Active attacker: what to do¶

An active attacker is a person using a gun, knife, or other weapon to harm people in a public place. This guide explains the public guidance from government agencies in the United States and the United Kingdom, so you can act quickly if it ever happens near you.

Do this now¶

1. Get away if there is a safe route. Leave your belongings behind.
2. If you cannot get away, hide somewhere you cannot be seen and that is hard to enter.
3. Silence your phone, including vibration.
4. Call your local emergency number (911 in the United States and Canada, 112 across the European Union, 999 in the United Kingdom) when it is safe to speak.
5. Follow police instructions when they arrive.

United States guidance: Run, Hide, Fight¶

The US Department of Homeland Security and its Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) teach "Run, Hide, Fight". Note that this is US guidance. The three options are not a strict order. You choose what fits your situation.

Run¶

• Have an escape route in mind and leave if you can.
• Take others with you, but do not stay behind if they will not come.
• Do not stop to collect belongings.
• Keep your hands visible so police can see you are not a threat.
• Call your emergency number once you are safe.

Hide¶

• Find a place out of the attacker's view. Lock or barricade the door if you can.
• Turn off lights and silence your phone.
• Stay low and away from doors and windows.
• Stay quiet and stay put until an identifiable officer gives the all clear.

Fight¶

US guidance describes fighting as a last resort, only when your life is in immediate danger. If you reach that point, the aim is to stop the threat so you can survive. This guide does not give advice about weapons.

United Kingdom guidance: Run, Hide, Tell¶

UK counter terrorism police teach "Run, Hide, Tell" for firearms and weapons attacks.

• Run: Escape if you can. Insist others leave with you, but do not wait for them. Do not go back for belongings.
• Hide: If you cannot run, find cover. Remember that cover from view is not the same as cover from gunfire. Stay out of sight, silence your phone, and stay away from the door.
• Tell: When you are safe, call 999 (or 112). Give the location and describe what you saw.

... note "Two names, similar steps" Both approaches put getting away first, hiding second, and calling for help as soon as you can. The US guidance includes a last resort option. The UK guidance focuses on escape and telling police.

What to tell the emergency operator¶

Stay calm and speak clearly. If you can safely speak, tell them:

• Where you are, and where the attacker is
• How many attackers you saw
• What the attacker looks like
• What weapons you saw
• How many people may be hurt

If you cannot speak, leave the line open. Many call centers can hear what is happening and may send help.

When police arrive¶

Officers have one priority: stopping the threat. They may arrive in teams with rifles, vests, and helmets. They may shout and may not stop to help injured people at first.

• Stay calm and follow every instruction.
• Drop anything in your hands, such as bags or phones.
• Raise your hands with fingers spread and keep them visible.
• Move slowly. Do not make sudden movements or grab an officer.
• Do not point, shout, or scream.
• If you are leaving, move in the direction the officers tell you.

Police may not know who the attacker is. They may treat everyone as a possible threat until they know more. Expect to be held, questioned, or searched. This is normal and is done for safety.

Afterwards¶

• Stay where officers tell you to stay. You may be asked for a statement.
• Let family and friends know you are safe, using text messages.
• Give first aid only if the area is safe and officers say it is fine to do so.
• Look after your mental health. Shock, fear, and trouble sleeping are common. Talk to someone you trust or a health professional.

Related guides¶

• Civil unrest
• Home break in
• Bleeding
• Family emergency plan
• Emergency numbers