What are Crossbow attacks?
Crossbows are capable of firing an arrow (also known as a bolt), they may be used by attackers to cause death or serious injury and can be fired from range. These weapon systems could be used in an assassination attempt against a single identified target or fired into a crowd of people.
Methodology
An attacker using a crossbow could be on foot, hidden from view or in a vehicle, positioned at range from the target. Most crossbows capable of delivering an accurate, fatal shot are generally hard to conceal on a person and vulnerable to exposure prior to a terrorist attempting an attack. This consideration would likely influence a potential attacker to select an alternative attack method and therefore it is unlikely these weapons would be used as an effective mass casualty attack.
Crossbows can vary in size ranging from traditional full-size crossbows to smaller pistol sized weapons.
Case study
In April 2018, serving soldier Lance Corporal Mikko Vehvilainen was jailed for possession of a banned CS gas canister. In addition to CS gas, police found dozens of weapons including guns (for which he was licensed), knives and a crossbow, these weapons were found at two properties occupied by him in Powys, Wales. Vehvilainen was also found to be in possession of a copy of Anders Breivik’s ‘manifesto’.
Protective security guidance links
For additional information on protective security options to protect against crossbow attacks we recommend:
Search and Screening - Explosives, Weapons and CBRN Detection
Physical Defences at the Perimeter