Civilian shooters are more effective in stopping active shooters than police

A comprehensive study by the Center for Crime Prevention analyzing active shooter incidents between 2014 and 2023, concludes that civilians with concealed carry permits (CCPs) are more effective at stopping active shooters than police. John R. Lott argues this challenges the prevailing narrative—often promoted by media and Hollywood—that armed civilians are reckless and less competent than law enforcement. The study aims to bolster support for concealed carry laws, particularly permitless-carry policies, and counter Democratic opposition to gun rights, aligning with conservative values of self-defense and individual liberty.
  • Effectiveness Comparison: The CPRC found that concealed carry permit holders stopped 51.5% of active shootings they encountered, compared to 44.6% stopped by police. This data, derived from 238 incidents, suggests civilians intervene more frequently and successfully, often before police arrive, given the FBI’s reported median police response time of three minutes (as noted in a 2017 FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin).
  • Accuracy and Safety: Lott highlights that permit holders made fewer mistakes than police, with a lower rate of friendly fire or civilian injuries. Specifically, 24.4% of permit holders were wounded compared to 28.6% of police, and no permit holder had their gun taken away, whereas 27 police officers were killed attempting to stop shooters (a 7.7% fatality rate, nearly six times higher than for permit holders).
  • Context of Interventions: Most civilian interventions occurred in non-gun-free zones, where carrying is legal, reinforcing Lott’s argument that permitless-carry laws enhance public safety. He cites examples where permit holders neutralized threats quickly, often in public spaces like malls or churches, before police could respond.
Lott concludes that the CPRC study proves concealed carriers are not only capable but often superior to police in stopping active shooters, advocating for expanded gun rights as a public safety measure. He urges conservatives to use this evidence to counter Democratic narratives, support Trump’s policies, and push for legislative changes like national reciprocity for concealed carry permits.
The article was published on The Federalist.