprobably
his revolver
bruised
into the
the spinal
vehicle.
cord.
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Source: Anderson, French. Forensic Analysis of the April 11, 1986, FBI Firefight.
CD Edition. (2002)
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As Mireles fires his last shot into the vehicle, Risner and Orrantia move across the
street. They remove Platt and Matix from the vehicle.
Other Important Events
• While the gunfight was under way, several noninvolved vehicles drove down the street,
unaware of the unfolding events.
• The FBI agents stopped firing to allow the
vehicles to pass. Platt did not.
• Between the time Mireles emptied the shotgun
and charged the car containing Platt and Matix,
a Metro Dade officer, Martin Heckman (wearing
body armor), decided that McNeil was a cop and
moved forward.
• Unwilling to shoot anyone he couldn’t identify,
he placed himself on top of McNeil to protect
him.
The Participants - Agents
The Participants
The Participants - Agents
• Ed Mireles – 33 years old at the time, 6
years with the FBI, former Marine, top
shooter, Embassy duty.
• Gil Orrantia – 27 years old at the time, 4
years with the FBI
• Ron Risner – previous military, service in
Vietnam, SWAT certified.
• Largely based on newspaper accounts –
be skeptical.
• John Hanlon – 48 years old at the time, 22
years with the FBI, just completed law
school.
• Dick Manauzzi – 43 years old at the time,
15 years with the FBI.
• Gordon McNeil – 43 years old at the time,
married with children, 19 years with the
FBI.
The Participants – Jerry Dove
• Jerry Dove – 30 years old at the time,
single, 4 years with the FBI, SWAT
certified.
• Law school graduate – worked for State
Attorney’s Office
• Instructed at the State Police Academy.
• Miami was his third field office.
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The Participants – Ben Grogan
• Ben Grogan – 53 years old at the time,
married, 19 years with the FBI.
• Deeply religious, had considered the
priesthood.
• Prior to the FBI was a college instructor.
• Almost eligible for retirement.
• Requested a field assignment.
• Specialized in street crimes.
• Prior SWAT team commander.
• Firearms Instructor and best shot in the
office.
The Evil Men
• Platt and Matix were not the stereotypical
criminals you’d expect.
• Neither one had any official criminal
history prior to the firefight.
• Their status as the bad guys shocked a lot
of people.
• Platt’s friends thought he should have
been one of the Agents
• Matix was allegedly a born-again
Christian that carved toys and had been
featured in magazine articles speaking
about his faith.
The Public Face - Matix
• Matix was 34 yoa on April 11, 1986. He
was estranged from his current wife. Had
two children.
• He was raised in rural Ohio.
• Grew up lower middle class, noted for his
strong work ethic (since 10 yoa)
• Was in Future Farmers of America.
• Matix joined Marines – served as a “cook”
• Matix joined Army – completed Airborne
training, then served as a Military
Policeman at Ft. Campbell with Platt.
The Public Face - Matix
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Matix performed well in the military.
Numerous letters of commendation.
NCO of the quarter.
Considered an “exceptional soldier.”
The Public Face - Matix
The Public Face - Matix
• “SGT. MATIX is one of the most
professional soldiers I’ve ever had the
opportunity to serve with. He is highly
skilled in his MOS and is inventive in
utilizing problem solving techniques. … If it
were in my power to do so I would
promote this man immediately. I would be
surprised and sorely disappointed if this
SM did not become a Command Sergeant
Major sometime during his Army career. I
would welcome the opportunity to serve
with this soldier anytime.”
• After the military, he bounces from job to
job.
• Spends time in the National Guard, serves
as a Criminal Investigator and then
helicopter mechanic.
• His wife and her co-worker are brutally
murdered at their hospital lab in December
of 1983
• Matix received large insurance settlement
- ~$400,000*.
• Matix moves to Miami to work with Platt.
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The Public Face - Platt
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Platt was 32 yoa on April 11, 1986.
He was married with four kids.
Was a military brat, one of three brothers.
Graduated top 10% of his high school
class and a basketball star - “He wasn’t
one to get rattled easily”
• Was married briefly, divorced, and joined
the Army and served for seven years.
• Completed Ranger school, Expert shot
with the M-16, serves as a Military
Policeman with Matix.
The Public Face - Platt
• Once out of the Army, he marries and
settles in Miami.
• Platt settles in Miami and works with his
brother in a landscaping business.
• His second wife commits suicide with a
shotgun in December of 1984.
Time In Miami
The Missing Months
• Matix moves to Miami in April of 1984,
working with Platt and his brother.
• Platt’s wife expresses concerns about their
activities.
• She notes that they are “playing with guns”
and taking regular trips out of the area.
• Platt insists that his wife sleep with Matix.
• Platt’s wife is dead by the end of 1984.
• Between January 1985 and April 1986,
Platt and Matix are “in business” together.
• They claim to have a landscaping
business but they are living very well.
• Both of their homes are paid for and they
are not modest homes.
• They have set up trust funds for their
children (nothing to lose).
• Platt owns and drives three vehicles, one
of them is a Jaguar.
Double Lives
Sociopaths and Psychopaths
• While the FBI is willing to tie them to 6
armed robberies, they were likely involved
in more, as many as 15 in south Florida.
• Prior to robbing armored cars and banks,
Platt and Matix were strongly (almost
certainly) suspected of robbing drug
dealers (~450 homicides per year).
• When the FBI searches the warehouse,
supposedly for their landscaping business,
they find weapons, ammunition, and other
“tools of the trade.”
• Sociopaths are people who lack empathy for
others and have a persistent disregard for the
rights of others. They want what they want and
they don’t care if others are harmed.
• Psychopaths are people who lack empathy for
others and have a persistent disregard for the
rights of others. They want what they want and
they enjoy hurting others to get it.
• A hallmark of both sociopaths and psychopaths
is their ability to lie and con people.
• Platt lied about having cancer, Matix lied about
his faith and his wife’s murder. Both garnered
favorable public attention for their lies.
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Sociopaths and Psychopaths
The Satisfaction of a Job Well Done
• Sociopaths and psychopaths also see
people doing honest work as fools and are
willing to take from them in order to have
what they want – it’s just a matter of
whether they enjoy it.
• Platt and Matix wanted to live well and
they found a way to do it.
• They took their existing skills and applied
them to rob and murder.
• With certainty, they made $100,000* each
in seven months.
• Platt and Matix also seem to have gradually
escalated their crimes.
• They seem to have sought greater and
greater challenges.
• They deliberately targeted victims who were
likely to be armed.
• It is likely that they enjoyed the challenge
and the satisfaction of being better and
smarter much more than the material goods
(trophies).
• They enjoyed making the world dance to
their tune.
Platt and Matix
The Rock Pit Murders
• They had no problems killing other people
to get what they wanted.
• What did they want?
• The material goods were enjoyed but not
the main reason.
• They wanted satisfaction.
• They never hesitated to use violence in
any of their crimes.
• They likely killed each others wives (or
were complicit) to be able to live the life
they wanted.
• At the “rock pit” they killed two people and
attempted to kill Collazo.
• Why? So they’d have a getaway car that
wasn’t reported stolen
• and so they could confront armed people.
The Scary Pairing
Sharks Swim With Us
• It is not uncommon for a psychopath and a
sociopath to pair up – dangerous synergy.
• The psychopath will tend to drive the
sociopath to greater and greater ends that
the sociopath would not have done by
him/herself.
• They can share their deviance and be
more open with each other.
• (Matix’s need for religion)
• (Matix’s meeting after Collazo)
• You need to accept that people like Platt
and Matix exist in this world.
• You need to accept that you could cross
paths with them at any time. (gym)
• You need to be prepared to deal with
them.
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Sharks Swim With Us
• They will be prepared to deal with you.
(750-1500 rounds a week)
• These are not “crackheads with Ravens.”
• Had been in running gunfights with
armored car guards and kept going back.
• If you show them your Kel-Tec .32, they’ll
stick it up your ass.
Hierarchy of Conflict
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Armed Confrontations
Shootings
Gunfights
Gun Battles
• Gun battles are the least common type of
fight in the U.S.
• They are marked by maneuver and length.
• “If he’s moving and he’s not running away,
he’s not coming over to shake you hand.”
Analysis/Major Lessons
“Gay” Range Safety Rules
• Cooper’s “Four Rules” apply on the twoway range.
• Mireles could have killed McNeil had he
not raised the muzzle of his shotgun.
• Risner and Orrantia had to stop shooting
and raise their weapons due to vehicles
driving through the fight.
• The suspect’s car was shot a lot. The
suspects were not.
• Metro Dade did not fire because they
couldn’t identify the bad guys.
Marksmanship Lessons
Marksmanship Lessons
• The marksmanship problem quickly
escalates once the target is moving and is
not “full value.”
• None of the shots took place in optimal
conditions.
• Almost no shots in this fight were on “full
value targets”
• Almost all shots in this fight took place in a
compressed time frame.
• The distances ranged from point blank to
30 (or 40) yards.
• All of the Agents involved were “qualified”
by their agency.
• The qualification standard was ridiculously
removed from the realities of the fight.
(70% on a Q-Target)
• Unless the test requires reflexive gun
handling – it doesn’t matter.
• Don’t take any bureaucrat's word that
you’re good enough.
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Manipulation Lessons
Manipulation Lessons
• In this fight, people were shot in the hands
and forearms, a lot.
• This is common due to weapon focus.
• Need to be able to manipulate all of your
weapons (long and short) with just one
hand.
• A BUG accessible by the non-dominant
hand is another option.
• Hanlon was shot while trying to reload his
revolver.
• He was focused on the reload with his
head down and unaware that Platt was
approaching.
• Reloads and all other pistol manipulations
must be done in a way that allows
situational awareness.
The Right Gear
The Right Gear
• Ben Grogan was the person most likely to
finish this fight. He was an excellent shot
and had previous experience in fights.
• He was largely ineffective because he
had lost his glasses
• Previous analysis probably over rated this
as he ran without his glasses and wasn’t
totally dependent on them.
• If you wear glasses, and are looking for
trouble, strap them on, have spares
(Teddy), or get contacts/surgery.
• Dove only fired 20 rounds in the fight yet
he expended all of the ammunition he had
on his person.
• This could only happen if he downloaded
his magazines to 10 rounds each.
• It has been speculated that the weight of a
fully loaded magazine on the belt and in
the gun were “too much to carry all day.”
• Fully loading the magazines and carrying
multiples is a better practice.
The Right Gear – Long Guns
The Right Gear
• The agents knew that they were
confronting long gun carrying, body armor
wearing bad guys but relied on their
handguns.
• There was prior warning – Gordon Kahl
shooting in 1984 – two suspects armed
with Mini-14’s.
• Other Non-SWAT Agents had access to a
M-16 and MP-5.
• At least one other non-involved agent had
access to “SWAT rated” armor.
• Mireles had and used a shotgun but it was
loaded with buckshot.
• Slugs were available and a better choice.
• The issue shotguns had bead sights.
• Did this lack of accuracy/familiarity
encourage the use of buckshot?
• No reserve ammo was carried on the
shotguns.
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The Limits of the Revolver
• McNeil and Hanlon were both shot while
trying to reload revolvers. (Comments)
• The low capacity and lack of continuity of
fire of the revolver was a key factor in this
fight.
• What if McNeil had been armed with a
459?
• Shoot more versus manipulate less.
• Very difficult to reload under stress, in
awkward positions, especially one handed.
• The end of the revolver.
The Right Gear - BUGs
• Two agents were carrying backup guns.
• Both deployed them in the fight.
• After one shot, Risner opted to reload his
459.
• Dove ran out of ammunition and his pistol
was destroyed.
• McNeil could not reload his revolver onehanded.
• Hanlon struggled to reload his revolver.
• All could have benefited from a BUG
(Platt did)
Bullet Effectiveness
Bullet Effectiveness
• The Agents in this fight repeatedly hit Platt
but he did not stop fighting.
• Two light weight 9mm’s struck Platt before
he killed anyone.
• Had either of these rounds gone deeper,
Platt would have expired sooner.
• Mireles’s +P 38’s did not penetrate deep
enough in most instances.
• The FBI launched a massive study for
more effective handgun ammo.
• They developed ideal penetration
standards of 12-18” in gelatin. (That
generation of Silvertip did 8.25”)
• The .40 S&W was the direct result of these
efforts.
• Bullets don’t always go in the front.
• Bullets striking at angles don’t work as
well.
• They have to tear up vital structures
regardless of the angle they hit from.
Bullet Effectiveness
Bullet Effectiveness
• All handguns suck, some suck less.
• “Pistols poke holes, long guns tear shit up”
• Overall, bigger bullets seem to work better
than smaller bullets.
• Bigger bullets have more “payload” and
this generates momentum which
generates penetration.
• When shooting around vehicles, only a
portion of the bullet may hit.
• Half of 230 grains is still 115 grains.
• The smaller the caliber, the more thought
is needed for bullet selection.
• Carry the biggest caliber you can shoot
well.
• (Does it matter?)
• Don’t expect miracles from anything you
can carry.
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Pre-Event Training
Use of Cover
• Two agents lost their primary handguns
because they drew them early.
• Probably weren’t comfortable with getting
the gun out quickly.
• Regular dry practice can fix this and other
concerns including marksmanship and
manipulation.
• Only one person came out of this fight
unscathed.
• Ron Risner – wearing body armor, low
cover position, engine block between he
and the threats.
• Other agents had good cover but were
killed any way.
• All cover is temporary and can be negated
by slight movement.
• Don’t worry about your “6:00.” Worry
about the front 180 degrees.
Perceptual Distortions
Perceptual Distortions
• When someone is trying to kill you, it is
very hard to maintain situational
awareness.
• Nobody ever saw Matix during the middle
of the fight.
• Hanlon was grazed by a .223 in the scalp
and didn’t realize it.
• Platt fired 3 rounds at Mireles yet neither
Mireles, Risner, or Orrantia saw him.
• Neither Grogan, Dove, or Hanlon heard
the shouted warnings.
• You will have a strong tendency to focus
on the most immediate threat and will
engage that threat until it goes away.
• If you don’t hit while focused on that
threat, the focus doesn’t help and just
wastes time.
Mental Preparation
Mental Preparation
• In his interview, Hanlon addresses the
issue of whether those involved addressed
the threat posed by Platt and Matix in a
"lackadaisical" fashion.
• He states that once they were behind Platt
and Matix, they were not "lackadaisical."
• The problem is that by the time you’re
aware of the threat it is too late to properly
prepare.
• You need to have good gear, good skills,
and a good mindset before the threat
appears.
• You need to check you gear and put on
your body armor before the threat
appears. (McNeil’s shotgun)
• If you have any doubts about mental
preparation, consider what Ranger school
did for Platt.
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Mental Preparation
For the Armed Citizen
• Hanlon also comments on the inherent
inaccuracy of the J-frame.
• The J-frame isn’t inaccurate, it’s just
harder to shoot well if you lack the
fundamentals.
• Confidence in your skills is one of the best
ways to immunize yourself from the effects
of fear and body alarm reaction.
• This is a very atypical event and the fight
itself has more lessons for law
enforcement.
• The big takeaway is the nature of Platt and
Matix.
• They were genuinely evil men who were
willing to do anything to get what they
wanted.
• They killed their own wives, they killed
Emelio Briell, and an armored car guard –
why would they hesitate to kill you?
Humans Are Incredibly Resilient
Platt’s Blood Loss
• Those engaged in the fight took incredible
damage.
• Platt was shot 12 times, Matix 6 times
before they were stopped.
• Mireles suffered a near traumatic
amputation of his arm.
• Dove was pushing himself up after being
shot twice in the chest with a .223.
• Collazo was shot four times and
crawled/walked 3 miles to help.
• Platt was literally a “walking dead man” but
he kept fighting and killing.
Platt – 20 Minutes Later
Humans Are Resilient
• Gunshot wounds are highly survivable events.
• Getting shot isn’t a big deal.
• Not getting shot more is a huge deal.
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BE PREPARED AND FINISH
THE FIGHT NO MATTER
WHAT IT TAKES.
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