"Michael Julian has written an excellent book. Practical, detailed, and a potential life saver if you find yourself in the midst of a targeted attack."

Recognizing the Warning Signs of a Potential School Shooter: What Every Educator and Parent Should Know
In an age where school shootings have become tragically more frequent, proactive awareness is essential. While there's no single profile of a school shooter, many incidents share common warning signs that were either missed or dismissed. Understanding and acting on the warning signs of a potential school shooter can help prevent tragedy before it strikes.
At A.L.I.V.E. Active Shooter Survival Training, we believe the best defense is prevention - and that begins with awareness.
1. Drastic Behavioral Changes
Sudden withdrawal from friends, family, or school activities can be a red flag. This is especially concerning when coupled with expressions of anger, depression, or hopelessness. While teens often experience mood swings, abrupt and extreme changes warrant attention.
2. Obsession with Weapons or Violence
An unusual interest in firearms, explosives, or violent incidents - especially school shootings - should never be overlooked. This may include writing, drawings, or online posts glorifying violence or mass shooters.
3. Social Isolation or Bullying
Many school shooters report long-term feelings of isolation, rejection, or bullying. This can build into a dangerous combination of resentment and rage. Schools should have systems in place to identify and support students who feel marginalized or victimized.
4. Threatening or Disturbing Communications
This can include verbal threats, social media posts, written assignments, or text messages suggesting harm to others. Even indirect or “joking” references to school violence should be taken seriously and documented.
5. Fascination with Past Shootings
A preoccupation with previous mass shooters or school massacres is a strong warning sign. This may manifest as researching details of past events, idolizing perpetrators, or drawing comparisons to themselves.
6. Leakage of Intent
Many shooters give clues beforehand - a phenomenon known as “leakage.” This can be as overt as saying "you'll see tomorrow" or more subtle hints dropped to peers. Students, faculty, and even parents must be trained to recognize and report these behaviors without hesitation.
7. Access to Weapons
If a student has easy or unsupervised access to firearms - especially in homes where gun safety is not enforced - the risk increases exponentially when other red flags are present.
Prevention Starts with Education and Action
Training staff, students, and parents to recognize these signs is just the beginning. What matters next is having a plan of response, proper intervention protocols, and safety systems in place.
At A.L.I.V.E., we go beyond theory - we empower people with practical, life-saving strategies through our nationally recognized Active Shooter Survival Training programs. Whether you’re a school administrator, teacher, parent, or student, you can play a role in preventing the next tragedy.
👉 Learn the Signs. Take Action. Save Lives.
Schedule a free consultation or training for your school, district, or organization today.
Be A.L.I.V.E. - Assess. Leave. Impede. Violence. Expose. Survive.
Hear From An A.L.I.V.E. Student Survivor Of The Las Vegas Massacre
"As a retired 32 year law enforcement veteran, with several years of SWAT and tactical experience, I learned some different unique perspectives as it pertains to civilians dealing with active threat situations. Very good class for civilians who may have never experienced reacting to a life and death stressful situation."
- Christopher C.
A.L.I.V.E. STANDS FOR:
Assess
Assess the situation quickly
Leave
Leave the area if you can
Impede
Impede the shooter
Violence
Violence may be necessary
Expose
Expose your position carefully for safety
INDUSTRIES WE SERVE
Corporations
Government
Healthcare
Places of worship
Schools & Universities
Venues
MICHAEL JULIAN
Creator of A.L.I.V.E.
A.L.I.V.E., which stands for Assess, Leave, Impede, Violence, and Expose, was created in 2014 when Michael began teaching his Active Shooter Survival philosophy throughout the United States. His book on the subject, 10 Minutes to Live: Surviving an Active Shooter Using A.L.I.V.E. was published in 2017 and the online version of the A.L.I.V.E. Training Program was launched in 2019 and is now part of the corporate security training program for companies throughout the world.

Why A.L.I.V.E. Active Shooter
Survival Training Program?
The A.L.I.V.E. Active Shooter Survival Training Program is a comprehensive training program designed to provide individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to survive an active shooter incident. Its emphasis on situational awareness and decision-making makes it a practical and effective approach to active shooter situations. By empowering individuals to take proactive measures to protect themselves and others, the program can help prevent tragedies and save lives.