Stop the Killing

INTRODUCING THE JORDAN HARBINGER SHOW Katherine and Sarah recommend the Jordan Harbinger Show. In particular, the Molly Boom episode is a must listen for Stop The Killing listeners. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

In the aftermath of a shooting, we hear the same haunting phrase: “He was on the radar.” But what does that actually mean? In this episode of Stop the Killing, former FBI agent Katherine Schweit sits down with experts from Integras Intelligence to unpack the reality behind background checks, threat assessment, and the limits of what can — and can’t — be known before tragedy strikes. Joining Katherine are: Michael Ginch, Manager, Investigations Forhad Razzaque, President Together, they take you inside the world most people never see — the one behind the headlines. What a background check actually is — and why it’s not just a simple report The difference between public perception and real investigative capability Why not all information can legally be collected, shared, or acted upon The concept of “permissible purpose” — and how it limits investigations Why companies often run only basic checks (and what gets missed as a result) The tension between speed, cost, and depth when hiring or assessing risk How investigators assess potential threats using context — not just data As Katherine and her guests explain, background checks are not a crystal ball — they’re a snapshot in time, shaped by legal boundaries, resources, and human judgement. Just because someone was “on the radar”…doesn’t mean there was enough evidence — or legal authority — to act. And that’s where the real complexity begins. In Part 2, Katherine digs deeper into the question everyone asks after an attack: 👉 If they were on the radar… why weren’t they stopped? You’ll hear: The legal thresholds that prevent intervention Why law enforcement can’t act on instinct alone The myth that “everything online is being monitored” And what responsibility falls on organisations — and individuals — to report concerns Part 2 is available now for subscribers on Apple Podcasts and Patreon. Learn more about the team behind this episode:👉 https://integrasintel.com/about/team/ WANT THE VIDEOS HEAD TO YOUTUBE @sarahferrismedia And if you are wanting AD FREE | EARLY ACCESS | BONUS CONTENT HIT THE BANNER ON APPLE PODCASTS TO SUBSCRIBE OR SUPPORT US: Patreon.com/stopthekilling Message us on instagram : @conmunitypodcast @stopthekillingstories And for all things Katherine Schweit including where you can purchase her book STOP THE KILLING: How to end the mass shooting crisis head to: www.katherineschweit.com RESOURCES Stop the Bleed training FBI RUN, HIDE, FIGHT This is a CONmunity Podcast Production on the Killer Podcasts Network Check out more: CONNING THE CON KLOOGHLESS - THE LONG CON GUILTY GREENIE THE BRAVERY ACADEMY Klooghless: The Long Con Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thanks to Imron Corporation for hosting this live episode of Stop the Killing at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, recorded in January 2025. What do a vehicle attack in New Orleans…a car explosion in Las Vegas…and a targeted assassination in New York… all have in common? More than you think. In this special live episode — recorded on the field at SoFi Stadium in January 2025 — Sarah and Katherine break down three recent, high-profile cases and reveal the patterns that link them. Because while the headlines call them different things — terrorism, explosion, assassination — the reality is much simpler, and much more important: They are all acts of targeted violence. And if we understand the patterns, we have a chance to stop them. A vehicle used as a weapon.14 people killed. Dozens injured. How the attacker carried out reconnaissance beforehand Why temporary security gaps (like removed bollards) mattered The warning signs that were there before the attack How planning and opportunity collided in real time A shocking incident outside a Trump hotel just hours later. Why this was not what it first appeared to be The role of mental health and personal crisis How quickly speculation can spiral into misinformation The difference between targeted violence and self-directed harm A calculated, premeditated killing in broad daylight. 10 days of surveillance before the attack The escape plan — and where it unraveled How digital footprints helped track the suspect The disturbing rise of online glorification after violent acts These incidents may look different — but the behaviour patterns are the same Targeted violence is almost always planned, not spontaneous The warning signs are there — but often missed or dismissed Prevention starts with recognising changes in behaviour The public plays a critical role, often without realising it Across all three cases, one theme stands out: Behavioural change. Sudden isolation Dropping off the radar Changes in routine, work, or communication Fixation on a person, place, or grievance These are the signals that matter — whether someone is heading toward harming others or themselves. Most active attacks are over in minutes The opportunity to stop them is before they begin Prevention is always a shared responsibility This is not about fear.It is about awareness. This episode was recorded live in January 2025 during the Imron Safety and Security Conference in Los Angeles, surrounded by experts, practitioners, and innovators working on real-world solutions. We had a brilliant experience with the team at Imron Corporation — from the staff to the exhibitors, the conversations, and the technology on show. If you are serious about understanding where safety and security is heading, these summits are genuinely worth your time. They bring together industry leaders, law enforcement, and cutting-edge technology in a way that sparks real collaboration. Find out more about upcoming summits here:https://imron.com/pages/imron-security-and-safety-summit-detroit Follow Stop the Killing on Apple or Spotify Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it Leave a review to help more people find the show Different headlines.Same patterns. And the more we understand them, the better chance we have of stopping the next one. WANT THE VIDEOS HEAD TO YOUTUBE @sarahferrismedia And if you are wanting AD FREE | EARLY ACCESS | BONUS CONTENT HIT THE BANNER ON APPLE PODCASTS TO SUBSCRIBE OR SUPPORT US: Patreon.com/stopthekilling Message us on instagram : @conmunitypodcast @stopthekillingstories And for all things Katherine Schweit including where you can purchase her book STOP THE KILLING: How to end the mass shooting crisis head to: www.katherineschweit.com RESOURCES Stop the Bleed training FBI RUN, HIDE, FIGHT This is a CONmunity Podcast Production on the Killer Podcasts Network Check out more: CONNING THE CON KLOOGHLESS - THE LONG CON GUILTY GREENIE THE BRAVERY ACADEMY Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is a reprised episode from Season 4 SURVIVING PARKLAND Join us for a special episode of Stop the Killing podcast as we welcome Elizabeth Stout, a survivor of the Parkland High School shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas. Elizabeth is also the host of the new podcast "Trigger Therapy," where she shares her experiences and insights on surviving a school shooting. In this episode, Elizabeth lays bare what it really is like to "survive" a school shooting, including the struggles with survivor's guilt, PTSD, and much more. Key Points to Know About the Episode: Elizabeth Stout: Elizabeth was a student in one of the targeted classrooms during the Parkland shooting. She has since become an advocate for mental health and gun control, and she shares her story and insights on her new podcast "Trigger Therapy." Surviving a School Shooting: Elizabeth discusses the emotional and psychological toll of surviving a school shooting, including the challenges of coping with trauma, guilt, and grief. Trigger Therapy: Elizabeth's podcast "Trigger Therapy" offers a platform for survivors of trauma to share their stories and connect with others who have experienced similar struggles. The podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, and we encourage our listeners to check it out. WANT THE VIDEOS HEAD TO YOUTUBE @sarahferrismedia And if you are wanting AD FREE | EARLY ACCESS | BONUS CONTENT HIT THE BANNER ON APPLE PODCASTS TO SUBSCRIBE OR SUPPORT US: Patreon.com/stopthekilling Send us your Listener Questions for our Tuesday episodes Message us on instagram : @conmunitypodcast @stopthekillingstories And for all things Katherine Schweit including where you can purchase her book STOP THE KILLING: How to end the mass shooting crisis head to: www.katherineschweit.com SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS, SUPPORTS THE PODCAST CRIMECON UK TICKETS HERE CRIMECON US TICKETS HERE DON’T forget to use DISCOUNT CODE “FERRIS” BLENDJET Check out BlendJet: The original portable blender coupon: stk12 (case sensitive) custom URL: https://zen.ai/stk12 Go to blendjet.com and to save 12% use my special link, and the discount will be applied at checkout https://zen.ai/stk12 RESOURCES Stop the Bleed training FBI RUN, HIDE, FIGHT This is a CONmunity Podcast Production on the Killer Podcasts Network Check out more: CONNING THE CON KLOOGHLESS - THE LONG CON GUILTY GREENIE THE BRAVERY ACADEMY Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if preventing school shootings has far less to do with reacting… and everything to do with what happens long before? In this powerful episode of Stop the Killing, Katherine Schweit is joined by leading researchers from the University of Michigan Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention and the National Center for School Safety to unpack what the data actually tells us about stopping violence before it starts. This isn’t about headlines.This is about evidence, prevention, and what really works. Dr. Brianna Scott — Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Michigan Dr. Elyse Thulin — Research Assistant Professor, University of Michigan Dr. Sarah M. Stilwell — Researcher in Educational Psychology, University of Michigan Why school shootings are the end of a long chain of missed warning signs The role of anonymous reporting systems in preventing harm How school culture, belonging, and connection reduce violence risk The three critical environments: physical, social, and attentive Why most youth access to firearms comes from familiar homes And how early intervention can stop escalation before it becomes tragedy School shootings don’t begin with a weapon.They begin with missed opportunities to intervene earlier. Here are the resources mentioned in this episode — all worth exploring: Youth Empowerment Solutions (YES) Program (free curriculum download):👉 https://yes.sph.umich.edu/ ERPO Toolkit (Extreme Risk Protection Orders):👉 https://firearminjury.umich.edu/erpo-toolkit/ Secure Firearm Storage Toolkit:👉 https://firearminjury.umich.edu/safe-firearm-storage-toolkit-home/ National Center for School Safety:👉 https://www.nc2s.org/ Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention:👉 https://firearminjury.umich.edu/ Comprehensive School Safety Model:👉 https://www.nc2s.org/resource/a-positive-youth-development-approach-to-school-safety/ You don’t need to be an expert to prevent violence. 👉 Notice the signs👉 Speak up👉 Stay connected Because one action — one conversation — can change everything. National Center for School Safetyhttps://www.nc2s.org University of Michigan Institute for Firearm Injury Preventionhttps://firearminjury.umich.edu Relevant Resources and Links: Support us on Patreon for exclusive content and early access to episodes. Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts. More insights from Katherine Schweit: Katherine Schweit.. Website: Sarah Ferris Media Email: conningthecon@yahoo.com Share: If you found this episode insightful, share it with someone who might benefit from it and join the conversation on social media. RESOURCES Stop the Bleed training FBI RUN, HIDE, FIGHT This is a Sarah Ferris Media production on the Killer Podcasts Network.Check out more Sarah Ferris Media productions: CONmunity podcast KLOOGHLESS - THE LONG CON GUILTY GREENIE THE BRAVERY ACADEMY WATCHING TWO DETECTIVES Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

⚠️ Could a simple legal tool stop violence before it happens? Research into Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs) — often called Red Flag Laws — is showing promising results. In states like Connecticut and Indiana, firearm suicides dropped 14% and 7.5% after these laws were introduced. Another multi-state study found that for roughly every 13–18 ERPOs issued, one life was saved. It’s early research — but the evidence is growing that temporarily removing access to firearms during a crisis can reduce deaths. 🎙 This conversation and the research behind it is explored in the latest episode of Stop the Killing. Supporters can listen right now on Patreon👉 Patreon.com/stopthekilling Or listen on Apple Podcasts — simply click the link in the app. Because understanding the warning signs — and the tools that exist — could save lives. #StopTheKilling #SchoolSafety #RedFlagLaws #GunViolencePrevention #TrueCrimePodcast #MassShootingPrevention Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When we talk about gun violence, we count the dead.We count the injured.We debate the laws. But what about the financial cost? In this episode, former FBI executive Katherine Schweit examines the hidden economic impact of gun violence in America — from multi-million-dollar settlements to bankrupt gun manufacturers. Using real cases including: The 2022 Buffalo Tops Supermarket shooting The $73 million Sandy Hook settlement The $10 million award to a teacher shot by a 6-year-old student Lawsuits involving ghost guns, straw purchases, and firearm accessories Katherine breaks down: ✔ What the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA) actually protects✔ Why a gun accessory manufacturer paid $1.75 million✔ How liability law is evolving✔ Whether firearm companies should be shielded from responsibility✔ And what shifting financial risk could mean for the future of gun policy This isn’t a debate about the Second Amendment.It’s a conversation about accountability, insurance, and the true cost of doing business in a country flooded with firearms. Because beyond grief and trauma — there is an economic impact. And someone always pays. Gun violence financial impact Firearm manufacturer liability PLCAA explained Sandy Hook lawsuit settlement Buffalo supermarket shooting 2022 Ghost guns and legal accountability Straw purchases and gun dealer liability School shooting lawsuits Insurance requirements for gun owners Economic cost of gun violence in America Relevant Resources and Links: Support us on Patreon for exclusive content and early access to episodes. Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts. More insights from Katherine Schweit: Katherine Schweit.. Website: Sarah Ferris Media Email: conningthecon@yahoo.com Share: If you found this episode insightful, share it with someone who might benefit from it and join the conversation on social media. SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS, SUPPORTS THE PODCAST CRIMECON UK TICKETS HERE CRIMECON US TICKETS HERE DON’T forget to use DISCOUNT CODE “FERRIS” RESOURCES Stop the Bleed training FBI RUN, HIDE, FIGHT This is a Sarah Ferris Media production on the Killer Podcasts Network.Check out more Sarah Ferris Media productions: CONmunity podcast KLOOGHLESS - THE LONG CON GUILTY GREENIE THE BRAVERY ACADEMY WATCHING TWO DETECTIVESGun Violence, Firearm Law, Sandy Hook, Buffalo Shooting, School Safety, Second Amendment, Public Policy, Crime Prevention, Legal Analysis, True Crime Education Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When a school shooting happens, the focus is usually on the gunman. But what happens when the parents are held responsible too? In this episode of Stop the Killing, former FBI executive Katherine Schweit examines the landmark conviction of a father following the Apalachee High School shooting in Georgia, where two students and two teachers were killed in September 2024. The case raises a question that is reshaping the legal landscape in the United States: Can parents be criminally liable for the actions of their children? Following a two-week trial and just two hours of jury deliberation, the father of the alleged teenage shooter was convicted on multiple charges including involuntary manslaughter and second-degree murder. In this episode, we unpack: Why prosecutors argued the father was criminally negligent How this case compares to the Oxford High School shooting parents’ convictions The warning signs that appeared before the tragedy The legal concept of parental liability in school shootings What threat assessment teams can do to prevent violence Why prosecutors may increasingly charge parents in future cases This episode explores the difficult but urgent question: Where does responsibility begin — and where does it end — when a child commits an act of mass violence? Because the legal system may be entering a new era where parental decisions can carry criminal consequences. Apalachee High School shooting Parents charged in school shootings Criminal negligence and gun ownership Oxford High School shooting parents case Warning signs before mass violence Threat assessment teams in schools Gun access and youth violence prevention Legal accountability in school shootings Relevant Resources and Links: Support us on Patreon for exclusive content and early access to episodes. Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts. More insights from Katherine Schweit: Katherine Schweit. Website: Sarah Ferris Media Email: conningthecon@yahoo.com Share: If you found this episode insightful, share it with someone who might benefit from it and join the conversation on social media. RESOURCES Stop the Bleed training FBI RUN, HIDE, FIGHT This is a Sarah Ferris Media production on the Killer Podcasts Network.Check out more Sarah Ferris Media productions: CONmunity Podcast KLOOGHLESS - THE LONG CON GUILTY GREENIE THE BRAVERY ACADEMY WATCHING TWO DETECTIVES Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

(Re-Release – Companion Episode) If you’ve listened to our recent update on Stop the Killing and want a clear, detailed reminder of what actually happened in Uvalde, this episode is for you. In this companion re-release, former FBI executive and use-of-force expert Katherine Schweit walks listeners through the full factual timeline of the Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde, Texas — drawing directly from the U.S. Department of Justice’s extensive Critical Incident Review. Rather than headlines or speculation, this episode breaks down: What law enforcement knew — and when How an active shooter was repeatedly misclassified as a barricaded subject The complete 77-minute delay between first police entry and the shooter being stopped The absence of command and control, despite dozens of officers on scene Why training, leadership, and communication failures compounded minute by minute How misinformation spread among responders, families, and medical teams What the DOJ identified as systemic breakdowns, not individual hindsight errors This episode also explains — in plain language — the critical difference between: Active shooter response (immediate engagement to stop the killing), and Barricaded subject protocols (containment and negotiation) A distinction that mattered enormously — and tragically — in Uvalde. For listeners following the current conversation and updates, this episode provides the essential context needed to understand: Why Uvalde remains a case study in what must never happen again How failures in leadership and coordination can override training What lessons the DOJ says must be learned to prevent future loss of life This is not an opinion piece.It is a fact-driven reconstruction, based on hundreds of pages of official findings, and presented to ensure the truth is understood — not forgotten. Stop the Killing examines critical incidents involving deadly force through the lens of experience, evidence, and accountability. Hosted by journalist Sarah Ferris and former FBI executive Katherine Schweit, the podcast focuses on what actually happened, why it matters, and how future tragedies can be prevented. Resources & Links: Support us on Patreon for exclusive content and early access to episodes. Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts. More insights from Katherine Schweit: Katherine Schweit. Stop the Bleed training. FBI: RUN, HIDE, FIGHT. CrimeCon UK Tickets — Use DISCOUNT CODE “FERRIS” for a special offer! Check out more from Sarah Ferris Media: Conning the Con Klooghless: The Long Con Guilty Greenie Watching Two Detectives The Bravery Academy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nearly four years after the Uvalde school shooting, an unprecedented criminal trial is underway. In this episode of Stop the Killing Podcast, former FBI executive and prosecutor Katherine Schweit examines the prosecution of a responding officer charged with 29 felony counts of abandoning or endangering a child — not for what he did, but for what prosecutors argue he failed to do. This fact-based episode explains how failure-to-act cases are judged, what prosecutors must prove, and why this trial could reshape accountability in active shooter responses. Related episodes: https://evergreenpodcasts.com/stop-the-killing/s4e48-the-uvalde-shooting-a-comprehensive-analysis Resources & Links: Support us on Patreon for exclusive content and early access to episodes. Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts. More insights from Katherine Schweit: Katherine Schweit. Stop the Bleed training. FBI: RUN, HIDE, FIGHT. CrimeCon UK Tickets — Use DISCOUNT CODE “FERRIS” for a special offer! Check out more from Sarah Ferris Media: Conning the Con Klooghless: The Long Con Guilty Greenie Watching Two Detectives The Bravery Academy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

🎧 Recommended Listening: Go Deeper on Deadly Force If you’ve just listened to our bonus episode —Minnesota ICE Shooting: Former FBI Agent Explains the Deadly Force Standard — Was It Lawful? —and want to dig deeper into how deadly force decisions are actually made, this episode is the perfect companion. To better understand the legal, psychological, and operational realities behind law enforcement use of deadly force, we recommend revisiting: With Retired FBI Agent & Host of FBI Retired Case File Review, Jerri WilliamsStop the Killing Podcast | S4E58 In this powerful episode, hosts Sarah Ferris and Katherine Schweit are joined by Jerri Williams, a retired FBI agent with 26 years of service, to unpack what actually goes into a decision to fire a weapon — long before a single shot is ever taken. While our Minnesota ICE bonus episode focuses on how deadly force is legally evaluated after the fact, this conversation fills in the gaps by explaining: What officers are trained to consider before force is used The FBI’s deadly force policy and decision framework The psychological burden of carrying a gun every day Why split-second decisions are shaped by training, stress, and threat perception Key differences between U.S. and UK law enforcement use-of-force standards Together, these episodes give listeners a fuller picture of how deadly force decisions are made, reviewed, and judged — without political rhetoric or hindsight bias. [00:00:00] Why deadly force is so widely misunderstood [00:03:10] The FBI deadly force policy explained [00:14:00] The psychological weight of carrying a firearm [00:20:00] Making split-second life-or-death decisions [00:30:00] Real FBI case experiences involving deadly force FBI Retired Case File Review Podcast – hosted by Jerri Williams Early Access & Bonus Episodes: Apple Podcasts & Patreon WANT THE VIDEOS? Head to YouTube 👉 @SarahFerrisMedia Resources & Links: Support us on Patreon for exclusive content and early access to episodes. Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts. More insights from Katherine Schweit: Katherine Schweit. Stop the Bleed training. FBI: RUN, HIDE, FIGHT. CrimeCon UK Tickets — Use DISCOUNT CODE “FERRIS” for a special offer! Check out more from Sarah Ferris Media: CONmunity Podcast Klooghless: The Long Con Guilty Greenie Watching Two Detectives The Bravery Academy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this bonus episode of Stop the Killing, Sarah shares why she felt compelled to release this previously recorded Thanksgiving episode today — after waking to the devastating news of the Bondi Beach shooting in Australia. Early reports indicate two gunmen — a father and son — opened fire on a Jewish Hanukkah celebration. Amid the terror, a civilian, Ahmed Al Ahmed, intervened and wrestled the gun from one of the attackers, an extraordinary act of bravery that undoubtedly saved lives. His courage, and the countless other acts of heroism that day, deserve to be remembered alongside the victims of this horrific event. Following Sarah’s reflection on Bondi Beach, Katherine Schweit walks listeners through the recent headlines across the United States — a stark reminder of the rise in everyday gun violence: shootings in parking lots, malls, tree-lighting ceremonies, restaurants, and road-rage encounters. These are not the mass-casualty attacks that dominate front-page news, but the far more frequent, unpredictable shootings that end lives and shatter families daily. Katherine breaks down: Why “every neighbourhood” is now potentially vulnerable How small disputes escalate into gunfire Why situational awareness is essential The dangers of anger and firearms in the same moment The toll of stress and the holiday season on suicide by firearm How we can all be part of the solution this holiday season This episode is a reminder that civilians can make a difference, heroes walk among us, and awareness — combined with empathy, grace, and responsible gun ownership — can save lives. To the victims and families affected in Bondi Beach, and to all impacted by gun violence everywhere: our hearts go out to you. OIN THE CONVERSATION We invite you to share this episode with friends, family, and educators. Let’s work together to create safer school environments and inspire action within our communities. Call to Action: If you found this episode impactful, consider subscribing to the Stop the Killing podcast on Apple Podcasts or supporting us on Patreon to help continue these crucial conversations. Your support allows us to keep producing this independent podcast and contribute to making a real-world difference. Relevant Resources and Links: More insights from Katherine Schweit: Katherine Schweit. Website: Sarah Ferris Media Email: conningthecon@yahoo.com Share: If you found this episode insightful, share it with someone who might benefit from it and join the conversation on social media. SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS, SUPPORTS THE PODCAST CRIMECON UK TICKETS HERE CRIMECON US TICKETS HERE DON’T forget to use DISCOUNT CODE “FERRIS” RESOURCES Stop the Bleed training FBI RUN, HIDE, FIGHT This is a Sarah Ferris Media production on the Killer Podcasts Network.Check out more Sarah Ferris Media productions: CONNING THE CON KLOOGHLESS - THE LONG CON GUILTY GREENIE THE BRAVERY ACADEMY WATCHING TWO DETECTIVES Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices