What Constitutes Mass Shooting/Active Shooter Situations?

Currently, there is no universally accepted definition of “mass shooting,” the general understanding of the concept seems to be a combination of two sub-categories of violent events, “mass killings” and “active shooters.”

The Investigative Assistance for Violent Crimes Act of 2012 passed by Congress defines “mass killing” as “3 or more killings in a single incident” regardless of weapon. This definition, however, does not account for those injured, but who ultimately survived the incident. In contrast, “active shooter” is defined by the FBI as an individual or individuals actively engaged in killing or trying to kill people in a populated area.

These varying definitions may affect average statistics, legal definitions related to mass shootings, as well as terminology used in future insurance coverage policies.