What is a firearms attack?
A firearms attack uses guns (such as hand guns, rifles or shotguns) to allows the rapid attack of single or multiple targets at range.
Methodology
In an attack using firearms, the attacker(s) may be on foot or in a vehicle and many casualties could be caused in the early stages of the attack. Firearms could be used for the purpose of assassinating a single target, or as part of a more indiscriminate attack against multiple targets (such as in a Marauding Terrorist Attack also known as MTA).
A firearms attack may be combined with other attack methodologies, for example a Vehicle As a Weapon (VAW) attack or a person borne IED (PBIED).
Case study
Whist rare, firearms attacks in the UK do occur. Notably, in 2021 Jake Davidson, a firearms licence holder shot seven people, killing five in Plymouth. Whilst in 2019 Lyra McKee was shot dead whilst covering rioting in Londonderry, Northern Ireland.
Historically, coordinated attacks with multiple gunmen have caused significant numbers of casualties, for example in Paris, November 2015, three groups of terrorists killed 130 people and injured over 400 during a three-hour long attack using explosives and assault rifles.
Protective security guidance links
For additional information on protective security options to protect against firearms attacks we recommend:
Physical Defences at the Perimeter
Search and Screening – Explosives, Weapons and CBRN Detection
Protection from Ballistic Attack