The FBI recently released its report, Active Shooter Incidents in the United States in 2022. This report serves as an essential tool in helping law enforcement understand active shooter incidents and how to prevent them. Findings highlight an increase in both the number of gun violence incidents and the number of casualties compared to previous years.

There were a total of 50 active shooter incidents in 2022, resulting in 313 casualties (100 killed and 213 wounded). Central Avenue, Highland Park, IL and Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, TX were the two incidents with the most casualties. The report indicates the most common locations for active shooter incidents are open spaces, businesses, and schools. Additionally, the majority of the perpetrators were male and between the ages of 19–24.

To meet the FBI’s active shooter definition, researchers considered categories such as: shootings in public places, shootings occurring at multiple locations, and shootings where the shooter’s actions were not the result of another criminal act. Gun-related incidents were excluded if they were a result of self defense, gang violence, and drug violence, among others.

As active shooter events persist, the FBI emphasizes the importance of active shooter training among law enforcement, first responders, and citizens.

“The FBI remains dedicated to assisting federal, state, local, tribal, territorial, and campus law enforcement in its active shooter prevention, response, and recovery efforts, as well as training its international law enforcement partners. The FBI also remains steadfast in its efforts to train private citizens in active shooter survival, as it is imperative that citizens understand the risks faced and the resources available in an active shooter incident.”

For more information, check out HSDL’s In Focus topics on Active Shooters, School Violence, and Workplace Violence and documents related to mass shootings and gun violence.