Mass shootings can happen to anyone, anytime, and anywhere. This horrendous event can occur at places like schools, public utility vehicles, and even private establishments, to people who least expect it. Over decades of research, scientists saw patterns of people who committed crimes related to shootings. This article will shed some light on why people commit such a horrible crime and how to stay safe if a mass shooting occurs. Read on as what you will learn might save you and your loved ones in the future.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
WHAT IS A MASS SHOOTING?
A mass shooting is an occurrence where one or more perpetrators use firearms to cause havoc, which results in injuries and fatalities to three or more victims. It excludes organized crimes, including gang and drug-related activities. As of September 2019, approximately 330 mass shootings have happened in the United States of America alone. According to statistics, mass shootings caused about 1,350 injuries and more than 350 deaths.
WHY DO PEOPLE COMMIT MASS SHOOTINGS?
Understanding human behavior is the secret of getting through psychology. In this case, mass killers or shooters have the spotlight. One primary challenge in understanding the psychology of mass killers is the inability to get to know them during their lives. They live in a concealed world where no one knows what is happening in their heads. The problem is that they die before others know and notice their problems.
Investigators and researchers then go and analyze the life lived by the shooter. They check computers and phones for possible leads as to why he or she committed the crime. They assess their family background and the crowd that surrounded them. This method is sometimes called the psychological postmortem assessment.
Therefore, the answer to our question is an unsure presumption that profilers can provide. Most profilers and researchers agree that a mass shooter may have what they coined as the Type T personality. A person with Type T personality always seeks thrill and excitement. They tend to be unsatisfied and will go on a look for something that is adrenaline-pumping. A mass killing is possibly the most extreme action that they can commit.
THE CONTRIBUTING FACTORS WHY PEOPLE BECOME MASS KILLERS
Many possible factors may contribute to why an individual becomes a mass killer. It may include one or more of the following:
- Mental health problems
- Memories of being bullied and wanting to take revenge in the future
- Failure to meet what they expect their life to be
- Ability to access and own firearms
- Craving for instant fame on notorious acts
- Copycat incident
WHERE DOES IT USUALLY OCCUR?
According to the FBI’s data on mass shootings between December 2000 and December 2018, there are 277 incidents of mass shootings in the USA. Using this information, the FBI sorted out the categories as to where active shooting occurs the most. Here are the top places and the number of shooting incidents that happened there:
- Business areas that are open to public traffic - 74
- Private business areas that are closed to public traffic - 43
- K-12 Schools - 39
- Open areas - 32
- Non-military government-owned locations - 28
- Higher education schools and universities - 16
- Private properties - 12
- Healthcare institutions - 11
- Places of worship - 10
- Shopping centers - 6
- Military areas - 5
- Others - 1
WEAPONS COMMONLY USED IN A MASS SHOOTING
Mass shooters use a variety of firearms. According to a study by Dr. James Fox in 2014, these are the most common types of firearms used in mass shooting incidents across the USA:
- Handguns
- Semi-automatic guns
- Revolvers
- Semi-automatic rifles
- Shotguns
BE PREPARED
Now, the question is, how can you prepare yourself or your loved one for an active shooting event in the area? An alarming increase in mass shooting incidents caused people to panic and look for ways to keep them and their loved ones prepared and safe during an active shooting.
One of the best ways to keep your loved one safe is the use of covert and overt bulletproof items such as a Body Armor, bulletproof caps, bulletproof bags, and bulletproof clothing. A body armor, such as a bulletproof vest, is preferable for adults, and the most common choices are those made of Kevlar. If you are a parent, don’t forget to educate your children about what they should do during an active shooter situation.
Now, because of the widespread occurrence of this chilling phenomenon, especially those that happen in schools and workplaces, a number of innovative concealable bulletproof items and accessories emerged in the market. Bulletproof clothing, such as the bulletproof jacket, ballistic sunglasses, and bulletproof bags, are standard and sell like peanuts. These items not only are wearable and fashionable but also increase safety and offer discreet protection at the same time to young children and adults.
Whenever you decide on investing for yourself and for your family’s protection, it is essential to choose affordable and products of good quality only so that you will be assured and fully protected and safe from any possible danger. Check out our collection of protective gear: the best armor, made from high-quality materials that you can trust your life with.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU GET CAUGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF AN ACTIVE SHOOTING
If you ever fall victim to an active shooting, these safety and survival tips can help you and others survive:
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EVACUATE OR RUN:
During an active shooting, move away from places like comfort rooms, locker areas, cafeteria, and open spaces. Leave your things, especially those that can hinder fast movement. Move as much as you can. Better yet, find the nearest exit if you can. Once you feel safe, call 911 to report the incident. If you can help other people, remember to let them keep moving as far as possible from the shooter. -
HIDE:
If you find yourself confined in an area and there is no way to move to the exit, hide. Hide and stay silent until the rescue arrives. Find a big object that can both conceal and protect you. Hide inside a classroom, a big closet, behind tables, a wall, or even a tree. It should be fine as long as it prevents the perpetrator from seeing or noticing you. -
FIGHT
If both evacuation and hiding are not possible, fight for your life. Find any object that can distract the perpetrator. Make sure that even when fighting, you keep moving and, if possible, try your best to exit the area.
GET READY AND STAY ALERT
A violent act like a mass shooting can happen to unsuspecting people in a blink of an eye. The shooter might even be your children’s schoolmate, one of your colleagues in your workplace, or a random stranger. While we are hoping that you never have to go through this ordeal, finding ways to keep yourself and your loved one safe plus knowing what to do during an active shooting can save lives. Always be ready and stay alert.