Responding to an Active Assailant

Prevention Starts with Awareness

Early intervention stops violence before it occurs.

Research consistently shows behavioral leakage - verbal, written, or social-media expression of intent or distress - is common before targeted violence

Behavior Changes to Report

• Sudden withdrawal or isolation
• Expressions of hopelessness or anger
• Fixation on weapons or past shootings
• Increased disciplinary issues
• Significant decline in academic or work performance 
• Direct or indirect threats
• Changes in baseline behavior noticed by peers or colleagues

Even if it feels small - report it. Notifying Campus Safety allows for threat assessment and support to be provided early.

Key School Shooting Statistics

Increasing Frequency

• The 2021-22 school year recorded the highest number of school shootings since tracking began in 2000, with 327 incidents, more than doubling the previous year. [usafacts.org] 
• From 2000-01 to 2021-22, there were 1,375 school shootings, causing 515 deaths and 1,161 injuries. [usafacts.org]

Shooter Connection to the School Community

According to the K-12 School Shooting Database and The Echo Movement's Summary:

• Many incidents include details on the shooter's connection to the school, and data show that a significant portion of shooters are current or former students, staff, or individuals otherwise tied to the campus community. (Data categories include shooter connection as a tracked variable.) [echomovement.org]

This reinforces the need for peer-based reporting - people closest to the individual are positioned to recognize early warning signs.

SRP: Lockdown

Lockdown is used when there is a threat inside the building.

Student/Staff Actions:

• Get inside a room and lock the door
• Lights out, silence mobile devices
• Move out of sight and remain quiet
• Prepare to move to Run • Hide • Fight if the threat breaches the room

Run, Hide, Fight Overview

Run

• Put distance between yourself and the threat
• Leave personal belongings behind
• Encourage others to follow if safe
• Prevent others from entering dangerous zones

Hide

• Lock or barricade doors
• Silence phones
• Stay out of view
• Hide behind cover, not just concealment

Fight (Last Resort)

• Act decisively 
• Improvise weapons
• Commit to your actions
• Disrupt and disorient the attacker

Cover vs. Concealment

Cover

Offers protection from bullets.

Examples:

• Thick concrete walls
• Heavy bookshelves filled with books
• Large steel appliances
• Engine blocks (if outside)

Concealment

Hides you from view but does NOT stop bullets.

Examples:

• Curtains
• Empty tables or desks
• Light interior doors
• Shrubs or vegetation

When hiding, always seek COVER whenever possible.

Barricading Strategies During "Hide"

Use what's available in your environment:

Effective Items for Barricading

• Desks and tables
• Filing cabinets
• Bookshelves
• Door-wedging devices (if available)
• Belts used to secure door closing mechanisms
• Rope or extension cords to tie door handles
• Heavy bags placed as weight against doors
• Rolling chairs braced under the door handle
• Multi-item pile-ups that create friction (e.g., stacking furniture)

Focus on:

• Increasing resistance
• Reducing door visibility
• Preventing door movement

Run, Hide, Fight Training Video