In recent years, the unfortunate rise in active shooter incidents has highlighted the need for preparedness and knowledge on how to stay safe during such harrowing situations. While the thought of an active shooter situation is unsettling, it is crucial to empower ourselves with information and strategies that can potentially save lives. In this article, we will discuss important steps to help you stay safe during an active shooter event and take a critical look at 2022 Active Shooter report with data compiled by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

1. Be Vigilant and Aware: Maintaining situational awareness is paramount in any public setting. Stay attentive to your surroundings and note any unusual behavior or signs of potential danger. Be mindful of emergency exits, evacuation routes, and safe areas in buildings you frequently visit. Report any suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities promptly.
2. Have an Emergency Action Plan: Developing an emergency action plan for yourself, your family, or your workplace is crucial. Ensure that everyone is aware of the plan and knows how to react in an active shooter situation. Establish communication protocols, designate meeting points, and discuss various scenarios to enhance preparedness.
3. Run, Hide, Fight: The “Run, Hide, Fight” strategy provides a general framework for response during an active shooter incident:

   a. Run: If you can safely escape the premises, do so immediately. Leave your belongings behind and encourage others to do the same. Use the nearest exit or emergency escape route and move away from the danger zone. Keep your hands visible to avoid being mistaken for the shooter.

   b. Hide: If escape is not possible, find a secure location to hide. Lock doors, barricade entrances with heavy objects, turn off lights, and silence your phone. Find cover that can protect you from bullets (e.g., thick walls, reinforced furniture). Remain quiet and stay out of sight until it is safe to leave.

   c. Fight: If confronted by the shooter and escape or hiding is not feasible, as a last resort, you may have to fight to save your life. Act with determination, using improvised weapons or any objects that can be used as a means of defense. Commit to overpowering the shooter with force and aggression.

4. Call for Help: During an active shooter situation, contacting emergency services is of utmost importance. If you are in a safe location and have access to a phone, dial the emergency number (e.g., 911 in the United States) immediately and provide precise information about the ongoing incident. Stay on the line until the operator advises you to hang up.
5. Stay Calm and Communicate: Maintain a calm demeanor to help yourself and others stay focused and make rational decisions. Use clear and concise language when communicating with law enforcement or emergency responders. Follow their instructions carefully and avoid sudden movements that may be perceived as threatening.
6. Prepare for Reunification: In the chaos following an active shooter event, it is not uncommon for individuals to become separated from their loved ones or coworkers. Establish a plan for reuniting with family members or colleagues after the situation has been resolved. Designate a safe location where everyone can gather, and ensure everyone is aware of the plan.

Conclusion: While no one wants to imagine being caught in an active shooter situation, being prepared can save lives. Maintaining situational awareness, having an emergency action plan, and familiarizing yourself with the “Run, Hide, Fight” strategy are essential steps in staying safe. Remember, staying calm, alert, and informed can make a significant difference in your personal safety and the safety of others during these distressing events. Stay prepared, be vigilant, and encourage those around you to do the same.

2022 Active Shooter Report

The FBI has compiled a full report on “Active Shooter Incidents in United States in 2022” This provides contextual, descriptive, and actionable information regarding the 50 total “FBI-designated” active shooter incidents that took place in 2022. Access the report here: Active Shooter Incidents in the United States in 2022 — FBI

Executive Summary / Key findings within the report (by Thomas “T.J.” Swenson Jr., LP.D.)

• There were 313 casualties (100 killed and 213 wounded).
• One law enforcement officer was killed and 21 were wounded.
• In the incident with the highest number of casualties, seven were killed and 48 wounded.
• In nine incidents, there were zero casualties.
• Texas had the most incidents (six) followed by Arizona, Florida, Michigan, and New York, each with the second highest number of incidents (three).
• The month of May had the highest number of active shooter incidents (nine), with January and September tied with the least number of incidents (one).
• Active shooter incidents occurred on every day of the week, with Sunday having the highest number of incidents (12).
• Active shooter incidents were more likely to occur between 12:00 p.m. and 11:59 p.m.
• Thirteen incidents met the federal definition for a mass killing incident.
• Based on location, 46% of the incidents occurred in open spaces (23), followed by 28% in commerce (14), 8% in education and residences (four), 4% in houses of worship and government (two), and 2% in health care (one).
• There were 17 (34%) incidents that involved multiple locations (14 open spaces and three commerce).
• Of the 50 shooters, 47 (94%) were male, one was female, one was nonbinary, and one was unidentified.
• Shooters were between the ages of 15 and 70 years old.
• In 50 incidents, 61 firearms were used by shooters—29 handguns, 26 rifles, three shot­guns, and three unknown.
• There were two incidents that involved snipers.
• Four shooters wore body armor.
• Twenty-nine shooters were apprehended by law enforcement, seven were killed by law enforcement, two were killed by armed citi­zens, nine committed suicide, and three remain at large.
• In 48% of the incidents, the shooter had a known connection to the location and/or at least one victim, whereas in 52% of incidents, there was no known connection identified.