What is the definition of an active shooter?

• A. One or more subjects who participate in a random or systematic shooting spree, demonstrating their intent to continuously harm others. Their overriding objective appears that of mass murder, rather than criminal conduct
• B. A person who robs a bank
• C. A single shooter who only targets property
• D. A person who commits arson

Answer: (D)

The key idea is that an active shooter is someone actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a populated area, with the intent to cause mass harm, typically using a firearm, and requiring an immediate law enforcement response. This describes ongoing, rapid violence where the shooter intends to continue harming others, rather than a crime focused on stealing or property damage.

That distinguishes it from other scenarios: a bank robbery centers on stealing money, not on harming people in a shooting spree; a shooter who targets only property isn’t about harming people in the moment; arson involves setting fires, not actively shooting at people. So the definition that emphasizes continuous, intent-driven violence in a populated area best fits the active shooter concept.