Conclusion claims

As we reflect on the past year and release the FBI’s 2025 annual active shooter report, it is clear that prevention begins long before an incident unfolds.

Continued research shows that tips to law enforcement are the most effective tool in preventing potential active shooter incidents.

If you see something concerning, no matter how small it may seem, report it. Early intervention saves lives.

However, active shooter events are distinct due to their dynamic, public, and unpredictable nature. Understanding this difference is crucial for targeted prevention strategies to reduce active shooter incidents.

Characterized by their ongoing nature, these situations offer a crucial window during which both citizens and law enforcement have the potential to intervene and save lives.

Although shootings at houses of worship made up a small portion of the total incidents in 2025, this category had a disproportionately high number of casualties.

These attacks occurred across various locations and involved multiple types of weapons, highlighting the complexity and challenges officers face while responding to these dangerous threats.

This closely aligns with the prevalence of mental illness within the general population.

While mental illness itself is not a direct cause of such violence, it can serve as a risk factor when vulnerabilities lead to problematic behaviors or impaired judgment.

Effective collaboration between first responders, policymakers, and the public is crucial in reducing the frequency and impact of active shooter incidents.

Partnership is central to the FBI’s mission of protecting the American people. You can help prevent future attacks by reporting concerning behavior to appropriate authorities.

This means there are opportunities to identify someone who is on a pathway to violence - and prevent their attack.

You may be in a unique position to observe these signs in someone you know. Educating yourself on what to look for can be the key to preventing an attack of mass violence in your community.

The earlier a person’s concerning behaviors are noticed, the more options are available to get that person help.

If you are worried that someone you know may be displaying concerning behaviors, the most important thing is to tell someone. Be the key to preventing violence by talking to someone you trust.

A positive outcome is possible when people work together to assist someone who is struggling.

If you believe someone is planning or preparing for violence, think about contacting police, visiting your nearest FBI field office, or reporting it at tips.FBI.gov.