An active shooter is an individual engaged in what type of behavior?

An active shooter is characterized as someone who is actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area. The key aspect of the definition is the intent to harm, demonstrated through the act of using a firearm in a deliberate manner against individuals. This understanding emphasizes the immediate threat posed by the shooter, highlighting the urgency of response measures to protect lives during such an event.

The other options illuminate different behaviors, but they do not encapsulate the essence of what constitutes an active shooter. For example, attempting to escape does not reflect an ongoing threat to others, as it implies disengagement from the act of violence. Recklessly firing shots may suggest a dangerous situation, but it does not inherently involve the focused intent of killing, which is critical in defining an active shooter scenario. Thus, identifying the shooter as actively engaged in killing clearly aligns with established definitions and recognized behaviors in active shooter incidents, making it the appropriate choice.