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. FACTS & EVENTS
In most cases, active shooters use firearm(s) and have no pattern
or method to their selection of victims, which creates an In March 2018, three people
unpredictable and quickly evolving situation that can result in loss were killed by an armed gunman
of life and injury. Other active shooter attack methods may also during a hostage situation at
include bladed weapons, vehicles, and improvised explosive Yountville Veterans Home in
devices. While law enforcement is usually required to end an active Napa County, California.
shooter situation, individuals can take steps to prepare mentally
and physically for the possibility of this type of event occurring in In February 2018, 17 people
order to save lives. including students and teachers
were killed and 17 more were
Be Alert to Signs of Trouble wounded when a gunman
While active shooter situations are often unpredictable, paying opened fire inside Marjory
careful attention to warning signs could go a long way in Stoneman Douglas High School
mitigating a potential incident. Some shooters demonstrate in Parkland, Florida.
progressively escalating risk factors in their mindsets and
behaviors that characterize them as violent prior to an attack. In October 2017, 58 people were
Recognizing these warning signs and reaching out for help could killed and 851 were injured when
bring at-risk individuals to the attention of law enforcement sooner a gunman opened fire from the
and prevent a future attack. window of a hotel room on a
crowd of concert goers at the
Potential warning signs include: Route 91 Harvest Music Festival
Increasingly erratic, unsafe, or aggressive behaviors. on the Las Vegas Strip in Nevada.
Hostile behavior based on claims of injustice or perceived wrongdoing. In June 2016, 49 people were
Drug and alcohol abuse. killed and 58 were injured when a
gunman opened fire inside Pulse
Claims of marginalization or distancing from friends and colleagues. nightclub in Orlando, Florida.
Changes in performance at work.
In December 2012, 20 children
Sudden and dramatic changes in home life or in personality. between six and seven years
Financial difficulties. old as well as six adult staff
members were killed when an
Pending civil or criminal litigation.
armed gunman opened fire in
Observable grievances and making statements of retribution. Sandy Hook Elementary School
in Newtown, Connecticut.
You can help ensure the safety of those around you.
In July 2012, an armed gunman
Be aware of drastic changes in attitude toward others. opened fire at a Century movie
Take note of any escalations in behavior and report to supervisor. theater in Aurora, Colorado,
Provide any information that may help facilitate intervention and killing 12 people and injuring 70
mitigate potential risks. 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 artificial 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 first aid when safe to do so.
Maintain situational awareness while providing assistance to others.
When help arrives, follow instructions given by law enforcement and first responders.
Protective Measures
Physical Security Access, Planning, and Personnel
Post signage relating to emergency entry and exit Conduct periodic background checks on all staff
points, first-aid stations, and shelter locations. assigned to critical or sensitive areas.
Define the perimeter and areas that require access Review personnel files of recently terminated
control, and identify especially sensitive or critical employees to determine whether they pose a
areas that require special access controls. security risk and ensure they are removed from
• Establish surveillance plan to complement systems.
perimeter controls. 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.
Additional Resources
• Hometown Security Initiative: https://www.dhs.gov/hometown-security Protective Security Advisors (PSAs) proactively engage
• Active Shooter Preparedness Program: https://www.dhs.gov/active-shooter-preparedness with government partners and the private sector to protect
• “If You See Something, Say Something®”: https://www.dhs.gov/see-something-say-something critical infrastructure. For more information or to contact
• Nationwide Suspicious Activity Reporting Initiative: https://nsi.ncirc.gov/ your local PSA, e-mail [email protected].
