Stop the Killing

This week on Stop the Killing, we’re bringing you some rare and cautiously optimistic news.
Former FBI agent Katherine Schweit breaks down the newly released FBI 2024 Active Shooter Report, and the headline is striking:

📉 A 50% decrease in active shooter incidents across the United States.

But what does that really mean? Are prevention efforts working? And where are these incidents still happening – and why?

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The difference between mass shootings and active shooter incidents

• Why open spaces are now the most common location for these attacks

• The ages, weapons, and motivations behind the shooters

• How schools remain vulnerable – and what insider threats look like

• Why most incidents are over before police arrive, and what that means for your own safety

• The role of kindness in prevention

📌 You can read the full 2024 FBI Active Shooter Report via the Resources tab at Katherine’s website.

• 🧠 Stop the Bleed training

• 🛑 RUN, HIDE, FIGHT

• 🧷 Katherine Schweit’s website and resources

• 🎙️ Sarah Ferris Media

• 📧 Email: [email protected]

• 🎟️ CrimeCon UK – Tickets Here

• 🎟️ CrimeCon US – Tickets Here

• 💥 Don’t forget to use DISCOUNT CODE “FERRIS”

If you found this episode insightful, please share it with someone who might benefit from it and join the conversation on social media.

• 🎧 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

• 💖 Support us on Patreon for exclusive content

This is a Sarah Ferris Media production on the Killer Podcasts Network
Check out more from us:

• 🎙️ CONNING THE CON

• 🎙️ KLOOGHLESS – THE LONG CON

• 🎙️ GUILTY GREENIE

• 🎙️ THE BRAVERY ACADEMY

• 🎙️ WATCHING TWO DETECTIVES

Relevant Resources and Links:SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS, SUPPORTS THE PODCAST:Share the Show:Subscribe for Early Access and Bonus Episodes:

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

BONUS: BLOODSHED BADDIES x STOP THE KILLING

In this bonus episode, we're sharing a conversation originally recorded for the Bloodshed Baddies podcast—where our very own Katherine Schweit joins Lex and Sam for an unfiltered, fascinating, and sometimes funny deep dive into her career and mission.

From her early days in journalism to becoming the FBI’s top expert on active shooter response, Katherine reflects on how each chapter prepared her for the next—and why she's still working to prevent the next tragedy.

They also discuss Katherine’s latest book, Women Who Talk to the Dead, which tells the remarkable true story of two women—an FBI agent and a Detroit detective—who refused to let 200 unidentified murder victims remain forgotten. It’s a powerful tribute to persistence, justice, and the women working behind the scenes to give victims their names back.

If you’ve ever wanted a more personal look at the real-world work behind Stop the Killing, this is the episode for you.

Behind the Badge: Katherine’s journey from journalist to prosecutor to FBI executive—and what those career turns taught her about justice.

Mass Shooting Prevention: How Stop the Killing came to be, and why Katherine’s fight against gun violence didn’t stop after retiring from the FBI.

A Book Born from Justice: The incredible backstory of Women Who Talk to the Dead—and how DNA, determination, and a cemetery in Detroit led to one of the most moving cases of Katherine’s career.

True Crime and Real Impact: Why the women behind this story—and the law enforcement community who stood beside them—remind us all of the power of not giving up.

• 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: [email protected]

Share: If you found this episode insightful, share it with someone who might benefit from it and join the conversation on social media.

• CRIMECON UK TICKETS HERE

• CRIMECON US TICKETS HERE

• DON’T forget to use DISCOUNT CODE “FERRIS”

• 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

Topics Explored:Relevant Resources and Links:SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS, SUPPORTS THE PODCASTRESOURCES

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Season 5 – BONUS 3: CANCER UPDATE, BOOK RELEASE, LIVERPOOL ATTACK

This bonus episode of Stop the Killing is a deeply personal and powerful one.

🎧 Sarah shares her stage 4 cancer diagnosis and how she's navigating life on a new form of targeted therapy that’s giving her quality of life and a surprising amount of hope.📘 Katherine unveils her brand-new true crime book Women Who Talk to the Dead—an extraordinary story of 200 unidentified murder victims and the groundbreaking exhumation project led by female law enforcement officers.🚨 Plus, the pair break down the recent shocking car-ramming incident in Liverpool, and what it reveals about crowd safety and the role of public messaging during a crisis.

With honesty, wit, and compassion, Sarah and Katherine reconnect for an episode that’s equal parts inspiring, informative, and unmissable.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Back in the saddle: Sarah & Katherine return!

• 01:00 – Cancer update: Living with stage 4 and what’s changed

• 10:00 – Book release: “Women Who Talk to the Dead” — and yes, it’s true crime, not fiction

• 20:00 – Liverpool crash: Why fast public comms matter and the danger of social media rumours

• 34:00 – The power of kindness and being an “upstander” in the world

Resources & Links:

• Order Katherine’s book: Women Who Talk to the Dead

• Follow Sarah’s cancer journey on Instagram

• Visit Stop the Killing on Apple Podcasts

👀 Relevant Links and Resources:

• Stop the Killing Podcast on Apple Podcasts

• Katherine Schweit

• Sarah Ferris Media

• CrimeCon Tickets: UK | US (Discount Code: FERRIS)

Follow Us:

• Instagram: @stopthekillingstories | @conmunitypodcast

Relevant Resources and Links:

• Support the podcast on Patreon or via Apple Subscriptions.

• Related podcast episodes:

• Watching Two Detectives

• Conning the Con

• Klooghless

• The Bravery Academy

• Guilty Greenie

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎧 SEASON 5 BONUS 23 🎧

Valentine’s Day School Shooting Averted: The Tip That Stopped a Tragedy

An 18-year-old student in Martinsville, Indiana, was arrested before carrying out a planned school shooting—thanks to one crucial tip. The shooter, who idolized past mass killers, had been plotting the attack for over a year, referring to it as “Parkland Part Two.”

🔎 How was the attack stopped before it happened?

📲 What role did an anonymous reporting system play?

💡 What warning signs were overlooked—and what can we learn from them?

Join Katherine Schweit as she breaks down the harrowing details of how a single upstander’s decision to act saved lives.

🎧 Listen now—exclusively for Patreon subscribers:

👉 patreon.com/stopthekilling

• Support us on Patreon for exclusive content and early access to episodes.
• Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts.
• More insights from Katherine Schweit: katherineschweit.com
• Website: sarahferrismedia.com
• Email: [email protected]

RESOURCES:

• Stop the Bleed Training
• FBI
• RUN, HIDE, FIGHT
• 
  

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🔒 Exclusive for Subscribers – Public Release Tomorrow

In this special breaking news episode, Stop the Killing co-host Katherine Schweit provides an update on a mass shooting that took place in Örebro, Sweden. This is the country’s deadliest mass shooting to date, and the community is now facing the difficult process of understanding what happened and supporting those affected.

• The shooting occurred at an adult education center in Örebro.
• 10 people have died, with authorities cautioning that the number may rise.
• 15 others were injured, including six in serious condition.
• The shooter, a white male, is deceased—either by self-inflicted gunshot wound or police intervention.
• Swedish authorities are investigating and have not yet released information on motive.

Sweden has seen an increase in firearm-related violence in recent years, largely tied to gang and organized crime, but a mass shooting of this scale is unprecedented in the country.

As the community mourns, local officials are focused on providing support, including mental health resources for survivors, their families, and first responders.

🎧 Listen now for an in-depth look at the facts and how Sweden is responding in the wake of this tragedy.

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.
• The Gold Shields Podcast with Tom Smith.
• Website: Sarah Ferris Media
• Email: [email protected]

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

SANDY HOOK PARENT’S FIGHT FOR SAFER SCHOOLS

In this compelling season finale, we sit down with Michele Gay, co-founder of Safe and Sound Schools and mother to Josephine, one of the young victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. Michele shares her personal journey of unimaginable loss, resilience, and the determination to create meaningful change in the face of tragedy.

• Michele recounts the events of December 14, 2012, and their devastating impact on her family and community.
• How the gaps in communication, mental health systems, and school safety led to the unthinkable.
• The founding of Safe and Sound Schools: a mission to ensure no family faces the same tragedy.
• The importance of a multidisciplinary approach to school safety, including mental health support, emergency preparedness, and community collaboration.
• Insights on empowering children and educators with age-appropriate safety training.
• Progress made since 2012 and the continued challenges ahead in fostering a culture of safety in schools nationwide.

Michele Gay is a former teacher turned advocate for safer schools. Through Safe and Sound Schools, Michele works tirelessly to provide resources, training, and tools for communities to improve school safety comprehensively and collaboratively.

• Visit Safe and Sound Schools: safeandsoundschools.org
• Learn about their Straight A Safety Toolkits and Staying Safe Curriculum.
• Explore tools for building multidisciplinary school safety teams and improving emergency response.
• Connect with Safe and Sound Schools for upcoming webinars, training sessions, and resources.

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: [email protected]

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Stop the Killing, we’re joined by criminologist Dr. Honor Doro Townsend for an eye-opening discussion about the dangers lurking in digital communities. Together, we explore:

• The shift from lone wolves to "digital wolf packs" and how online spaces foster radicalization.
• The subtle use of humor and memes as tools for extremist recruitment.
• The vulnerabilities that make young people susceptible to harmful online influences.
• How algorithms feed echo chambers, intensifying extreme ideologies.

Drawing on her extensive research, Dr. Townsend sheds light on the dual nature of online spaces, where both positive education and harmful radicalization coexist. She also provides actionable advice for parents, educators, and law enforcement to combat these digital threats effectively.

Key Topics:

• Identifying early warning signs of radicalization in kids.
• How parents and educators can work together to safeguard young people.
• Building resilience and critical thinking in the face of online influences.
• The importance of open dialogue and creating a safe home environment.

🎙 Guest: Dr. Honor Doro Townsend

📍 Instagram: @honorDorotownsend

👀 Relevant Links and Resources:

• Stop the Killing Podcast on Apple Podcasts
• Katherine Schweit
• Sarah Ferris Media
• CrimeCon Tickets: UK | US (Discount Code: FERRIS)

Follow Us:

• Instagram: @stopthekillingstories | @conmunitypodcast

Relevant Resources and Links:

• Support the podcast on Patreon or via Apple Subscriptions.
• Related podcast episodes:
• Watching Two Detectives
• Conning the Con
• Klooghless
• The Bravery Academy
• Guilty Greenie

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

GLOBAL CRIME: LESSONS FROM SOUTH AFRICA TO THE U.S.

In this episode, Sarah and Katherine explore the stark differences in crime trends between South Africa and the United States. Focusing on a tragic mass shooting in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province, they examine how cultural, legal, and societal factors shape the nature of violence in different countries.

From the chilling details of a targeted attack at a family gathering to the broader implications of gun violence statistics, the conversation highlights global challenges and contrasts. Katherine also shares insights from her FBI experience, uncovering patterns in criminal behavior and the importance of prevention.

Stay tuned as they discuss:

• The South African shooting: motives, methods, and investigative challenges.
• Key differences between violence in the U.S., UK, and South Africa.
• How prevention strategies in the U.S. have evolved and impacted crime rates.
• A detour into a fascinating FBI case involving a car-theft ring.

Takeaway: Bravery can play a vital role in ending violence. If you see something, say something.

Relevant Resources and Links:

• Support us on Patreon for exclusive content.
• Listen on Apple Podcasts.
• Learn more about Katherine Schweit: katherineschweit.com.
• Visit Sarah Ferris Media: sarahferrismedia.com.

Follow Us:

• Instagram: @stopthekillingstories | @conmunitypodcast
• Website: Sarah Ferris Media
• Email: [email protected]

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode Update: NEW YEAR'S DAY TERROR: BOURBON STREET ATTACK & PIPE BOMB THREAT

Since recording this episode, the FBI has provided new details about the New Orleans attack on Bourbon Street. Initially, there were concerns about multiple individuals being involved, particularly those seen near the explosive devices concealed in coolers. However, investigators have now confirmed they are confident this was the act of a single offender.

The people initially thought to be co-conspirators were, in fact, curious onlookers who happened to be near the devices. This clarification significantly changes the scope of the investigation but reinforces the importance of staying vigilant and informed about threats to public safety.

We’ll continue to bring you updates as more information becomes available. 

Episode Description

This bonus episode of Stop the Killing examines the tragic events of New Year’s Day 2025, when a man drove a truck into a crowd on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, killing 15 people and injuring dozens more. The discovery of pipe bombs and an ISIS flag led authorities to classify the attack as an act of terrorism.

Katherine Schweit provides an overview of the attack, the ongoing investigation, and the broader implications for public safety. This episode includes Katherine’s radio interview, where she answers questions about this incident and its connection to a similar event in Las Vegas.

Relevant Resources and Links:

Support us on Patreon for exclusive content and early access to episodes.

Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts.

Learn more about Katherine Schweit at katherineschweit.com.

Visit Sarah Ferris Media for more podcasts and resources.

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 podcasts:

Conning the Con

Klooghless: The Long Con

Guilty Greenie

The Bravery Academy

Follow us on Instagram:

@stopthekillingstories

@kateschweit

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

BEYOND METAL DETECTORS: DR. STILWELL ON TRULY COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL SAFETY

In this eye-opening episode, we dive into the hidden layers of school safety with Dr. Sarah Stilwell, a leading researcher from the University of Michigan’s National Center for School Safety. Dr. Stilwell brings an innovative approach to creating safer schools—one that goes beyond physical barriers like metal detectors and explores a truly comprehensive model that supports both physical and psychological safety for students.

Dr. Stilwell explains the "hidden formula" to effective school safety strategies that focus on the whole environment. She breaks down her model, which balances physical measures with social and attentive strategies to foster a safer, more supportive school community. Discover how comprehensive school safety isn’t just about reacting to threats, but proactively building a culture of safety, trust, and equity for all students.

Key Topics:

• What “comprehensive school safety” really means
• Why physical safety measures aren’t enough on their own
• How social and attentive strategies can prevent incidents before they occur
• Practical steps schools can take to implement a balanced safety model
• The importance of equity in school safety measures

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or community member, this episode is a must-listen if you want to understand the full picture of school safety and what you can do to support it.

Relevant Links and Resources:

• National Center for School Safety: nc2s.org
• Learn more about Dr. Stilwell’s work and the Positive Youth Development Model on the NC2S Resource Page

Tune in to learn how you can be a part of a safer school community and help implement a comprehensive approach to school safety.

Links and Resources:

• Robert Conlin’s Book: The Lewiston Shooting: An All-American Tragedy
• Support us on Patreon for exclusive content and early access to episodes.
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts.
• More insights from Katherine Schweit: Katherine Schweit
• Instagram: @stopthekillingstories | @conmunitypodcast
• Website: Sarah Ferris Media
• Email: [email protected]

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.