Releasing the 2025 report, FBI says prevention begins long before an incident
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.
NCIER®
Reporting concerning behavior
14 claims on pp. 6–74 (statement 4, conclusion 9, conjecture 1).
Claims about Reporting concerning behavior
Research shows tips to law enforcement are the most effective prevention tool
Continued research shows that tips to law enforcement are the most effective tool in preventing potential active shooter incidents.
Public urged to report any concerning behavior since early intervention saves lives
If you see something concerning, no matter how small it may seem, report it. Early intervention saves lives.
Predatory attackers often show warning signs that, if reported in time, allow intervention
These individuals often display warning signs-observable behaviors that, if noticed and reported in time, create critical opportunities to intervene and prevent violence from occurring.
Readers can visit FBI.gov/prevent for warning behaviors and who to contact
For behaviors to be aware of, and/or who to contact for help, please visit www.FBI.gov/prevent.
Collaboration among responders, policymakers and public is crucial to reducing incidents
Effective collaboration between first responders, policymakers, and the public is crucial in reducing the frequency and impact of active shooter incidents.
Public can help prevent attacks by reporting concerning behavior to authorities
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.
Appendix is not all-inclusive; examples show 'see something, say something' likely saved lives
This appendix is not all inclusive but offers several examples where methods such as “see something, say something” likely prevented an attack and saved lives.
cite page 72 Appendix III: Potentially Averted Active Shooter Incidents
Readers may observe signs in people they know; learning what to look for can prevent attacks
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.
cite page 74 Appendix IV: Prevent Mass Violence and Behavior Indicators
If worried about someone's behaviors, the most important step is to tell someone trusted
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.
cite page 74 Appendix IV: Prevent Mass Violence and Behavior Indicators
Trusted person could be a school administrator, coach, religious leader or similar
This could be a school administrator, employee assistance peer, coach, religious leader, or someone else you respect.
cite page 74 Appendix IV: Prevent Mass Violence and Behavior Indicators
Positive outcomes are possible when people work together to help someone struggling
A positive outcome is possible when people work together to assist someone who is struggling.
cite page 74 Appendix IV: Prevent Mass Violence and Behavior Indicators
Suspected violence planning: consider contacting police, an FBI field office or tips.FBI.gov
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.
cite page 74 Appendix IV: Prevent Mass Violence and Behavior Indicators
Law enforcement can work with professionals to give resources to people nearing crisis
Law enforcement can work with other professionals to provide needed resources to individuals in or approaching crisis before violence is pursued.
cite page 74 Appendix IV: Prevent Mass Violence and Behavior Indicators
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