By Robert Jordan, Founder of SITE|SAFETYNET℠
The FBI’s Active Shooter Reports: A Flawed Gold Standard? Every year, the FBI releases its annual report on active shooter incidents in the United States. Touted as the authoritative source on such events, this report is often cited by policymakers, security professionals, and media outlets. However, a closer examination reveals significant omissions, particularly concerning K-12 school shootings. These gaps raise questions about the report’s comprehensiveness and the potential implications for school safety policies.
Defining “Active Shooter”
The FBI defines an active shooter as “one or more individuals actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a populated area.” This definition excludes incidents related to gang or drug violence, self-defense, or other criminal activities not posing a direct threat to the public. While this definition aims to focus on indiscriminate shootings, its application appears inconsistent, leading to the exclusion of several incidents that meet these criteria.
Notable Omissions in K-12 Settings
Several incidents in 2023 and 2024 highlight the discrepancies between the FBI’s report and other databases:
- Mount Horeb Middle School, Wisconsin (May 1, 2024): A 14-year-old student armed with an air rifle was shot and killed by police outside the school. The student had also brought improvised explosive devices and low-grade radioactive material, intending to cause harm. Although it fits the FBI’s definition, this incident was omitted from their report. wpr.org
- Kennedy Middle School, Germantown, Wisconsin (October 23, 2023): A man experiencing a psychological crisis fired shots from the school’s roof, leading to a lockdown. No injuries were reported, but the event caused significant disruption and fear. sitesafetynet.orgwpr.org
- North Kirkwood Middle School, Missouri (October 15, 2023): A police officer fired shots during a school event, threatening attendees. He was subdued and faced multiple charges, yet this incident was also absent from the FBI’s report. sitesafetynet.org
- Margolin Hebrew Academy, Memphis, Tennessee (July 31, 2023): An armed man attempted to enter the school but was prevented. His intent and actions align with the FBI’s active shooter definition, yet the incident was not included in the report. sitesafetynet.org
Implications of Incomplete Reporting
The exclusion of such incidents has broader implications:
- Policy and Resource Allocation: Underreporting can lead to misinformed policy decisions and inadequate allocation of resources for school safety measures.
- Public Perception: Incomplete data may downplay the frequency and severity of school shootings, affecting public awareness and urgency.
- Research and Analysis: Accurate data is crucial for researchers studying patterns and prevention strategies. Omissions hinder comprehensive analysis.
The Need for Comprehensive Databases
Alternative databases, such as the K-12 School Shooting Database, aim to provide a more exhaustive record of incidents. These platforms include a broader range of events, offering valuable insights for stakeholders.
Conclusion
While the FBI’s annual report serves as a significant resource, its omissions, particularly concerning K-12 school shootings, highlight the need for more comprehensive and transparent data collection. Accurate reporting is crucial for informing policies, allocating resources effectively, and ultimately ensuring the safety of our schools.
Robert Jordan is the founder of SITE|SAFETYNET℠, a platform dedicated to enhancing school safety through comprehensive assessments and real-time data analysis.
Analyzing the 2023 FBI Report on Active Shooter Incidents in the United States
