When Every Second Counts: How to Respond to an Active Shooter in a Public Setting Introduction: The Unthinkable Can Happen Anywhere We often feel safest in familiar places—our favorite café, a local mall, a school, or our workplace. But in rare and devastating moments, those safe spaces can be turned upside down by the sudden chaos of an active shooter incident. Unfortunately, events like the 2008 Mumbai attacks or the tragic 2022 Texas Elementary School shooting are reminders that violence can strike when we least expect it. Understanding what an active shooter situation is—and how to respond—can save lives. What Is an Active Shooter Event? An active shooter is someone actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area. These attacks are often unpredictable, unfold quickly, and can happen anywhere—shopping centers, schools, offices, or even places of worship. The motives vary: personal grievances, ideological beliefs, or mental health crise...