[123] The State of Active Shootings 2024

to do something a little different regarding active shooter. Today is not about one occurrence. Today is about out twenty twenty four. Today we are talking about the state of active shooter and mass casualty events in the United States in twenty twenty four. To truly grasp the scope of this, we have to navigate the terminology that shapes our understanding.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, or as we know it, the FBI, provides a foundational definition characterizing an active shooter as one or more individuals actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a populated area, implicitly utilizing a firearm, which highlights the precious, often fleeting window for

intervention and response. Complementing this, the FBI also defines a mass killing as an incident resulting in three or more killings in a single event, a critical distinction being that the shooter is explicitly excluded from these casualty counts when determining if an event meets this threshold. However, the conversation extends far beyond these specific FBI definitions, leading to a vital meta conversation about how we define and perceive the

scale of gun violence in America. Other reputable organizations, such as the Gun Violence Archive GVA, employ broader criteria. GVA defines a mass shooting as a gun violence incident in which four more victims are injured or killed excluding the shooter. This wider lens, which encompasses injuries and addition to fatalities and sets a lower threshold for victim count, naturally results in a significantly higher number of reported incidents compared to

the FBI's active shooter or mass killing definitions. This divergence in definition is not merely semantic. It profoundly influences public perception, policy debates, and the allocation of resources. Beyond firearm related incidents, the term mass casualty events encompasses any incident, regardless of cause, that results in a number of fatalities or injuries. This broader category includes natural disasters, which, as evidenced by data from the Emergency Events Database the MDAT, can lead to

substantial loss of life and economic damage. There is a multifaceted challenge with public safety that extends beyond intentional acts of violence. In the face of such devastating events, accurate and consistently collected data is not merely a collection of numbers. It is the bedrock upon which effective prevention strategies are built,

resources are judiciously allocated, and communities are protected. Without reliable, granular data, policy decisions risk being based on anecdote, speculation, or incomplete understanding rather than evidence. The FBI, through its annual Active Shooter Reports, plays an important role giving law enforcement, other first responders, private industry, and the public with critical data and understandings necessary to enhance their comprehension of these

threats and to inform their preparedness efforts. The methodology employed by the FBI for its active shooter data collection is rigorous. It leverages extensive law enforcement partnerships and internal FBI holdings, supplemented by official law enforcement reports and open source data where centralized databases are absent. Importantly, the FBI's methodology also specifies explicit exclusions to ensure consistency and focus on particular

types of incidents. Incidents primarily involving self defense, gang violence, drug related violence, residential or domestic disputes, barricade hostage situations, Shootings related to other criminal acts or crossfire as a byproduct of ongoing criminal activity are not included in their

active shooter statistics. This precise scope allows for a focused analysis of specific types of incident, though, as I'll talk about, it also contributes to differences when compared with other organizations broader data sets, leading to a more complex overall picture

of gun violence. The insights presented in this episode are primarily informed by the FBI's Active Shooter Incidents in the United States twenty twenty four report, which serves as the foundational document for understanding the specific dynamics of FBI defined

active shooter events. This comprehensive document provides detailed statistics, temporal and geographical patterns, shooter profiles, and intervention outcomes for the year to provide you with a more complete perspective and to address the broader context of gun violence and mass casualty events. This report also includes information to other supplementary sources, including the Gun Violence Archive, which offers a wider lens of mass shootings than overall gun violence trends, including FETE

and injuries using its distinct definition. Also, Every Town for Gun Safety contributes data on gun law rankings and the impact of policy changes, alongside specific statistics on gun related incidents on school grounds. The K through twelve School Shooting Database provides additional, more granular data on shooting incidents within educational environments. And Finally, the Emergency Events Database MDAT offers a global and national overview of natural hazard related incidents,

providing context for mass casualty events beyond gun violence. And by pulling all of this information together, we the staff of Active Shooter aim to offer both a thorough and nuanced understanding of the state of active shooter and mass casualty events in twenty twenty four. In twenty twenty four, the FBI designated a total of twenty four active shooter

incidents across the United States. These incidents collectively resulted in one hundred and six casualties, comprising twenty three individuals killed in eighty three wounded. These figures represent the FBI's specific categorization focusing on dynamic, ongoing events where individuals are actively

engaged in killing or attempting to kill in populated areas. Now, when you compare twenty twenty four data, there are significant changes when viewed against previous years and longer historical trends. From twenty twenty three to twenty twenty four, there was a substantial year over year decline in active shooter incidents and casualties. The twenty four incidents in twenty twenty four represent a remarkable fifty percent decrease from the forty eight

incidents recorded in twenty twenty three. Similarly, the one hundred and six casualties in twenty twenty four mark a fifty seven percent reduction from the two hundred and forty four casualties reported in twenty twenty three. This sharp decline is a positive development, There's no doubt about it, and it suggests that some prevention response efforts may actually be yielding

tangible results. However, and you know there had to be. However, to fully appreciate the significance of this reduction, it is also important to place it within a broader historical context,

looking beyond just the immediate prior year. Examining the five year period from twenty twenty to twenty twenty four, the FBI designated two hundred and twenty three active shooter incidents, which represents a seventy percent increase from the preceding five year period of twenty fifteen to twenty nineteen, which saw

one hundred and thirty one incidents. Over this twenty twenty to twenty twenty four span, total casualties amounted to one thousand, seventy with three hundred and sixty nine killed and seven

hundred and one wounded. While the twenty four incidents in twenty twenty four are considerably lower than the average of forty four point six incidents per year for the twenty twenty to twenty twenty four period, and the one hundred and six casualties in twenty twenty four fall below the five year average of two hundred four fourteen casualties per year. This recent decline it's really important to be seen in perspective.

Extending this view to a twenty five year span twenty to twenty twenty four, a total of five hundred and fifty six active shooter incidents have been recorded, resulting in three thousand, nine hundred and twenty one casualties. That is, over fourteen hundred people killed and almost twenty five hundred people wounded, with an average of seven point one casualties per incident. Historical trends reveal a concerning escalation over time. The period from two thousand to twenty twelve, pre Sandy

Hook averaged twelve point five incidents per year. This nearly doubled to an average of twenty four point two incidents per year from twenty thirteen to twenty nineteen, and then nearly doubled again to an average of forty four point six incidents per year from twenty nineteen to twenty twenty four.

A critical observation from this comparison is that while the fifty percent reduction in active shooter incidents and fifty seven percent decrease in casualties from twenty three to twenty four is encouraging, it has to be put in context by

using the broader historical information. The twenty four incidents recorded in twenty twenty four, while a sharp decline from recent peaks, are still on par with the average from twenty thirteen to twenty nineteen and nearly double the pre Sandy Hook average. This suggests that while twenty twenty four may represent a successful year for prevention and response efforts, it does not signify a return to the lower rates observed in the

early two thousands. The underlying facts contributing to the post twenty twelve, increase may still be present, and sustained effort is required to maintain or further reduce these numbers. This calls for cautious optimism with a side of continued vigilance, rather than a declaration like we hear through multiple sources

that the problem has been fully resolved. The challenge remains to understand which specific interventions contributed to this recent positive shift, in how to replicate and sustain them and build upon them. With the twenty four active shooter incidents designated by the FBI in twenty four, three, thirteen percent of the total met the federal definition for a mass killing incident. This is a substantial eighty percent decrease in mass killings from

the fifteen incidents recorded in twenty twenty three. Over the five year period from twenty to twenty four, the average number of mass killings with an active shooter incidents was nine point six per year, with forty eight total incidents meeting this definition. Now, a massive challenge in interpreting these figures lay in the definitional discrepancies across various data sources. The FBI's narrow definition leads to a significantly lower reported

number compared to broader definitions used by other organizations. For instance, the Gun Violence Archive reported four hundred and ninety nine mass shootings in twenty twenty four, defined as incidents where four or more victims were injured or killed excluding the shooter. This substantial difference in reported numbers, with the FBI identifying three mass killings versus the gva's four hundred and ninety nine mass shootings stems from the varying thresholds and criteria

for inclusion. This inconsistency can lead to public confusion, misinterpretation of trends, and challenges in developing unified policy responses. There is a need for clear communication about the scope and limitations of different data sets to ensure that policymakers and the public draw accurate conclusions about the scale and nature

of the problem. Without a common understanding of what constitutes a mass shooting or mass casualty event, efforts to track progress, allocate resources, and implement effective prevention strategies can become fragmented and less impactful. While statistics give us a macro view, the true impact of active shooter incidents, as you our listeners know, is felt most acutely in the individual stories

of those affected. In twenty twenty four, several events stood out due to their tragic casualty counts, each leaving an indelible mark on the communities. Understanding these incidents on a more personal level, including the victim's experiences and the shooter's histories, offers critical insights into the human cost and the complex, often presentable pathways to violence. That is what we try to cover here on Active Shooter the Mad Butcher Number

four oh six in Fordce, Arkansas. On Friday June twenty first, twenty twenty four, at approximately eleven thirty eight a m. The quiet routine of a supermarket in Ford Dice, Arkansas

was shattered by an act of unimaginable violence. The shooter, a forty four year old man armed with a Mosburg twelve gage show shot gun and nine millimeters pistol, began his assault in the parking lot of the Mad Butcher's Supermarket near US Route seventy nine before moving inside the store, turning a place of everyday commerce into a scene of chaos and terror. The attack resulted in a devastating fourteen casualties.

Four innocent people were killed, ten were wounded. Among those injured, were eight civilians and two dedicated law enforcement officers who responded to the unfolding crisis. When five officers from the Dallas County Sheriff's Office and Fordy's Police Department arrived, the shooter exited the store and engaged them in a shootout in the parking lot, a confrontation that ultimately led to

his apprehension. The shooter, a resident of New Edinburgh, Arkansas, was known in the community as the owner of a landscaping and trucking service. While the specific motives of his actions are under investigation, his past includes a twenty eleven arrest for criminal possession of a weapon after at tennis to bring a firearm through the gates of Fort Drummond,

New York. Appalachi High School in winder Georgio. Appalachi High School became the scene of a horrific tragedy on Wednesday, September fourth, twenty twenty four, at approximately ten twenty am, a fourteen year old freshman's student armed with a six hour M four hundred semi automatic rifle, which was AR fifteen styled, opened fire inside the school, transforming a place

of learning into a battleground. The school was immediately placed on lockdown, and law enforcement responded with remarkable speed, arriving within minutes. The attack claimed the lives of four individuals, two students and two dedicated teachers, and left nine others wounded, including eight students and one teacher. This devastating incident marked the deadliest school shooting in George's history, sending shockwaves through

the state and the nation. The shooter's motive is still under investigation, but a deeply disturbing history of concerning behaviors has emerged, painting a picture of a troubled young individual on a pathway to violence. His father allegedly purchased the rifle used in the attack as a Christmas gift for his son, despite having been previously warned by the Jackson County Sheriff's Office and FBI about the shooter's threats. He expressed a fascination the shooter did with other mass shooters

and had documented homicidal and suicidal thoughts. He had been due to start therapy after previous false starts, and his family had a history of interactions with multiple child welfare workers, school systems, sheriff's departments, and police agencies, many of whom reportedly ignored or did not respond to reported concerns about

child abuse. In a chilling document titled War against Humanity found at his home, the shooter described humanity as filth and detailed how he had obtained firearms through lies and manipulation and my father's stupidity. He had also engaged in online discussions about planning mass attacks and expressed profound feelings

of alienation. On Saturday, June fifteenth, twenty twenty four, at approximately five eleven pm, a warm summer day at the Brooklyn's Plaza splash pad in Rochester Hills, Michigan, turned into a scene of unimaginable chaos and fear. The shooter, a forty two year old man, armed with two nine millimeter glock handguns, fired thirty six rounds into a crowd, targeting families and children. The attack wounded nine people, including two innocent children, forever altering their lives and the sense of

safety in their community. Following the shooting, the shooter fled the scene and was later found dead from a self inflicted gunshot wound at his mother's home after a tense standoff with police. The shooter, an unemployed resident of Shelby, township. Had no prior cre criminal history, but was described by relatives and neighbors as a quiet and loner individual who privately struggled with significant mental health challenges, including paranoid delusions

that the government was spying on him. While his specific motive remains undetermined, the discovery of an air style rifle on a kitchen countertop in his home led police to believe that he may have been preparing for a second, even more devastating attack, and we covered this in episode one seventeen of our podcast. The new school year began with tragedy on Thursday, January fourth, twenty twenty four, at approximately seven thirty five am, when Perry High School in Perry,

Iowa became the target of a shooting. The shooter was a seventeen year old student armed with a shotgun and a handgun, and opened fire inside the school. The attack resulted in eight casualties. Two people were killed, a beloved faculty member and a young student, and six were wounded, including two faculty members, four students, and the school principal. The shooter died by suicide at the scene before law enforcement arrived. Investigators also located and rendered safe and improvised

explosive device within the school. The shooter was described by friends and his mother as a quiet individual who had endured years of bullying. They speculated that the last straw might have been the school official's failure to intervene when his younger sister also began to be bullied. The investigation concluded that the shooter worked alone, driven by a desire to commit suicide with the hostile intent of taking others with him, and we covered this in episode one fourteen

of our podcast. On Monday December sixteenth, twenty twenty four, at around ten fifty seven a m. The Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin experienced a devastating shooting. The shooter, a fifteen year old female student, armed with a handgun, began shooting individuals in seaside the school during a mixed grade study hall. The attack resulted in eight casualties. Two people were killed, a student and a staff member, and

six were wounded, including five students and one teacher. The shooter died by suicide at the scene. Her history revealed a deeply troubled individual. She had a documented history of mental health issues, including suicidal threats and self cutting and had been enrolled in therapy. Police were investigating whether bullying

played a role in her actions. The twenty four active shooter incidents in twenty twenty four were geographically dispersed across nineteen states, underscoring of the widespread nature of this threat across the nation. Texas experienced the highest frequency of incidents, with four occurrences. California and North Carolina each recorded two incidents. The remaining sixteen states Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana.

In the Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming each reported one active shooter incident. When examining casualties by state, Arkansas registered the highest number, with fourteen resulting entirely from a single incident, highlighting that even a single event can have a disproportionately high human cost. Georgia

followed with thirteen casualties, in Texas with eleven. Notably, Oklahoma and Tennessee each had one incident but reported no casualties. Incidents were distributed across various population densities. Six incidents occurred in locations with a population greater than five hundred thousand the largest share. Eight incidents occurred in areas with populations between ten and two hundred and fifty thousand, while four incidents were recorded in locations with populations between two hundred

and fifty and five hundred thousand. Now, this diverse geographical and population distribution reinforces the notion that no community is immune and preparedness must be a universal priority. An examination of the temporal patterns of twenty twenty four active shooter incidents reveals distinct concentrations by month, day of the week, and time of day, offering potential insights for targeted prevention. A temporal pattern refers to a recurring sequence of events

or behaviors that occur over time. In terms of monthly distribution, June recorded the highest number of incidents with five, followed by September with four. The months of March in October reported no active shooter incidents compared to twenty twenty three, September saw the most significant monthly increase in incidents from two to four, while April experienced the greatest decrease from

seven to one. Now, analyzing the day of the week, Monday consistently registered the highest number of incidents with seven occurrences. Sunday and Tuesday had the lowest with only one. Thursday was the sole day that experienced an increase in incidents can compared to twenty twenty three from five to six, whereas Saturday saw the most substantial decrease from nine to two. Regarding the time of day, the period from six am to eleven fifty nine am accounted for the most incidents

with nine occurrences. The broader twelve hour window from six am to five point fifty nine pm collectively represented the majority of the incidents, totaling fifteen or sixty two percent of all active shooter events in twenty twenty four. The observed concentrations of incidents on Mondays and during morning hours

suggests potential underlying behavioral or situational drivers. This pattern could be linked to the start of the typical worker school week, periods of increased public activity or heightened individual stressors often associated with these routines. This clustering presents opportunities for targeted

prevention and security measures. For example, increased law enforcement presence or public awareness campaigns encouraging vigilance and reporting could be strategically timed to maximize impact during these identified high risk periods. Understanding these temporal rhythms allows for a more efficient deployment of resources and proactive communication with the public. In twenty twenty four, active shooter incidents occurred across five of the

seven location categories identified by the FBI. The open space category accounted for the largest population, with twelve incidents fifty percent of the total. Commerce and education each saw four incidents seventeen percent each, Government locations experienced three incidents thirteen percent, and house of worship locations had one incident totally to four percent. Notably, no active shooter incidents were reported in healthcare or residence categories in twenty twenty four. Per the

FBI's definition. A significant trend observed over the past five years twenty twenty to twenty twenty four is that open space has emerged as the location category with the highest number of incidents, recording ninety two, which is forty one percent of the total, surpassing commerce locations which had eighty eight incidents. This shift in the primary location category presents

a massive challenge for traditional security paradigms. Open spaces, by their very nature, are difficult to secure through conventional access controller physical barriers. This implies a dire need for evolving prevention and response strategies focusing more on community vigilance, public reporting mechanisms, rapid mobile law enforcement deployment, and potentially even urban design considerations to mitigate risks in these diffuse and

accessible environments. The very openness that defines these spaces makes them inherently vulnerable to rapid, unpredictable attacks, demanding a reevaluation of how public safety is conceived and implemented in such settings. The distribution of casualties varied significantly across location category worries, highlighting the differing levels of lethality depending on the environment.

In open space, these twelve incidents resulted in forty five casualties, three killed, forty two wounded, averaging four casualties per incident. Commerce the four incidents in commerce locations led to twenty three casualties eight killed, fifteen wounded, averaging six casualties per incident, despite having only four incidents. The education category recorded thirty one casualties eight killed, twenty three wounded, yielding the highest

average of eight casualties per incident among all categories. This figure is well it's hard to hear as it underscores the extreme vulnerability of education environments, where the concentration of individuals,

particularly children, can lead to devastating outcomes. Even in the limited number of reported incidents, the three incidents in government locations resulted in five casualties, four killed, one wounded, with an average of two casualties prints incident, and the single incident in a house of worship resulted into casualties zero killed, two wounded, averaging two per incident. Now, further breakdown within location categories does give us additional context, revealing the diverse

settings where these tragedies unfold. Within open space, incidents occurred on roadways, in neighborhoods, in commercial areas, in parks, and in rural areas. Notably, five of these incidents took place across multiple locations, which complicates containment efforts and demanding a dynamic response. In commerce settings, incidents were equally split between businesses open to the public and those closed to the public.

Three incidents occurred at small businesses and one at a large business or warehouse district, illustrating that varied commercial environments are at risk. And for education locations, two incidents occurred at private pre k through twelfth grade schools and two at public high schools. The data on incident duration and law enforcement response times, particularly in the education category, offers extremely important insights into the rapid and lethal nature of

these events. For active shooter incidents in educational settings, the average law enforcement response time measured from dispatch to the arrival of the first responding officer was an exceptionally swift one minute in forty eight seconds. The average incident duration, defined as the time from the first shot fire to the resolution of the shooter, was three minutes in eighteen seconds.

The fact that education settings, despite accounting for a smaller proportion of overall incidents, had the highest average number of casualties per incident is a sobering finding. This is significant given the extremely fast law enforcement response times and short incident durations we just spoke about, and this contrast means that these active shooter incidents prey on the extremely vulnerable

and they are rapidly lethal. When it comes to those environments, there is a paramount importance of pre incident prevention, robust behavioral threat assessments, and comprehensive immediate action protocols for school staff and students, such as run Hide, fight training to

mitigate initial casualties. The narrow window for intervention during these events means that efforts to identify and address potential threats before an attack begins are crucial to saving lives, as even the fastest response may not prevent initial devastation, which is why we hear an active shooter always end the show with if you see something, Say something. In twenty twenty four, these twenty four active shooter incidents involved a

total of twenty five shooters. The demographic breakdown reveals the vast majority twenty two shooters, or eighty eight percent, were male, while three shooters twelve percent were female, a consistent pattern observed in previous years. The age range of the shooters spanned from fourteen to seventy three years old, demonstrating that

perpetrators come from a wide spectrum of ages. The average age of shooters in twenty twenty four was thirty three, a slight decrease from thirty four in the year prior. Only four shooters were over the age of forty four. The thirty five to forty four age category accounted for most shooters with seven individuals, and the youngest shooter, aged fourteen, was involved. In an incident in an education setting, while the oldest age seventy three, was involved in a commerce incident.

A significant characteristic identified in five incidents twenty one percent in total, was an insider threat connection. In these cases, there was an identified link between the shooter and the location and or at least one victim. These connections included current employees in two incidents and current students in three. The fact that twenty one percent of incidents involved in silt threats current employees or students highlights a specific and

often complex vulnerability. Insider threats possess unique access, knowledge, and trust within an organization, making their detection and mitigation distinct from external threats. This implies that prevention strategies must be tailored to internal environments, focusing on fostering a culture of reporting, implementing employee and student well being programs, and establishing robust internal threat assessment protocols in addition to traditional physical security measures.

Their intimate knowledge of the environment can allow them to bypass conventional security, necessitating a proactive internal approach that prioritizes the early detection of concerning behaviors among those with privileged access. Say it with me if you see something, say something. The FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit one BAU one categor rise as active shooter incidents based on whether the shooters exhibited

predatory behavior. This distinction is critical for understanding the nature of these attacks and informing prevention efforts because it highlights opportunities for intervention. Last year's shooters exhibited predatory behaviors, and fourteen of the twenty four incidents. These incidents accounted for a significant seventy seven percent of all casualties, totaling eighty two casualties, broken down as twenty killed and sixty two wounded.

Predatory behavior refers to intentional acts when the perpetrator considers, plans, and prepares for the act of violence, often over a period of time. The average age shooters exhibit predatory behavior and I was twenty nine, with the twenty five to thirty four age category having the most shooters. Four In this group, five of these shooters were identified as insider threats,

further emphasizing the planned nature of their attack. The resolution for these shooters included six nimes by suicide, five being apprehended, and three being killed by law enforcement. Alternatively, eleven shooters last year did not exhibit predatory behaviors at all, resulting in twenty three percent of the total casualties. These incidents are often characterized as more spontaneous or impulsive, arising from immediate emotional responses rather than premeditation. Of these shooters, nine

were apprehended and two were killed by law enforcement. Now, the finding that fifty eight percent of incidents involved predatory behaviors strongly supports the emphasis on behavioral threat Assessment and Management BTAM. This indicates that a significant majority of the most impactful active shooter events are not random or spontaneous acts,

but rather planned actions preceded by observable warning signs. This observation suggests that proactive identification and intervention based on these indicators represent a critical actionable pathway for preventing future attacks,

shifting the focus from reactive response to proactive disruption. Investing in BTAM programs, public education on warning signs and accessible reporting mechanisms is therefore a highly effective strategy for mitigating these planned acts of violence, potentially savoring numerous lives by intervening before the violence can unfold. Now, research consistently indicates that individuals who commit mass shootings typically do not quote,

just snap. Instead, they often spend time contemplating violence, and they plan, prepare, and frequently exhibit observable indicators before their attacks. Take a look at Columbine, they prepped for a year. Predatory behaviors provide crucial opportunities for disruption if recognized and reported. Studies have shown that prior to most mass attacks, concerning behaviors were observed by individuals such as friends, family, schoolmates, coworkers,

or loved ones, those closest to the potential perpetrator. And you might be saying, that's great, JT. They saw something, but how do I know it that something is well?

Common concerning behaviors that may indicate a person is moving towards violence include comments, jokes, or threats about violent plans, repeated or detailed fantasies about violence, comments about hurting themselves or others, creating documents, videos, or notes to explain or claim credit for future violence, seeing violence as a way to solve problems, unusual difficulty coping with stress, reduced interest in hobbies, worsening performance at school or work, increasing isolation,

angry outbursts or physical aggression or hygiene, asking questions about testing security at a possible target, and changes in vocabulary or speech reflecting a hardened viewpoint. It is crucial, though, and paramount, to understand that no single behavior guarantees violence, but these, especially when combined with an inappropriate interest in weapons,

significantly increases concern. The earlier these behaviors are noticed and reported, the more options are available for intervention and support, potentially diverting an individual from a destructive path altogether. Regarding mental health, the FBI's bau One clarifies that assessing the driving force behind an individual's decision to commit violence is more complex

than simply diagnosing a mental health disorder. Their research on targeting violence and terrorism indicates that only twenty five percent of offenders had a diagnosable mental illness, a figure that roughly mirrors the prevalence in the general population. Bau One's research has not identified a causative connection between mental illness and targeted violence or terrorism. While not causative, mental illness can be a risk factor based on vulnerabilities that may

lead to problematic behaviors or impaired judgment. Examples include schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depressive disorder, as well as personality disorders. Substance abuse or use, and adjustment disorders. The FBI's explicit statement that mental illness is not a causative factor in targeted violence, but rather a potential risk factor, is a

crucial point for public discourse. This distinction challenges common public misconceptions that often oversimplify the link between mental health and violence. The implication is that while supporting mental wellness is vital for overall societal health, focusing solely on mental illness as the root cause of active shooter events is an over simplification that can stigmatize individuals with mental health conditions and

divert resources from other critical prevention strategies. Instead, a more effective approach involves focusing on concerning behaviors and impaired judgment, which can stem from various origins, not exclusively from a specific mental health diagnosis. This broader focus allows for more inclusive and effective intervention strategies that address the full spectrum of risk factors. In the twenty four active shooter incidents, a total of twenty nine firearms were utilized by the perpetrators.

Handguns were the most prevalent type of firearm, accounting for seventeen of all weapons used. Reflecting their widespread availability and concealability. Rifles were the second most common used in nine incidents, followed by shotguns, which were used in three incidents. The number and type of firearms used had a direct correlation with the resulting casualties, highlighting the varying lethality of different weapon configurations. In twenty incidents, a single firearm was employed.

These single firearm incidents resulted in seventy one total casualties, thirty six casualties when a single handgun was used, and thirty five casualties when a single rifle was used. In contrast, four incidents involved the use of multiple firearms. These incidents collectively resulted in thirty five casualties, demonstrating that while less frequent,

the use of multiple weapons can significantly increase the destructive potential. Specifically, one incident involving two handguns led to nine casualties, Two incidents where a handgun and a shotgun were used resulted in twenty two casualties, and another incident involving two handguns and a shotgun caused four. A significant observation from this data is that while handguns are the most frequently used firearms in active shooter incidents, accounting for fifty nine percent

of weapons. Rifles, despite being used less, often contribute to a comparable number of casualties. This highlights that while handgun violence is pervasive, rifles, when employed, possess a high capacity for mass casualties due to their rapid firing rate and increased lethality. This understanding is important for informing debates on weapon restrictions and for guiding tactical training for law enforcement.

Emphasizing the distinct threat profiles posed by different firearm types, response strategies have to account for the potential for rapid escalation and casualty counts when rifles are involved, and prevention efforts must consider the types of weapons most likely to inflict mass harm. Last year, the use of improvised explosive devices IEDs in active shooter incidents was minimal, with only one incident involving the use or attempted use of such device.

A notable and positive finding for response efforts was that none of the twenty five shooters in twenty twenty four were body armour. The absence of body armour last year and the minimal use of IEDs are noteworthy. While this trend is positive, for immediate response efforts in twenty twenty four, it cannot be assumed as a permanent shift. Historically, some high profile active shooters have utilized these elements, such as body armour to enhance their survivability against law enforcement or

IEDs to amplify lethality and create additional chaos. This implies that while current data may not show widespread use, preparedness for such elements must remain a critical component of law enforcement training and tactical planning. Law enforcement engagement played a crucial role in the resolution of active shooter incidents. In twenty twenty four, six incidents involved in exchange of gunfire

between law enforcement and the shooter. These engagements, while critical u for neutralizing threats, came at a cost to law enforcement, resulting in one officer killed and five wounded. In these six incidents where gunfire was exchanged, four shooters were killed, three at the scene and one at another location, and

two were apprehended at the scene. The dynamics of these engagements varied, with five involving multiple law enforcement officers and one involving a loan officer, showcasing the varied circumstances of confrontation over the broader five year period from twenty twenty to twenty twenty four, fifty two incidents twenty three percent of the total involved law enforcement engagement, demonstrating a consistent

pattern of direct intervention. It is important to note that a significant majority of incidents eighteen did not involve an exchange of gunfire with law enforcement. In these cases, twelve shooters were apprehended, six died by suicide, and one was

killed by other means. A really important observation here is that in the twenty five five percent of incidents where law enforcement exchanged gunfire, a high proportion of shooters four out of six were neutralized or killed by law enforcement, and it shows that there's critical effectiveness of law enforcements

direct intervention in stopping active threats and preventing further casualties. However, the sustained casualties among law enforcement officers one killed and five wounded in twenty twenty four, thirty six killed in one hundred and thirty two wounded over twenty five years shows the inherent and extreme danger faced by officers who willingly step into harm's way. This implies the continued necessity for advanced training specialized equipment and robust psychological support for

law enforcement, recognizing their role as the ultimate line of defense. Furthermore, the fact that seventy five percent of active shooter incidents last year did not involve in exchange of gunfire with law enforcement is a significant finding. This suggests that many incidents resolved through other means, such as the shooter dying

by suicide being apprehended without resistance fleeing. This rapid response is important not just for direct engagement, but for containment, casualty care, and swift apprehension even if a direct confrontation is avoided. It also further emphasizes the critical role of pre incident prevention and early detection in mitigating harm. Last year, only one active shooter incident involved intervention by security personnel, which highlights the relatively rare occurrence of such direct engagement

by non sworn professionals. In the specific incident, there were no security casualties. The shooter was confronted by a security guard but managed to evade capture, eventually being apprehended by law enforcement at another location the following day. Over the broader five year period from twenty twenty to twenty twenty four, security personnel intervened in seven incidents, resulting in four security casualties,

indicating those inherent risks. Again, Civilian intervention in active sh shooter incidents was rare in twenty twenty four, occurring in only one reported incident. Tragically, this intervention resulted in the death of the civilian who intervened, who was wounded and succumbed to his injuries ten days later. In this particular incident, the shooter died by suicide prior to law enforcement arrival.

Over the five year period from twenty twenty to twenty twenty four, civilians intervened in twenty incidents, resulting in nine civilian casualties. There is immense personal risk involved in these albeit heroic acts. While civilian intervention, though rare, can be heroic, its outcome in twenty twenty four highlights the immense personal risk involved. This reinforces the run, hide, fight framework promoted by the FBI, where fight is presented as the last

resort when no other options exist. This observation suggests that while empowering civilians with options for self preservation is important, the primary focus for public safety should remain on professional response. In more importantly, pre incident prevention and early warning. The goal should be to minimize situations where civilians are forced to confront active threats directly, thereby reducing the need for such high stakes heroism and prioritizing their safety through other means.

Understanding the true scope of gun violence in the United States requires acknowledging the significant discrepancies in how various organizations define and report incidents. While the FBI's Active Shooter Report provides invaluable data on a specific type of event, it represents only a fraction of the broader landscape, and that definitional challenge again is a critical meta conversation that shapes

public policy and perception. So for twenty twenty four, the FBI identified those twenty four active shooter incidents resulting in one hundred and six casualties. As mentioned. In contrast, the Gun Violence Archive GVA, which defines a mass shooting as an incident where at least four people are shot, injured, or killed excluding the shooter, reported a staggering four hundred

and ninety nine mass shootings in twenty twenty four. These GVA defined incidents led not to one hundred and six casualties or twenty three fatalities these four hundred ninety nine mass shootings led to five hundred and seven fatalities in at least two thousand, one hundred and sixty nine injuries. This difference four hundred and ninety nine mass shootings by GVA versus three mass killings by the FBI is not a contradiction of facts, but rather a reflection of fundamentally

different definitions and reporting criteria. F VBIS focuses on dynamic, ongoing events with intent to kill in populated areas, while GVA captures a broader range of incidents where multiple people are shot regardless of the specific context or intent. Now,

this disparity extends to school related incidents as well. While the FBI's Shooter Report identified only four incidents in education settings, last year, the K through twelve School Shooting Database reported three hundred and thirty two shooting incidents at K through twelve schools, resulting in two hundred and sixty seven injuries

and fatalities. Similarly, the every Town Support Fund reported at least one hundred and sixty gun related incidents on school grounds as of September thirtieth, twenty twenty four, which resulted in forty six deaths. And one hundred and six injuries nationally, surpassing their total for the year prior now. These numerical differences are not minor. They fundamentally shape public perception and

policy debates. If we only consenter the FBI's active shooter numbers, the problem might appear smaller or more contained than it truly is. The broader data from GVA and school specific databases reveal a massive issue of gun violence that impacts communities daily, often outside the narrow scope of an active

shooter event. There is a critical need for clear communication about the definitions used by various data sources to avoid misinterpretation and ensure a comprehensive understanding of the gun violence crisis. Without this clarity, efforts to track progress, allocate resources, and develop UNIFIDE prevention strategies can be severely hampered. Overall, the

FBI's definition is narrow. It's valuable for tactical response in specific threat assessment, but it's a disservice if not properly contextualized. The disservice lies in the potential for these statistics to paint an incomplete picture. For instance, a domestic dispute that escalates into a shooting with multiple victims. While tragic and a mass casualty event, would not be counted as an

active shooter incident by the FBI. Similarly, a gang related shootout in a public space that injures or kills several bystanders would also be excluded. These incidents, though not fitting the FBI's specific active shooter criteria, contribute significantly to the overall burden of gun violence and mass casualties in communities, often impacting vulnerable populations disproportionately. The implication is that relying solely on the FBI's active shooter data can lead to

a false sense of security or misdirection of resources. If policy makers and the public believe that gun violence is declining based on one specific metric, they might overlook the persistent and devastating impact of other forms of firearm related violence that are not captured by this definition. A comprehensive approach to public safety requires acknowledging and addressing all forms of gun violence, not just those that fit a narrow,

albeit important classification. This calls for a broader, more inclusive dialogue about how we measure, understand, and ultimately prevent all forms of gun related harm, ensuring that no community or type of violence is overlooked. Beyond gun violence, mass casualty events in the US last year also encompass significant natural disasters, highlighting a multifaceted nature of public safety challenges that demand different,

yet equally critical preparedness and response frameworks. The Emergency Event Database m DAT reported three hundred and ninety three natural hazard related disasters globally in twenty twenty four, which resulted in sixteen thousand, seven hundred and fifty three fatalities. In the United States, preliminary estimates suggest just over one thousand deaths from extreme temperature events, though this figure is based only on data from Phoenix, Arizona, and Las Vegas, Nevada,

indicating a potential for a much higher national toll. The US also experienced devastating tropical storms, including major hurricanes such as Helene, Milton, and Barrel, which incurred cumulative damage exceeding one hundred billion dollars. Additionally, a drought primarily affecting the southern, Eastern, and northwestern regions, resulted in an estimated loss of five

point four billion dollars. These events, while distinct from gun violence, represent other significant forms of mass casualty incidents that required different preparedness and response frameworks. There has to be a holistic response, but one that is different for each situation. Broader trends and gun violence last year showed a complex picture, with some encouraging declines alongside persistent challenges. Gun desks declined for a third consecutive year, reaching its lowest number since

twenty nineteen. It's a positive indicator of potential progress. Firearm injuries also saw a significant Firearm injuries also saw a significant decrease, falling by nearly fourteen percent from thirty six thousand, three hundred and thirty eight and twenty twenty three to thirty one thousand, four hundred and nine in twenty twenty four, suggesting a reduction in gun related harm barely. Homicides in major US cities plummeted at a record pace for the

past two years, with many cities experiencing substantial drops. For instance, Philadelphia saw forty three percent decrease, in Washington, d C a thirty one percent decrease in homicides, so targeted interventions at a local level can yield significant results. The number of children and teenagers killed or wounded in shootings also saw a notable decline, plummeting by nearly seventeen percent compared

to twenty twenty three. The numbers I'm about to give you for twenty twenty four are staggering, and despite them offering a glimmer a seventeen percent reduction glimmer of hope, five thousand, one hundred and fifty one children or teenagers were shot and just over one thousand, four hundred died.

Not all trends were positive. Domestic violence incidents involving a gun increased by nine percent year to date, highlighting a specific area of escalating concern that requires urgent, targeted intervention and policy solutions. Gun sales continued their steady decline since twenty twenty, with thirteen point six million guns purchased in twenty twenty four, which which is a potential factor in the overall decline of gun violence. In terms of policy,

twenty twenty four did see significant developments. The US Supreme Court upheld domestic violence gun restrictions in the United States verst Rahemi, a life saving ruling that reinforces protections for victims. Every Town for Gun Safety reported the passage of one hundred and seven life saving gun safety policies in various states and the successful defeat of two hundred and fifty four gun lobby backed bills, demonstrating a need for sustained advocacy.

States like Michigan, Minnesota, Illinois, and Vermont improved their gun law rankings due to the enactment of strengthened background checks, extreme risk laws known as red flag laws, secure firearm

storage laws, and assault weapons bans. Conversely, Florida's ranking worsened due to the passage of a permitless carry legislation, illustrating the divergent paths states are taking on gunpollloy This simultaneous decline in overall gun homicides and injuries with significant legislative activity in gun safety suggests a potential correlation between evidence based policy interventions and a reduction in certain forms of

gun violence. While direct causation is complex and multifectorial, the timing and nature of these policy changes provide encouraging signals regarding the efficacy of legislative action. This indicates that continued legislative efforts, particularly those with proven efficacy like comprehensive background checks and extreme risk laws, are a viable and important component of a comprehensive violence reduction strategy working in concert

with other prevention and response efforts. The significant decline in FBI defined active shooter incidents, particularly the fifty percent reduction from twenty twenty three, warrants careful consideration and offers a

glimmer of hope amidst person challenges. The FBIS report itself suggests that various factors can influence whether an active shooter incident occurs, including prevention efforts, preparedness, behavioral threat assessments, and improved communication and engagement among law enforcement, families and communities. This observed decline is not merely a statistical anomaly, but

potentially a reflection of concerted efforts. The emphasis on identifying and reporting predatory behaviors prior to attacks, which accounted for a majority of casualties, suggests that increased public awareness and successful interventions based on these indicators may be contributing to

the observed decline an FBI defined active shooter events. There is a positive return on investment for proactive intelligence led prevention strategies when individuals in a potential perpetrator's orbit recognize concerning signs and report them. If you see something, say something,

it creates opportunities for intervention before violence escalates. Continued investment in preparedness and response training such as the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training Alert and the Active Shooter Attack Prevention and Preparedness ASAP programs promoted by the FBI also likely contribute to faster response times and better outcomes. So with all that information, do we have a plan? Well, we can have the components of a plan, the beginnings

of a plan. Now we have a comprehensive action plan for reducing violence. The first steps prioritizing and expanding behavioral threat assessment and management programs. Given that a significant majority of high casualty incidents involve perpetrators exhibiting observable predatory behaviors, the proactive identification and intervention based on these indicators represent a critical pathway for prevention. So we need to increase federal and state funding for the establishment of BTAM programs

in schools, workplaces, and community organizations. Develop standardized training curricula for teams, ensuring they are multidisciplinary involving law enforcement, mental health professionals, educators, and human resources personnel. We need to launch public awareness campaigns to educate communities on the warning signs of potential violence and provide clear, accessible and trusted pathways for reporting concerns, for instance, anonymous tip lines school

safety apps. We also need to develop adaptive security strategies for diverse environments. The shift of incidents to open spaces and the persistent vulnerability of educational settings demand innovative and flexible security approaches beyond traditional hardening measures. We need to invest in research and development for security solutions tailored to open, diffuse environments, focusing on enhanced surveys, allens technologies, rapid mobile

law enforcement deployment, and community based vigilance networks. We need to implement comprehensive run hide, fight training programs for civilians in all public and private settings, emphasizing that fight is

a last resort when no other options exist. These programs should be regularly updated and widely disseminated, and we need to enhance physical security measures in educational and other vulnerable fixed locations, including controlled access points, reinforced doors, and integrated communication systems, while ensuring these measures do not create an

unwelcoming or overly restrictive environment. We need to strengthen support and training for first responders law enforcement and other First responders are the ultimate line of defense, often facing extreme danger, their effectiveness is paramount to mitigating casualties. We should ensure continuous advanced tactical training for law enforcement, such as alert program focusing on rapid threat neutralization, casualty care and multi

agency coordination. Provide robust and accessible mental health and wellness support programs for first responders. Acknowledging the profound psychological toll of responding to mass casualty events, we should invest in specialized equipment and technology that enhances first responder capabilities, including communications systems, protective gear, tools for managing complex incident scenes. Then we need to promote data harmonization and evidence based policy.

The discrepancies in how gun violence is defined and reported they hinder a comprehensive understanding and effective policy response. We need to initiate a national dialogue among federal agencies, research organizations, and advocacy groups to work towards greater standardization of definitions for gun violence incidents, or at least clear our two

of definitional differences and their implications. We should advocate for and implement evidence based gun safety policies that have demonstrated efficacy in reducing gun violence, such as universal background checks, extreme risk protection orders, and secure firearm storage laws. We need to support research into the long term impacts of various gun safety policies and prevention programs to continuously refine strategies based on empirical evidence. Finally, we need to foster

a culture of holistic violence prevention. Recognizing that violent stems from a complex interplay of factors, a holistic approach is essential. We should increase access to comprehensive mental health SCARE services and substance abuse treatment, addressing vulnerabilities that can contribute to problematic behaviors and impair judgment without stigmatizing mental illness as

a direct cause of violence. We should invest in community led violence intervention programs that address root causes of violence, such as poverty, lack of opportunity, and systematic inequities, fostering resilience and positive community engagement. Finally, we need to prompt responsible gun ownership practices. This includes secure storage and education on the risks associated with firearms to prevent accidental shootings and reduce access for individuals who may pose a threat.

It's safe to say the year twenty twenty four offers a complex yet ultimately hopeful narrative regarding active shooter and mass casualty events in the United States. While the significant klein An FBI defined active shooter incidents from twenty twenty three as a testament to the potential effectiveness of proactive prevention efforts, particularly those focused on identifying intervening and predatory behaviors, we must not mistake this process for a complete victory.

The data also reveals a persistent and pervasive challenge of broader gun violence, with hundreds of mass shootings and an increase in gun related incidents on school grounds still casting a long shadow. The shift of these devastating events into open spaces further emphasizes the evolving nature of the threat, which demands our constant vigilance and adaptation. Behind every statistic that I've mentioned in this episode, our lives irrevocably altered.

The victims, the survivors, the first responders who bravely step into harm's way, and the communities left to heal. Their stories are a powerful reminder that this is not merely an academic exercise. It is a profound human challenge that demands our collective empathy and unwavering commitment. We have seen that early intervention rooted in recognizing concerning behaviors can disrupt the pathway to violence. This is where each of us

holds that vital role. We must foster communities where individuals feel empowered and safe to report concerns, where mental health support is readily accessible, and where this stigma often associated with seeking help is dismantled. It is a call to look out for one another, to listen, and to act with compassion and courage. For our leaders and policy makers,

the path forward is clear. Sustained investment in evidence based prevention programs, adaptive security strategies for our diverse environments, and unwavering support for our first responders are not options, but necessities. We must also engage in an honest and open dialogue about the nuances of gun violence, data working towards greater clarity and consistency in how we define and measure these tragedies. This will enable us to allocate resources effectively and build

a national strategy that is truly comprehensive. The journey towards a safer society is not easy. It is long and arduous, but it is a journey we must embark on together. It requires not just policy changes and tactical responses, but a fundamental shift in how we perceive and address the vulnerabilities within our communities. Let the data from twenty twenty four serve not as the final word, but as a powerful impetus for continued research, innovation, and most importantly, a

renewed commitment to protecting every life. Let us honor those we have lost by dedicating ourselves preventing future strategies, building communities where safety is a shared reality, and ensuring that hope, not fear, defines our future. That brings us to the close of this very different and very special episode of Active Shooter the Podcast. Remember your vigilance can be a lifeline. Say it with me. If you see something, say something, There's truly no telling how many lives you might save.

Don't forget to connect with us on social media. You can find us on Facebook at Active Shooter the Podcast and on x at podcast Active. Stay safe out there, and thank you for listening.