Objective

In this study, we utilized reports and related police documents to understand commonalities among active shooter events in schools.

Methods

School shooting events were chosen by previously set criteria including being a K-12 public school, mass murder intended, at least one casualty, occurring on the grounds of the school, and being between the years 1999 and 2014, leaving 24 schools to be reviewed.

Results

Commonalities were found between each event such as shooters accessing weapons in their home and giving ample evidence and communication that a shooting would occur.

Conclusions

The results from this study are beneficial in providing schools, law enforcement and policymakers with the necessary information related to signs and potential prevention strategies.