Disclaimer: Criminal Minds and characters aren't mine.
Author's Note: Motivated by the stories that imply that Reid can't shoot, especially ones set in the current season. Also, because of the common belief about a comment said in LDSK. Tiny spoilers for Revelations, Nameless Faceless, and LDSK (just unsub names and Reid's actions).
Open Letter From Dr. Spencer Reid to the Criminal Minds Fandom:
I've noticed an erroneous impression of me that persists to this day. Contrary to popular belief, I am quite proficient in the use of my weapon. While it is true that I did have a great struggle to master the skill early on, I am not still at the same skill level I was back in 2005. As evidence I present Tobias Hankel. As further evidence, I present Patrick Meyers.
I would also like to clarify a related matter. In the case involving long distance serial killer, Phillip Dowd, I was joking when I said I was aiming for the leg. He had his weapon trained on Hotch at the time. Dowd has said that anything other than a head shot meant he would go down shooting. I knew I had one chance and if I didn't get it right it would mean Hotch's death. And possibly my own. I assure you, I would not have attempted anything other than a head shot at a moment like that. I especially would not be trying to shoot his leg. With a guy who has his weapon on full auto and his finger on the trigger? It's not a matter of aim; it's a matter of thinking. And thinking is an ability I do not lack. Not even when I'm being held hostage. Trying to make a head shot and missing horribly because I was a bad shot would be in the realm of possibility, although I'm very glad that didn't happen. Trying to hit the leg and getting a lucky shot to the head is not.
As for why I said I aimed for the leg when I didn't, I was simply making a self mocking comment, based on my lack of marksmanship skills before this incident. I am capable of making jokes.
Hopefully, I have sufficiently corrected this error. Thank you.
Supervisory Special Agent Dr Spencer Reid