Their motives may be different, but the outcome is usually the same
Today's Active Shooter threat is very real
What was once rare now happens almost every day; whether it receives national news coverage or not doesn't change the impact it had on the victims, their families, or the organization where it occurred. These attacks are unpredictable and can happen anywhere at any time, depending on the motivation and determination of the shooter. Dozens of individuals can be killed or wounded in a matter of minutes. There are many things an organization can do to mitigate the threat and impact this type of event can have.
Mass shootings are defined as four or more people, excluding the shooter, being shot in a single event. Source:gunviolencearchive.org.
An active shooter can strike anywhere at any time with little to no warning. Organizations that are properly prepared can mitigate the threat. Learn how we can help your organization.
Society may have forgot about it… But the victims never will
In the aftermath of a mass shooting, the shock, grief, and anger experienced by society are palpable. No matter how horrific these events were, they often will feed from general public memory.
Past mass shootings like the Pulse Nightclub, Virginia Tech, Sutherland Springs, Sandy Hook Elementary, Santa Fe High School, Fort Hood and El Paso Walmart, are just seven of hundredths of mass shooting that have occurred over the years.
"Although most active shooter attacks have been perpetrated by single individuals, the ability of a group of terrorists to attack multiple locations simultaneously, resulting in the deaths of hundreds, is very real."
Targeted mass shootings are on the rise
These horrific acts of violence carried out by an individual or group intentionally targeting and indiscriminately killing multiple people in a public setting, have surged in frequency over recent years. The devastating consequences of these events extend far beyond the immediate victims and their families.
Recognizing the warning signs of a potential active shooter
Individuals who engage in targeted acts of violence with the intent to harm others in public spaces, such as schools, workplaces, or public gatherings, may exhibit certain types of behavior that may be an indicator of potential violence toward others.
While some types of behavior are difficult to see, others are quite obvious. Recognizing these behaviors and taking the appropriate actions could possibly prevent another mass shooting event from occurring in the first place.
Active shooter attacks are not spontaneous. They are often planned out weeks or months in advance. The location where the attack will occur can vary depending on the individual or group's ideology, goals, and desired outcomes. However, soft targets, which lack robust security protocols and are typically crowded public spaces, are often chosen. Understand what can be done to harden soft targets from an active shooter or active assailant.
Risk mitigation strategies for enhancing organizational safety
Active shooter incidents can pose a significant threat to an organization's overall safety and existence. To mitigate these risks, organizations must implement robust risk mitigation strategies. These include conducting comprehensive risk assessments, investing in employee training programs, and deploying real-time threat detection and emergency alert systems. By implementing comprehensive risk mitigation strategies, organizations can reduce their financial liability exposure and provide a safer environment for everyone.
Aside from the devastating loss of life and injuries, an organization will be faced with an array of other issues for weeks, months, or years. Learn how to mitigate the impact.
The impact an active shooter event will have on an organization
In addition to the tragic loss of life and injuries, there are many other things an organization will be faced with in the days, weeks, and months after the attack. The psychological toll on survivors can be severe, leading to anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Additionally, the event can cause significant financial strain for an organization, including medical treatment, legal fees, increased security measures, and numerous lawsuits.