School and Mass Shootings

Firearm acquisition patterns and characteristics of California mass and active shooters

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This is the first study to compare mass and active shooters' legal firearm acquisition patterns with a control group of authorized purchasers and investigate both attack and non-attack firearms.

Abstract

Purpose

To examine the firearm acquisition histories of mass and active shooters from California.
 

Methods

First, we identified 22 individuals with a record of authorized handgun purchase in California who perpetrated an attack between 1996 and 2018. Using incidence density sampling, mass and active shooters were matched to purchasers and compared using conditional logistic regressions. Second, we characterized the firearm transaction patterns of 55 mass and active shooters who perpetrated attacks between 1985 and 2018 and implemented a mixed model to identify factors associated with firearms acquired in close temporal proximity to the attack.
 

Results

Compared to legal handgun purchasers, shooters had more purchases of handguns in the year prior to the attack (OR = 5.58, 95% CI: 2.34, 13.33), greater odds of a history of purchase denials (OR = 23.43, 95% CI: 4.55, 120.59), and fewer years between the last recorded purchase and the end date (OR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.68, 0.90). Among the broader set of mass and active shooters, mixed model results indicated that the firearms acquired close to the attack were more likely to be long guns, discharged during the attack, purchased out-of-state, and acquired by methods other than through a licensed dealer.
 

Conclusions

Findings are suggestive of pre-attack planning.
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Extreme risk protection orders to prevent mass shootings: What does the research show?

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ERPOs are a meaningful tool in prevention

Mass shootings are a source of shared anguish and outrage among Americans and are becoming more frequent. Extreme risk protection orders (ERPOs), also known as gun violence restraining orders or “red flag” laws, are designed to help prevent these shootings. Our experts note that:

  • Mass shooters frequently share their plans, creating opportunities to intervene
  • ERPOs are temporary, tailored interventions focused on high-risk individuals
  • Research indicates ERPOs can prevent both mass shootings and suicides
  • ERPOs are widely supported by the general public, including most gun owners
  • Resources are needed to improve training and implementation related to ERPOs
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Read the article in UC Davis Health News

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