Unveiling the Role of Armed Citizens in Stopping Mass Shootings

Hand placing handgun into beige handbag.

A recent study reveals that armed civilians play a more effective role in preventing mass shootings than law enforcement, challenging the prevalent media narrative.

Key Takeaways

Civilians are more effective at stopping active shooters than police.
Data indicates that armed civilians stop more mass shootings than police.
From 2014 to 2023, armed civilians stopped 180 out of 515 active shooting cases.
Police are nearly six times more likely to be killed than armed civilians when intervening.
In areas allowing carrying, permit holders stopped 158 out of 307 attacks with minimal collateral damage.

Civilians on the Frontlines

A groundbreaking study by John Lott’s Crime Prevention Research Center just proved the truth of the saying: “The only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun.” Despite what the mainstream media says, it turns out that civilians carrying concealed firearms were actually more effective than police in stopping active shooters. The study, examining cases from 2014 to 2023, highlights how civilians intervened in 180 out of 515 active shootings, often with fewer mistakes than law enforcement. Such findings illuminate the crucial role responsible, armed citizens play in safeguarding their communities.

According to the study, civilians make fewer errors during active shooter interventions than police. Data reveals that in 156 cases stopped by law enforcement, officers shot the wrong person four times, resulting in tragic losses. Comparatively, armed civilians demonstrate a higher success rate and reduced risk of collateral damage, underscoring the effectiveness of permit holders in crisis situations.

Just weeks after GOA worked to repeal most of Wyoming's "Gun Free" zones in a historic win for Second Amendment rights, a new national study shows armed citizens are more likely to stop a mass shooting than police.

Armed citizens save lives!https://t.co/NlLGV5N5eT

— Gun Owners of America (@GunOwners) March 17, 2025

Data Supporting Civilians

Statistics from CPRC highlight that permit holders stopped 158 of 307 attacks in carrying-allowed areas, with only one innocent bystander harmed. This contrasts sharply with law enforcement, who in a similar number of interventions, mistakenly shot innocents, sometimes resulting in fatalities. Such evidence emphasizes the critical self-defense role of responsible gun ownership and its impact on public safety.

The study further argues that permit holders not only act decisively but do so with enhanced precision, mitigating the risk of unintended casualties. Researchers discovered that police are nearly six times more likely to die in such operations, accounting for additional reasons why concealed carriers often fare better in these critical moments.

Implications and Interpretations

The broader implications of these findings challenge not only existing perceptions about civilian interventions but also the skepticism surrounding concealed carry permits. “These findings highlight a reality that is often ignored: responsible gun owners save lives,” notes CPRC President John Lott. The research underscores the value of well-informed perspectives on self-defense and highlights potential media biases that often overshadow significant community interventions.

Lott drove home the study’s true message: “These findings highlight a reality that is often ignored: responsible gun owners save lives. Concealed handgun permit holders aren’t reckless vigilantes, but they are law-abiding citizens who step up in moments of crisis when seconds matter and police are minutes away.”

This study invites a reassessment of civilian involvement during emergencies, shedding light on the essential role of responsible gun owners in saving lives. As a result, it propels an important dialogue regarding the preservation of Second Amendment rights and the necessity of maintaining an informed citizenry amidst the ongoing debate over media biases and armed self-defense.