What term describes an act of terror where firearms are used in an ongoing assault on multiple victims?

The term "active shooter event" specifically refers to incidents where an individual is actively engaged in using a firearm to kill or seriously injure multiple victims, typically in a populated area. This classification emphasizes the immediacy and severity of the threat, suggesting that the shooter remains at-large and presents an ongoing danger to anyone nearby.

In these situations, the response focuses on neutralizing the threat as quickly as possible to prevent further casualties. This urgency is paramount, distinguishing the scenario from other forms of violence such as a terrorist attack, which encompasses a broader range of motivations and methods, or a mass shooting, which may not necessarily occur in an active context.

A hostage situation differs from an active shooter event, as it usually involves the perpetrator seizing control of individuals with the intention of leveraging them for some demand, often resulting in a standoff rather than an ongoing assault. Thus, the term "active shooter event" accurately captures the critical nature of the incident described in the question.