To identify incidents that fit the active shooter definition, the FBI relies on multiple sources to include internal FBI records, official reports from investigating agencies when available, and information gathered from open-source outlets.
An active shooter incident must involve a shooter or shooters using a firearm—whether they successfully discharge the weapon or merely attempt to do so while attempting to kill or harm people.
Notably, some active shooter incidents may not result in casualties due to firearm malfunctions, missing intended targets, or interventions by citizens, security personnel, or law enforcement.
Conversely, not all firearm related incidents qualify as active shooter incidents, such as: • | Gang violence • | Drug-related violence • | Residential or domestic disputes • | Self-defense • | Barricade/Hostage situation • | Shootings in relation to another criminal act • | Crossfire as a byproduct of another ongoing criminal act
The methodology was first articulated in A Study of Active Shooter Incidents in the United States Between 2000 and 2013 and was applied to the 2025 incidents for consistency.
The data included in this report is derived from active shooter incidents in 2025 and is current as of March 19, 2026.
Prior to the publication of this report, the FBI conducted a regimented data verification and review process to provide readers with the most accurate information.
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