While this report focuses on active shooter incidents that occurred in 2025, there were various instances where a potential attack was averted by either law enforcement observations, tips to the FBI and/or local law enforcement, or information provided to school resource officers (SROs) or campus police.
cite page 72 Appendix III: Potentially Averted Active Shooter Incidents
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
In August 2025, deputies from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office made contact with a 41 year old male outside his vehicle in a restricted area at the Palm Beach International Airport. The man had a rifle, loaded magazines, and multiple knives. He was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
cite page 72 Appendix III: Potentially Averted Active Shooter Incidents
In November 2025, patrol officers observed a 25 year old male driving a car in Canby Park in Delaware after-hours and initiated a traffic stop. Officers discovered firearms, loaded magazines, a ballistic armor plate, and a notebook that outlined plans for an attack on the University of Delaware Police Department which included a layout of the building. The man was charged with illegally possessing a machine-gun.
cite page 72 Appendix III: Potentially Averted Active Shooter Incidents
In May 2025, a 14 year old male planned to conduct a shooting attack with IEDs at Three Rivers Mall. The juvenile had precise details, including a map of the mall. The juvenile shared attack plans and extremist ideology in online chats which were reported to the FBI who worked with local law enforcement to identify the juvenile. He was charged with attempted second-degree murder, attempted assault, firearms offenses, disorderly conduct, and tampering with physical evidence.
cite page 72 Appendix III: Potentially Averted Active Shooter Incidents
Nihilistic Violent Extremism (NVE) encompasses the unlawful use or threat of force or violence, in violation of federal law, in furtherance of political, social, or religious goals that derive primarily from a hatred of society at large and a desire to bring about its collapse by sowing indiscriminate chaos, destruction, and social instability. These networks methodically target and exploit minors and other vulnerable individuals.
cite page 72 Appendix III: Potentially Averted Active Shooter Incidents
Find the Perfect Training Class For You
