activeshooter

An active shooter is a person who is actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a populated area, typically with a firearm. The term is used by law enforcement and media, but it is not a formal legal classification; definitions vary by jurisdiction. Active shooter incidents are usually characterized by their rapid pace and unpredictability, and they may end with the shooter’s death, apprehension, surrender, or with intervention by law enforcement.

Common settings include schools, workplaces, shopping centers, and public events. The incidents often unfold quickly and can involve random or targeted victims. Firearms are the most common weapon, though other means have occurred. The aim is typically to cause harm or fear before the attacker is stopped.

Response focuses on safety and rapid law enforcement engagement. Public safety guidance typically emphasizes notifying authorities, evacuating if safe, or sheltering in place when evacuation isn’t possible. Training frameworks, such as Run, Hide, Fight, promote actions individuals can take to increase their safety while waiting for responders. First responders aim to resolve the incident with minimal further harm, often through rapid entry and medical aid.

Prevention relies on threat assessment, secured access, communications, and reporting of concerning behavior. Organizations implement security measures, drills, and training for staff, students, and employees. Public policy discussions focus on balancing safety with civil liberties and privacy.

Notable incidents include several high-profile cases in the United States and elsewhere, such as Columbine High School (1999), Virginia Tech (2007), Sandy Hook Elementary (2012), Parkland (2018), and Las Vegas (2017). These events have informed emergency planning, law enforcement tactics, and public safety communications, as well as research into risk factors and prevention strategies.