By: Teresa Mull
A recently released FBI report analyzing “Active Shooter Incidents in the United States in 2016 and 2017” concludes armed citizens are crucial to stopping active shooters.
“The FBI has designated 50 shootings in 2016 and 2017 as active shooter incidents. Twenty incidents occurred in 2016, while 30 incidents occurred in 2017,” the report says.
Of the 50 mass shootings (defined as “three or more killings in a single incident”) that happened in 21 states, 14 incidents ended with the exchange of gunfire between the shooters and law enforcement, 13 shooters committed suicide, 11 shooters were killed by police, 18 shooters were apprehended by police, and 8 shooters were stopped by citizens.
“Armed and unarmed citizens engaged the shooter in 10 incidents,” the report concludes. “They safely and successfully ended the shootings in eight of those incidents. Their selfless actions likely saved many lives. The enhanced threat posed by active shooters and the swiftness with which active shooter incidents unfold support the importance of preparation by law enforcement officers and citizens alike.”
Teresa Mull is editor of Gunpowder Magazine. Contact her at [email protected].
Photo Credit: Shutterstock