ACTION GUIDE
Active Shooter Attacks
Security Awareness for Soft Targets and Crowded Places
An active shooter is an individual actively engaged in killing
or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area.
In most cases, active shooters use firearm(s) and have no pattern
or method to their selection of victims, which creates an
unpredictable and quickly evolving situation that can result in loss
of life and injury. Other active shooter attack methods may also
include bladed weapons, vehicles, and improvised explosive
devices. While law enforcement is usually required to end an active
shooter situation, individuals can take steps to prepare mentally
and physically for the possibility of this type of event occurring in
order to save lives.
B
e Alert to Signs of Trouble
While active shooter situations are often unpredictable, paying
careful attention to warning signs could go a long way in
mitigating a potential incident. Some shooters demonstrate
progressively escalating risk factors in their mindsets and
behaviors that characterize them as violent prior to an attack.
Recognizing these warning signs and reaching out for help could
bring at-risk individuals to the attention of law enforcement sooner
and prevent a future attack.
Potential warning signs include:
Increasingly erratic, unsafe, or aggressive behaviors.
Hostile behavior based on claims of injustice or perceived wrongdoing.
Drug and alcohol abuse.
Claims of marginalization or distancing from friends and colleagues.
Changes in performance at work.
Sudden and dramatic changes in home life or in personality.
Financial difficulties.
Pending civil or criminal litigation.
Observable grievances and making statements of retribution.
You can help ensure the safety of those around you.
Be aware of drastic changes in attitude toward others.
Take note of any escalations in behavior and report to supervisor.
Provide any information that may help facilitate intervention and
mitigate potential risks.
FACTS & EVENTS
In March 2018, three people
were killed by an armed gunman
during a hostage situation at
Yountville Veterans Home in
Napa County, California.
In February 2018, 17 people
including students and teachers
were killed and 17 more were
wounded when a gunman
opened re inside Marjory
Stoneman Douglas High School
in Parkland, Florida.
In October 2017, 58 people were
killed and 851 were injured when
a gunman opened re from the
window of a hotel room on a
crowd of concert goers at the
Route 91 Harvest Music Festival
on the Las Vegas Strip in Nevada.
In June 2016, 49 people were
killed and 58 were injured when a
gunman opened re inside Pulse
nightclub in Orlando, Florida.
In December 2012, 20 children
between six and seven years
old as well as six adult staff
members were killed when an
armed gunman opened re in
Sandy Hook Elementary School
in Newtown, Connecticut.
In July 2012, an armed gunman
opened re at a Century movie
theater in Aurora, Colorado,
killing 12 people and injuring 70
others.
Active Shooter Attacks
Action Guide
What Should People Do In Case Of An Active Shooter Attack?
"Run" to the nearest exits, making use of available concealment while moving away from the
source of hazard.
If unable to safely evacuate, "hide" in a secure area where access can be blocked or entryways
can be locked, and, as appropriate, "fight".
If no rapid escape is possible, seek cover behind any available natural or arti
cial objects that eliminate
direct line of sight from the source of hazard.
911
Call 9-1-1 and remain alert for potential secondary attacks.
Render rst aid when safe to do so.
Maintain situational awareness while providing assistance to others.
When help arrives, follow instructions given by law enforcement and rst responders.
Protective Measures
Physical Security
P
ost signage relating to emergency entry and exit
points, first-aid stations, and shelter locations.
Define the perimeter and areas that require access
control, and identify especially sensitive or critical
areas that require special access controls.
• Establish surveillance plan to complement
perimeter controls.
Access, Planning, and Personnel
Conduct periodic bac
kground checks on all staff
assigned to critical or sensitive areas.
Review personnel files of recently terminated
employees to determine whether they pose a
security risk and ensure they are removed from
systems.
Devise credential systems that indicate areas of
access and purpose of activity on the premises.
– Issue special identification badges to
contractors, cleaning crews, vendors, and
temporary employees.
– Require that badges be displayed at all times
and verified to gain access to the building.
– Collect all badges when visits are complete.
Additi
onal Resources
• Hometown Security Initiative: https://www.dhs.gov/hometown-security
• Active Shooter Preparedness Program: https://www.dhs.gov/active-shooter-preparedness
• “If You See Something, Say Something®”: https://www.dhs.gov/see-something-say-something
• Nationwide Suspicious Activity Reporting Initiative: https://nsi.ncirc.gov/
Protective Security Advisors (PSAs) proactively engage
with government partners and the private sector to protect
critical infrastructure. For more information or to contact
your local PSA, e-mail [email protected].
