When Shots Ring Out: Surviving an Active Shooter in Public Places

Anchorage is experiencing a concerning uptick in violent crime, particularly homicides, according to recent reports from the Anchorage Police Department (APD). The city’s violent crime rate, around 10.6 per 1,000 residents, is among the highest in the country, with a one-in-94 chance of being victimized by a violent crime such as assault, robbery, or homicide. These numbers align with statewide FBI data showing that Alaska’s violent crime rate is nearly twice the national average, driven largely by assaults and firearm-related incidents.​

Recent Homicide Investigations by APD illustrate the city’s worsening trend:

• October 17, 2025 (8:21 PM) – Officers responded to a shooting at 8th Ave and Cordova St, where two individuals were found deceased from upper body trauma.
• October 17, 2025 (6:51 PM) – Earlier that day, police investigated a fatal stabbing in the 2000 block of Fiddlehead Pl, where an adult female succumbed to her injuries.
• October 15, 2025 (10:20 AM) – A shooting at 3500 C St left an adult male dead on scene, with a suspect detained.
• September 28, 2025 (12:21 AM) – Officers found a deceased male victim of a stabbing in the 400 block of E 36th Ave.

Each of these incidents highlights the growing urgency of public safety awareness in Anchorage, where residents must remain prepared for violent confrontations in daily life.

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When gunfire erupts in a public place like a grocery store, survival depends on rapid but informed action. Primary safety authorities, including the FBI, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and police departments nationwide, emphasize following the “Run, Hide, Fight” framework, the federally endorsed strategy for surviving active shooter events.​

Run

If you hear gunshots or see a shooter, the first and safest action is to evacuate if possible.​

• Identify possible exits—doors, loading docks, or windows—and flee immediately.
• Leave belongings behind and encourage others to leave, but do not delay your own escape.
• Once safe, call 911 and report shooter details to law enforcement.​

Hide

If evacuation is impossible, seek cover.​

• Choose a location out of sight with a lockable or barricadable door.
• Silence phones, turn off lights, and remain quiet and away from windows.
• Stay hidden until law enforcement confirms safety.​

Fight

As a last resort, fight when confronted directly and your life is in immediate danger.​

• Use improvised weapons and act aggressively to incapacitate the attacker.
• Cooperate with others to overwhelm the threat.

When Police Arrive

Law enforcement officers will move directly toward the shooter.​

• Keep your hands visible and obey commands.
• Expect medics to arrive only after the threat is neutralized.​

Grocery-Specific Measures

Grocery and retail outlets, guided by the Food Marketing Institute and IGA, are urged to conduct annual safety drills, maintain intercom alert codes, and secure evacuation routes.​
Training all staff and customers in “Run, Hide, Fight” significantly improves survival outcomes during active shooter events.

Anchorage’s ongoing violence underscores the importance of public readiness. Awareness, preparation, and calm decision-making can make the difference between tragedy and survival when shots ring out.