What are some physical items that can be used as improvised weapons against a shooter?

Using physical items as improvised weapons against a shooter is a tactic that can be employed when there are no other options for escape or defense. Chairs and fire extinguishers are particularly effective because they provide mass and can be wielded forcefully. Chairs can be thrown or used to block an assailant, while fire extinguishers can serve a dual purpose; they can not only incapacitate a shooter temporarily by disorienting them with the spray, but also act as a means to block the shooter’s line of sight or trajectory.

While books and stationery, as well as markers and tape, may have some potential for distraction or minor impact, they lack the effectiveness and stopping power that heavier items like chairs and fire extinguishers possess. Therefore, the selection of chairs and fire extinguishers aligns with the principle of using available resources to create a barrier or distraction in a life-threatening scenario, which is why it stands out as the correct choice.