In an era of increasing workplace violence, no organization—regardless of size or industry—can afford to ignore active shooter training for employees. While we hope the unthinkable never happens, history and recent events show that active shooter incidents in workplaces and public buildings remain a real threat. Integrating active shooter preparedness, active shooter training online, and active shooter response training into your safety strategy helps mitigate risk and empowers staff to respond calmly and effectively.
This article examines recent active shooter situations, discusses how training can reduce harm, and offers guidance on implementing effective active shooter training for businesses.
Recent Active Shooter Incidents in Workplaces & Public Buildings
Recent news underscores the urgency of preparedness:
- Ohio warehouse shooting (New Albany, Ohio)
In late 2024, a shooting occurred at a KDC/ONE warehouse facility in New Albany, killing two and injuring others.
https://abcnews.go.com/US/1-dead-5-injured-shooting-facility-new-albany/story?id=118474211 - CDC Atlanta shooting (August 2025)
A gunman opened fire outside the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention headquarters in Atlanta, resulting in the death of a responding officer and sparking a lockdown of the campus.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_CDC_shooting - Midtown Manhattan mass shooting (July 2025)
A shooter attacked the building at 345 Park Avenue, which houses offices and corporate tenants, including NFL headquarters. The attack killed several people and injured others.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_Midtown_Manhattan_shooting - False shooter alert at military base (Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst)
A federal employee triggered a lockdown by fabricating an active shooter alert. Though no real gunfire occurred, the panic caused disruption and fear.
https://apnews.com/article/8477c2ee97607622a06cd6c018eb9ca6
These incidents reinforce that threats can arise spontaneously, indoors or outdoors, in offices, warehouses, or institutional settings.
The Role of Active Shooter Training
Why Training Matters
Active shooter training does not guarantee a perfect outcome—but well-prepared employees are likelier to:
- Act decisively rather than freeze
In crisis scenarios, hesitation can cost lives. Training helps convert shock into structured choices. - Use the “Run, Hide, Fight” model effectively
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and other agencies endorse a tiered response: first attempt to evacuate (Run), if that’s not feasible hide (Hide), and only as last resort resist (Fight).
https://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/active_shooter_booklet.pdf - Coordinate with emergency responders
Knowing how law enforcement enters, how to communicate your location, and how to avoid appearing as a threat to responding officers reduces friendly-fire risks. - Reduce panic and collateral harm
Drills and realistic scenario reviews build muscle memory that steadies individuals amid chaos. - Promote organizational resilience and post-incident recovery
Training embeds protocols for reunification, counseling, and continuity of operations.
What Effective Training Should Include
An active shooter training program should integrate:
- Scenario-based simulations or mock drills
- Role-playing and decision-making exercises
- Coordination with local law enforcement
- De-escalation and situational awareness modules
- After-action review and iteration
- Online modules for scalability and accessibility
Government and security agencies offer resources to support training efforts:
- Department of Homeland Security Active Shooter Booklet: https://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/active_shooter_booklet.pdf
- CISA Active Shooter Preparedness: https://www.cisa.gov/topics/physical-security/active-shooter-preparedness
- FBI Active Shooter Attack Prevention and Preparedness (ASAPP) Program: https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/active-shooter-safety-resources/active-shooter-attack-prevention-and-preparedness-asapp
Online, Hybrid & In-Person: Choosing Formats That Work
One of the advantages of modern training is flexibility. Organizations can deliver training through multiple formats:
- Active shooter training online – eLearning modules provide accessible, scalable content for remote workforces.
- Blended or hybrid training – Combines online modules with in-person drills, reinforcing theory with practice.
- Instructor-led simulation drills – Realistic drills sharpen responses under stress.
Whichever format is chosen, regular refreshers and drills are essential—training once is not enough, as retention fades and staff turnover occurs.
How Active Shooter Training Helps Mitigate Losses
Here are key ways that active shooter training for employees and active shooter response training can make a difference:
Risk / Hazard | How Training Helps |
Hesitation or freezing | Mental rehearsal enables faster, calmer responses |
Uncoordinated movement | Drills teach optimal evacuation routes |
Misdirection of law enforcement | Training covers how to identify yourself and communicate clearly |
Panic-induced injuries | Orderly protocols reduce chaos |
Psychological trauma | Preparation reduces shock and improves recovery |
Supporting research includes:
- Evacuation optimization study: https://arxiv.org/abs/2505.07830
- Building design and egress research: https://arxiv.org/abs/2407.10441
Properly trained employees are more likely to resist panic contagion and support others—turning bystanders into active defenders of safety.
Implementation Best Practices for Businesses
If your organization is considering or revising a program of active shooter training for businesses, follow these best practices:
- Conduct a vulnerability assessment of your facility.
- Coordinate drills with local law enforcement.
- Use modular training: start online, advance to drills.
- Train leadership on crisis communication and reunification.
- Establish redundant alert systems and test them regularly.
- Perform after-action reviews and refine your plan.
- Offer psychological support and trauma counseling.
- Schedule quarterly or semiannual refresher sessions.
Training Resource & Next Steps
At Compliance Training Group, we offer a dedicated Active Shooter Awareness course to help organizations build readiness and confidence in the face of active shooter risks.
https://compliancetraininggroup.com/courses/active-shooter-awareness/
We recommend that businesses combine this online component with in-person drills and local law enforcement coordination to create a holistic preparedness program.
Conclusion
No organization wants to face an active shooter scenario—but history, recent incidents, and research make one thing clear: lack of preparation multiplies tragedy. Active shooter training online, active shooter training for employees, and active shooter response training are essential elements of a modern workplace safety strategy.
By proactively investing in active shooter preparedness, businesses can empower staff to respond decisively, reduce harm, and foster resilience. In a crisis, seconds count—and training ensures those seconds are used intelligently.
