Active shooter incidents in the United States declined by 50% in 2024, yet the overall threat has risen by 70% over the past five years. Recent high-profile tragedies in Utah, Colorado, Texas, Minnesota, Georgia, and New York underscore the ongoing risks facing small and mid-size businesses (SMBs). Beyond physical harm, these events bring severe legal, reputational, and regulatory consequences.

Workplace Violence Prevention Plans (WVPPs)—now increasingly required by state and federal regulations—are essential. When paired with employee training, WVPPs can cut violent incidents by up to 18% within a year, while reducing legal exposure, lowering compliance costs, and strengthening employee well-being, morale, productivity, and retention.

To safeguard both people and brand, SMBs must adopt proactive, layered strategies. These include insider threat awareness, active shooter preparedness, rapid crisis communication protocols, and comprehensive workplace safety frameworks designed to build resilience and reinforce company culture.