Las Vegas, Nevada. Orlando, Florida. Newtown, Connecticut. Uvalde, Texas. Parkland, Florida. Littleton, Colorado. These locations were once only recognized as tourist attractions or tiny towns on the map. They are now synonymous with some of the worst mass shootings in America.
FBI data shows that active shooter incidents increased from 2000 to today. Some studies actually indicate that the rate at which public mass shootings occur has tripled since 2011.
In 2020, 2021 and 2022, there were more than 600 mass shootings, almost two a day on average. Sadly, mass shootings are on the rise; within the first 127 days of 2023, there were 202 mass shootings.
Because active shooter situations can happen anywhere, are unpredictable and evolve quickly, and are often over (within 10 to 15 minutes) before law enforcement arrives on the scene, mental and physical preparation is vital.
Impact on society
According to the American Psychological Association, "the regularity of mass shootings is razing Americans’ mental health—heightening stress and dulling compassion in ways that demand broader concern, engagement and change. . . the ongoing backdrop of violence is steadily eroding the sense of wellbeing, safety and efficacy known to be essential for healthy development."
“The more catastrophic events we’re exposed to as a nation, the more impacted we’re going to be on a psychological level.” -Jonathan S. Comer, Ph.D., a professor of psychology and psychiatry at Florida International University.
