An active shooter situation is when a person is actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area. Active shooters usually use firearms, and there is no pattern or method to select victims. The shooter’s main objective is mass killing and injury.

Active shooters generally begin shooting at a number of people without warning. The motives for their behavior range from rage or vengeance to mental dysfunction.

Each Active shooter situation is unique, but the shooter’s actions are usually similar.