Mass Shooting Resources for Mayors and Other Civic Leaders

Leadership When It Matters Most

When a mass shooting takes place, it falls on our nation’s civic leaders to respond. UnitedOnGuns interviewed mayors, city managers, and other officials from eight cities that responded to a mass shooting to understand their role. (The case briefs for these cities are provided below.) Informed by the experience of these courageous leaders, we created non-partisan resources to help civic leaders prepare for, respond to, and help their communities recover from a mass shooting.

Our Resources

  • Mass Shooting Protocol — A quick-reference guide to the key decisions civic leaders must make immediately following a mass shooting. Includes a checklist and links to the Mass Shooting Playbook for deeper guidance.

  • Mass Shooting Playbook — A comprehensive, practical resource outlining a civic leader’s responsibilities across the critical phases of a mass shooting response. Click here to browse chapters. (Updated Playbook coming soon.)

  • Preparedness Checklist and Tabletop Exercise Template — Planning tools to help civic leaders and their teams build readiness before tragedy strikes.

  • Additional Resources -- Find curated materials for civic leaders in Key Resources.

The Role of Civic Leaders

From the first moments of an attack, the role of civic leaders is essential. For an overview, read: Until We Find a Way to Prevent Mass Shootings, Your City Needs to Prepare.

Real-World Leadership

Mayor Bryan Barnett of Rochester Hills, Michigan, shared a gripping account of leading his community after the June 15, 2024 Splash Pad attack. Read his reflections in Rochester Hills Mayor Shares Challenges and Lessons in City’s Response to Splash Pad Shooting. Mayor Barnett credits the Mass Shooting Protocol and Playbook as valuable resources that helped guide his actions.

Ensuring Law Enforcement Readiness

Learn how civic leaders can support law enforcement readiness efforts in Uvalde Failures Underscore the Importance of Preparedness: Ensuring your community is prepared for a mass shooting or other critical incident.

Upcoming Events

Join us June 4, 2025, at the North American Active Assailant Conference in Troy, Michigan. UnitedOnGuns Director Sarah C. Peck will speak during the pre-conference session, Critical Incident Considerations for Appointed and Elected Officials.

Case Briefs: Leaders in Action

Explore how other communities have responded to tragedy:

  • Dayton Oregon District Shooting (OH)

  • El Paso Walmart Shooting (TX)

  • Highland Park Parade Shooting (IL) (coming soon)

  • Nashville Covenant School Shooting (TN) (coming soon)

  • Orlando Pulse Nightclub Shooting (FL)

  • Parkland School Shooting (FL)

  • Pittsburgh Tree of Life Shooting (PA)

  • San Bernardino Terrorist Attack (CA)

Connect with Us

For more information—or to organize an executive briefing for your city or organization—please contact:

Sarah C. Peck 
Director, UnitedOnGuns 
s.peck@phai.org

“The Playbook is required reading
for every mayor.”

— Mayor Buddy Dyer, Orlando FL (Pulse Shooting)

“The Playbook provided vitally
helpful direction.”

— Mayor Nancy Rotering, Highland Park IL (July Fourth Shooting)

“It isn’t if but when.
Mayors need to prepare.”

— Mayor Nan Whaley, Dayton OH (Oregon District Shooting)

“We picked up our office copy of the Playbook
on our way to the school and referred to it
throughout the response.”

— Kristin Wilson, Chief of Operations and Performance,
Nashville TN (Covenant School Shooting)