How to Stop Mass Shootings
Red flag laws + behavioral threat assessment can halt gun violence in its tracks
For decades, America has been searching for answers after each horrific mass shooting. The questions are always the same: Why didn’t someone step in? Weren’t there warning signs? Often, the answer is yes—someone noticed. But without the right tools, knowing isn’t the same as stopping.
There’s no single profile of a mass shooter. Not age, race, mental health diagnoses—none of it reliably predicts who might become violent. But behavior does. People who commit targeted violence frequently show red flags ahead of time: threats, fixation on weapons, sudden withdrawal, erratic behavior. The challenge is recognizing these signs early and acting before tragedy strikes.
That’s where two tools come in: Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs), commonly known as red flag laws, and Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM). A new study released by 97Percent this week shows how moving beyond labels to focus on behavior is reshaping how communities can better address threats of violence and enhance the effectiveness of ERPOs.
What Are ERPOs?
ERPOs allow police—and in some states, family or healthcare professionals—to ask a judge to temporarily remove guns from someone who poses a serious risk. They are:
Civil, not criminal: No one is charged with a crime.
Rooted in due process: Judges weigh evidence and approve time-limited actions.
Proven: Studies show they help prevent suicides, domestic violence, and mass shootings.
But ERPOs are only as effective as the information behind them. And that’s where BTAM becomes essential.
What Is BTAM?
Originally developed by the U.S. Secret Service to prevent assassinations, BTAM helps identify serious threats based on patterns of behavior—not vague stereotypes or momentary outbursts. It’s now used in police departments, schools, and even corporate settings.
BTAM teams are trained to:
Spot warning signs like obsession with violence, threats, or isolation.
Assess how serious the threat is.
Coordinate interventions, whether that means support or legal action.
Put simply: BTAM sharpens the focus of ERPOs. It helps prevent misuse and ensures authorities act on real, credible risk.
Real Tools. Real Results.
We already know this works. ERPOs have stopped planned shootings and saved lives. When grounded in BTAM, they become even more precise and impactful. One real-world example: A high school student in Tennessee confided in a counselor about a potential school shooting. Because the counselor had BTAM training, she acted quickly and calmly—averting a tragedy.
This is the kind of intervention that can happen in communities across the country.
A Way Forward—Together
At a time when gun politics are deeply polarized, ERPOs and BTAM offer rare common ground. A recent 97Percent survey found that more than 70% of gun owners support red flag laws. These tools don’t demonize gun owners—they offer smart, targeted ways to address imminent threats without infringing on rights.
More than anything, this is about community. BTAM and ERPOs bring together teachers, mental health professionals, police, and courts to coordinate action that’s legal, swift, and compassionate.
What’s Next?
Training. To scale this solution, we need to ensure police, judges, school officials, and healthcare providers are equipped with BTAM skills and ERPO know-how. That’s why 97Percent is actively working with law enforcement agencies across the country to provide this training and build better protocols.
The Bottom Line
We don’t need to wait for the next tragedy to act. We already have the tools to prevent it. With smart training, cross-sector collaboration, and political will, we can use red flag laws and behavioral threat assessment to keep our communities safe—before the worst happens.
Device that makes semi-automatic rifles fire quicker allowed by Trump Administration
The Trump Administration has agreed to permit the sale of forced-reset triggers (FRTs) that allow for semi-automatic rifles to be fired quicker. FRTs work by automatically resetting the trigger after each shot. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives classified them as illegal machine guns in 2022 under the National Firearms Act of 1934. The ATF’s pro-gun lawyer opposes the move. —CNN
Pressure from Trump Administration prompts Citigroup to reverse firearm policy
A month after the 2018 mass school shooting in Parkland, Florida, Citigroup enacted restrictions for its clients that sold firearms. On Tuesday, the bank rolled back that policy. “We also will no longer have a specific policy as it relates to firearms,” the company said in a statement. “The policy was intended to promote the adoption of best sales practices as prudent risk management and didn’t address the manufacturing of firearms.” The decision comes as the Trump Administration alleges that Wall Street is biased against conservatives. —CNN
Funding for Gun Violence Prevention programs gutted
Among 373 grants that the U.S. Department of Justice terminated in April, the largest share were designated for community-based violence intervention—programs that range from conflict mediation and de-escalation to hospital-based initiatives that seek to prevent retaliation from people who experience violent injuries. In Oakland, California, a hospital-based program to prevent retaliatory gun violence lost a $2 million grant. In St. Louis, a clinic treating the physical and emotional injuries of gunshot victims also lost a $2 million award. As the traditionally turbulent summer months approach, organizations are concerned that they will see a spike in violence due to lost resources. —KFF Health News
In the Courts
Supreme Court unanimously blocks Mexico’s lawsuit against U.S. gunmakers —The Washington Post
Colorado law requiring people buying guns to be 21 or older can stand, federal judge rules —CPR News
In the States
Mobile theater shooting reignites Alabama permitless carry law debate —AL.com
Michigan House Dems target ghost guns, gun sellers in new package —Michigan Public
Legislation to loosen concealed carry law in NC advances in General Assembly —WECT
NH House tables bill to require gun ‘safety training’ for public school students —Seacoast Online
Wisconsin Democrats reintroduce gun regulations after Republicans pull them from budget —WPR
Opinion: Guns Now Kill More Than Auto Crashes —Urban Milwaukee
I’m a gun owner since I was 17 and now am 83. I passionately support REASONABLE gun laws. I think gun owners should be at the forefront of efforts to keep guns IN the hands of law-abiding citizens and OUT of the hands of criminals and psychos. —Beyond Thoughts & Prayers reader L. Carroll
Do you have a comment about any of these critical issues? Do you have a story to share? We’d love to hear from you. Please include your first name and state, and we may publish it in a future issue. Thank you for reading!
For more information about 97Percent, please visit our website at 97Percent.us.
Join our growing community of gun owners and non-gun owners united to reduce gun deaths in America.
You wrote: “There’s no single profile of a mass shooter. Not age, race, mental health diagnoses—none of it reliably predicts who might become violent. ”
However, you are incorrect. There is a common demographic for mass shooters. They are mostly white men. You are being disingenuous to ignore this fact.
30% of the US population are white males.
But they commit 60% of mass shootings in the US.
We can even more reliably predict who may become violent if we focus only on gender.
Women make up 50% of the US population, yet commit only 2% of the mass shootings. Men make up 50% of the population, yet commit 98% of the mass shootings.
So if we focus prevention policy efforts on men, we will keep our nation safer.