Firearms were used in 86% of attacks (n = 43)
Firearms were used in most attacks (n = 43, 86%).
Sample (n = 43 of 50) · incidents (attacks) in the study
Firearms were used in most attacks (n = 43, 86%)
NCIER®
Weapons Usage
48 claims on pp. 13–94 (fact 29, statement 4, evidence 13, definition 2).
Claims about Weapons Usage
Handguns were used in 33 attacks
The firearm use included handguns in 33 attacks.
This included the use of handguns (n = 33)
Long guns were used in 10 attacks
The firearm use included long guns in 10 attacks.
and long guns (n = 10)
Over three-quarters of attacks (76%) involved one weapon
Over three-quarters of attacks (n = 38, 76%) involved the use of one weapon.
Sample (n = 38 of 50) · incidents (attacks) in the study
Over three-quarters of attacks (n = 38, 76%) involved the use of one weapon
Nearly one quarter of attacks (24%) involved two weapons
Nearly one quarter of attacks (n = 12, 24%) involved the use of two weapons.
Sample (n = 12 of 50) · incidents (attacks) in the study
nearly one quarter of attacks (n = 12, 24%) involved the use of two weapons
Some attackers brought additional weapons that went unused
Some attackers brought additional weapons that were unused during their attack.
Some attackers brought additional weapons that were unused during their attack.
Bladed weapons were used in 7 attacks (14%)
Bladed weapons were used in 7 attacks (14%).
Sample (n = 7 of 50) · incidents (attacks) in the study
Bladed Weapon | 7 | 14%
Other weapon types were used in 4 attacks (8%)
Other weapon types were used in 4 attacks (8%).
Sample (n = 4 of 50) · incidents (attacks) in the study
Other | 4 | 8%
4 attackers used two types of weapons
Weapon-type totals exceed 50 because 4 attackers used two types of weapons to inflict harm.
Total number exceeds 50 as 4 attackers used two types of weapons to inflict harm.
Table 2: Firearms used in 43 attacks (86%)
Table 2 reports that a firearm was used in 43 attacks (86%).
Sample (n = 43 of 50) · incidents (attacks) in the study
Firearm | 43 | 86%
13 of the 16 employed attackers struck during or just after a shift
Most of these attackers (n = 13) initiated their attack during or immediately after a work shift.
most of these attackers (n = 13) initiated their attack during or immediately after a work shift
Four employed attackers concealed weapons on their person
Four of these attackers concealed their weapons on their person before the attack.
Of these attackers, four concealed their weapon(s) on their person prior to their attack, while five attackers kept their weapon in a vehicle
Five kept weapons in a vehicle on the work premises
Five attackers kept their weapon in a vehicle on the work premises and later retrieved it for the attack.
five attackers kept their weapon in a vehicle on the work premises and later retrieved the weapon
Two employees left mid-shift to fetch weapons from home
Two attackers left the work premises during their shift to go home and retrieve weapons, then returned to attack.
two attackers left the work premises during their shift to go home and retrieve weapons
One attacker was an on-duty military member armed with service weapons
One attacker was a U.S. military service member on watch duty and was armed with service weapons during his attack.
One attacker was a U.S. military service member on watch duty and was armed with service weapons
All 7 bladed-weapon attacks were by customers, clients, patients, or visitors
All attacks using bladed weapons (n = 7) were perpetrated by customers, clients, patients, or visitors of the targeted location.
All attacks using bladed weapons (n = 7) were perpetrated by customers, clients, patients, or visitors of the targeted location.
Two bladed-weapon attacks at homeless shelters were by residents
Two attacks using bladed weapons were perpetrated at homeless shelters by residents.
Two attacks using bladed weapons were perpetrated at homeless shelters by residents.
Two bladed-weapon attacks targeted staff and patients at mental health facilities
An additional two attacks using bladed weapons targeted staff and patients at mental health facilities.
An additional two attacks using bladed weapons targeted staff and patients at mental health facilities
Knife attack at mental health center after treatment denial
A 39-year-old man stabbed a counselor and other employees at a mental health center after the center had determined that morning he was not appropriate for its treatment program. He was subdued by a client until police arrived.
A 39-year-old man entered a mental health treatment center.
Other bladed-weapon attacks hit a property office, apartment space, and strip club
Other attacks using bladed weapons targeted a property management office, the outdoor community space of an apartment complex, and a strip club.
Other attacks using bladed weapons targeted a property management office, the outdoor community space of an apartment complex, and a strip club.
Less common weapons: vehicle, propane tank, gasoline, homemade explosive
Other types of weapons were less common (n = 4), including a vehicle, propane tank, gasoline, and a homemade explosive device.
Other types of weapons were less common (n = 4), including a vehicle, propane tank, gasoline, and a homemade explosive device.
Knife attack at mental health center: stabbed counselor, then other employees
The attacker drew a concealed knife in a room with a female counselor, stabbed her repeatedly, then slashed and stabbed other employees.
When placed in a room with a female counselor, the man drew a knife concealed under his waistband and began to stab her repeatedly before exiting the room and slashing and stabbing numerous other employees.
Table 3: 1 attack (2%) ended when the weapon was rendered inoperable; attacker arrested (2%)
Table 3 reports 1 attack (2%) ended because the weapon was rendered inoperable, after which the attacker was arrested at or away from the scene (1, 2%).
Sample (n = 1 of 50) · incidents (attacks) in the study
Weapon rendered inoperable, then... | 1 | 2%
Mental health facility stabbers: one released a month earlier, one denied treatment hours earlier
One bladed-weapon attack at a mental health facility was perpetrated by a patient released one month earlier; another by an individual denied entry into a treatment program hours earlier.
including one attack perpetrated by a patient who had been released one month earlier and another who had been denied entry into a treatment program hours earlier
Gunman with two-decade criminal record killed three after protection order
A 38-year-old gunman with a two-decade criminal history, including felony convictions and domestic violence against his ex-girlfriend, was served a civil protection order at work on the day of his attack. He killed three and injured fourteen before being shot by law enforcement.
A 38-year-old gunman armed with a pistol and a rifle killed three and injured fourteen others
Grocery night-shift attacker shared school-shooting glorification before killing three
A 24-year-old man opened fire with two shotguns at the grocery store where he worked, killing three coworkers. In the months before, he created videos glorifying school shootings and described admiration for past attackers and plans in journal entries.
A 24-year-old man armed with two shotguns opened fire almost two hours into a night shift
12 current employees attacked during or just after a work shift
Most current employee attackers (n = 12) initiated their attack during or immediately following a work shift.
Sample (n = 12 of 16) · attackers who were current employees of the targeted site
most (n = 12) initiated their attack either during or immediately following a work shift
Cemetery revenge attacker: incendiary devices found before they could detonate
Before the cemetery attack, the attacker rigged his apartment, garage, and an adjacent residence with a series of incendiary devices, which were detected before they could detonate.
Prior to the attack at the cemetery, the attacker rigged his apartment, garage, and an adjacent residence with a series of incendiary devices, which were detected before they could detonate.
Former resident physician's hospital shooting after forced resignation
A 45-year-old man opened fire at a hospital where he had been a resident physician, killing one and injuring six, then died after setting himself on fire and shooting himself. He had resigned two years earlier in lieu of being fired for sexual harassment and threats, and his badge was not revoked.
A 45-year-old man armed with a semiautomatic rifle opened fire at a hospital where he had formerly been employed as a resident physician
Employee shot coworkers during a meeting to fire him, then wounded five officers
An employee with numerous rule violations drew a concealed handgun during a disciplinary meeting, killing four coworkers and injuring one. He then killed another coworker who had reported his safety violation, and the attacker injured five officers in a shootout before dying of his wounds.
the individual drew a concealed handgun and opened fire, killing four coworkers and injuring another
Attacker with two handguns killed five coworkers at an organization with racial harassment history
A man with two handguns killed five coworkers and then himself at an organization with a history of racial discrimination and harassment. According to a coworker, he had reported at least one exchange to HR, but the case was closed when the complaint could not be corroborated.
the case was closed when the complaint could not be corroborated
Armed former PTSD patient took five hostages at a residential treatment center
A 36-year-old gunman armed with a rifle, a shotgun, and a bulletproof vest took five hostages at a residential treatment center where he had previously been treated for PTSD.
A 36-year-old gunman armed with a rifle, a shotgun, and a bulletproof vest took five hostages at a residential treatment center where he had previously received treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Warehouse employee blocked exit with forklift, shot coworkers, then died by suicide
A warehouse employee used a forklift to block an exit before shooting coworkers with a revolver. On a call to police he described hearing voices since his teens, past treatment for psychosis, and a belief that a manager was attacking his mind.
used a forklift to block an exit before shooting coworkers with a revolver
Concerning behavior: weapons violations
Weapons violations are among the behaviors that may be concerning.
Concerning behaviors may include escalating interpersonal disputes, grievances, concerning social media content, stalking and harassment, obsessions with violence, idolizing past attackers, fixating on people or locations, suicidal ideations, self-harm, unusual levels of aggression, threats, weapons violations, and physical assaults.
cite page 50 Step 4: Identify and Process Reports of Concerning Behavior
Figure 8 example: bringing or brandishing a weapon at work
Figure 8 lists, under Objectively Concerning, bringing or brandishing a weapon in the workplace.
Bringing or brandishing a weapon in the workplace
cite page 51 Step 4: Identify and Process Reports of Concerning Behavior
Planning includes researching or following targets and acquiring weapons
Planning includes researching, visiting, or following potential targets; researching, manufacturing, acquiring, or practicing with weapons; documenting preparations for an attack through hit lists, to-do lists, maps, or manifestos; researching prior attacks and tactics; developing attack plans; researching logistical concerns; or using deceptive practices to hide activities.
Specific steps taken to prepare to carry out an act of violence, including researching, visiting, or following potential targets
Access to weapons covers current or future ability to obtain harmful weapons
Access to weapons is the current or future ability to access weapons that could be used to cause harm, including firearms, bladed weapons, explosives, chemicals, and poisons.
Current or future ability to access weapons that could be used to cause harm
Weapon access may include relatives' or friends' homes
Access to weapons may include weapons readily available at home, secured or unsecured, as well as weapons in the homes of relatives or friends.
Access to weapons may include those that are readily available to the individual in their home, whether secured or unsecured, as well as those accessible in the homes of relatives or friends
Why inferred Descriptive 'may include' scope statement; typed as guidance.
Teams must assess means and capability to harm by gathering information on weapon access
BTAM teams will need to assess whether the individual has the means and capability to cause harm by gathering information about the weapons the individual has access to or could potentially obtain.
Lastly, BTAM teams will need to assess if the individual has the means and capability to cause harm by gathering information about the weapons the individual has access to or could potentially obtain.
Oct 2017 manufacturing-facility attack: attacker shot five colleagues in the head
The attacker drew a semiautomatic pistol and shot five colleagues in the head, killing three and injuring two.
He then drew a semiautomatic pistol and shot five of his colleagues in the head, killing three and injuring two others.
Data Table 1: incident data for all attacks and three subgroups
Data Table 1 (Incident Data) reports weapons, location types, motives, total casualties (injured and killed), and resolution for all attacks (n = 50) and for current or former employees (n = 22), customers, clients, patients, and visitors (n = 19), and romantic partners and relatives (n = 9). The column ns printed are 50 | 22 | 19 | 9.
APPENDICES: DATA TABLE 1
Firearms used: all 86%, employees 95%, customers 68%, partners/relatives 100%
Data Table 1 reports firearms in 86% of all attacks (n = 50), 95% of attacks by current or former employees (n = 22), 68% by customers, clients, patients, and visitors (n = 19), and 100% by romantic partners and relatives (n = 9).
Sample (N = 50 | 22 | 19 | 9 by column) · Data Table 1 columns: all attacks 50 | employees 22 | customers, clients, patients, visitors 19 | partners and relatives 9
Firearms | 86% | 95% | 68% | 100%
Bladed weapons used: all 14%, employees 0%, customers 37%, partners/relatives 0%
Data Table 1 reports bladed weapons in 14% of all attacks (n = 50), 0% of attacks by current or former employees (n = 22), 37% by customers, clients, patients, and visitors (n = 19), and 0% by romantic partners and relatives (n = 9).
Sample (N = 50 | 22 | 19 | 9 by column) · Data Table 1 columns: all attacks 50 | employees 22 | customers, clients, patients, visitors 19 | partners and relatives 9
Bladed Weapons | 14% | 0% | 37% | 0%
Vehicles used: all 2%, employees 5%, customers 0%, partners/relatives 0%
Data Table 1 reports vehicles as a weapon in 2% of all attacks (n = 50), 5% of attacks by current or former employees (n = 22), 0% by customers, clients, patients, and visitors (n = 19), and 0% by romantic partners and relatives (n = 9).
Sample (N = 50 | 22 | 19 | 9 by column) · Data Table 1 columns: all attacks 50 | employees 22 | customers, clients, patients, visitors 19 | partners and relatives 9
Vehicles | 2% | 5% | 0% | 0%
Explosives used: all 2%, employees 5%, customers 0%, partners/relatives 0%
Data Table 1 reports an explosive weapon in 2% of all attacks (n = 50), 5% of attacks by current or former employees (n = 22), 0% by customers, clients, patients, and visitors (n = 19), and 0% by romantic partners and relatives (n = 9).
Sample (N = 50 | 22 | 19 | 9 by column) · Data Table 1 columns: all attacks 50 | employees 22 | customers, clients, patients, visitors 19 | partners and relatives 9
Explosive | 2% | 5% | 0% | 0%
Incendiary weapons used: all 2%, employees 5%, customers 0%, partners/relatives 0%
Data Table 1 reports an incendiary weapon in 2% of all attacks (n = 50), 5% of attacks by current or former employees (n = 22), 0% by customers, clients, patients, and visitors (n = 19), and 0% by romantic partners and relatives (n = 9).
Sample (N = 50 | 22 | 19 | 9 by column) · Data Table 1 columns: all attacks 50 | employees 22 | customers, clients, patients, visitors 19 | partners and relatives 9
Incendiary | 2% | 5% | 0% | 0%
Other weapons used: all 2%, employees 5%, customers 0%, partners/relatives 0%
Data Table 1 reports an other weapon type in 2% of all attacks (n = 50), 5% of attacks by current or former employees (n = 22), 0% by customers, clients, patients, and visitors (n = 19), and 0% by romantic partners and relatives (n = 9).
Sample (N = 50 | 22 | 19 | 9 by column) · Data Table 1 columns: all attacks 50 | employees 22 | customers, clients, patients, visitors 19 | partners and relatives 9
| Incendiary | 2% | 5% | 0% | 0% | | Other | 2% | 5% | 0% | 0% |
Weapon rendered inoperable: all 2%, employees 0%, customers 5%, partners/relatives 0%
Data Table 1 reports that the weapon was rendered inoperable in 2% of all attacks (n = 50), 0% of attacks by current or former employees (n = 22), 5% by customers, clients, patients, and visitors (n = 19), and 0% by romantic partners and relatives (n = 9).
Sample (N = 50 | 22 | 19 | 9 by column) · Data Table 1 columns: all attacks 50 | employees 22 | customers, clients, patients, visitors 19 | partners and relatives 9
Weapon rendered inoperable, then... | 2% | 0% | 5% | 0%
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