2025 was one of the lowest years on record for murders and injuries caused by gun violence in the US. However, gun violence is still a prominent issue in America and worldwide.
At least 40,000 people were shot in 2025 in America. This is more than 110 people a day. This does not include the number of self-inflicted shootings. Despite most states seeing a decrease in the number of shootings, there is still a cause for concern. There has certainly been recent discord about how accessible guns are in the States.
Recent mass shootings
According to The Trace, there have been 406 mass shootings in 2025. 230 of these were school shootings. The one that made the most recent headlines took place at Brown University on December 13th. Nine students were injured and two were killed. The campus has since taken extra precautionary measures. They installed cameras in the building where the shootings occurred.
The day after the shooting at Brown University, December 14th, people around the world were shocked by the mass shooting that happened at Bondi Beach in Australia. A father and son opened fire on the beach, causing mass panic and killing 15 people who were attending a Hannukah event. This incident was so shocking because Australia “was seen to be as a world leader in gun control“.
Australia tackled down on gun control after Martin Bryant murdered 35 people and wounded 23 others in Port Arthur, Tasmania in 1995. The country restricted the sales automatic and semi-automatic weapons as a result.
What should you do if you hear gunshots?
Hearing or seeing gunshots can be very scary, and you are likely to panic. Staying calm can definitely be tricky in this situation. However, these steps taken can ensure your safety, and also the safety of others.
1. RUN
If you find yourself in an active shooting situation, the best and most important thing to do is to escape the situation. Run. If you are outside, run as far away as you can and then contact the emergency services once you are safe. If you are indoors, find the nearest available exit. Use what is around you to conceal you from any gunfire if and where possible. You can help other people by evacuating in a timely, but orderly manner.
2. HIDE
However, it may not be safe to run. You may not have a safe route out of the building/area. If this happens, ensure that you hide in a place that is safe. Stay away from doors and windows. Try and find somewhere that allows cover from gunshots, such as substantial brick work or heavy reinforced walls. See if you can barricade the doors in order to stop the shooter(s) coming in to where you are. Also try and make it as far away from the sound of gunshots as possible. Make sure you know where the exits are so you can escape when it is safe to do so. Silence your phone so you do not alert the perpetrator(s).
3. TELL
When you are in a safe place, contact the emergency services. Give them as much information as you can. Where the shooting took place, where did the perpetrator(s) go? What did they look like? Give a description. Are there any injuries/fatalities? This allows the emergency services to respond efficiently, quickly and make sure they know how to deal with the current situation. If you are unable to talk, contact the emergency services, and let the dispatcher listen to what is happening.
4. FIRST AID
If it is safe to do so, administer first aid to any people in the near vicinity to you who are injured. You can use your jumpers and shirts to put pressure on any gunshot wounds or other injuries.
5. FIGHT
This should only be as a last resort. This is putting your life at risk. You should only do this if there is no alternative option. Fight the shooter(s) in order to incapacitate them so they cannot fire any more gunshots. Be aggressive, fight until the threat is neutralised. Then wait for law enforcement.
When law enforcement arrives:
Follow their instructions. They may ask questions and will more than likely be armed. This is for your protection. They will direct you to the nearest exit. If you are aware of any people who are wounded, you can direct the paramedics/ambulance personnel can help them quicker. Make sure officers can see your hands at all times, so they know that you are not involved in the shootings.
Behavioural and psychological signs of shooters you may catch early
There are also behavioural and psychological signs of people who are planning to commit a mass shooting. Psychologists have identified these in order for members of the public to recognise them, and intervene before an active shooting happens.
Victim mentality
An individual may feel wronged by specific specific people or institutions. They have a “a profound sense of grievance” which can lead to mood swings, heightened paranoia and depression. This could be triggered by an event in the individual’s life that has altered their stability, for example, getting fired.
Leakage and/or threats
Leakage is when an individual directly or indirectly expresses violent fantasies or intentions verbally, electronically or written. Direct threats are “explicit statements of intent to cause harm to a specific person or location.”
Preperation
When a person decides to take their ideas into action, they will plan and prepare. They may become more secluded, and have an obsession with weapons. Eventually, they will try and acquire the weapons they are planning to use. They may also scout out people or locations they intend to target. They also may act differently, give away personal possessions and give unusual goodbyes.
How do I report somebody?
If you are concerned by somebody acting this way, but it is not life threatening, go to your local law enforcement who can safely assess the situation and direct the individual to a mental health professional, or other resources.
However, if the situation is imminent and there is a threat to life, immediately call the emergency services, or a suicide hotline. These calls can be anonymous.
