Stop the Killing

HOW FLAG LAWS SAVE LIVES: LESSONS FROM LEWISTON

In this episode of Stop the Killing, we explore the real-life impact of red and yellow flag laws in preventing gun violence and saving lives. Using the Lewiston, Maine tragedy as a case study, we discuss how flag laws function as critical tools for law enforcement, families, and communities in averting potential acts of violence and suicide.

Our conversation covers:

• How red and yellow flag laws differ and why each matters.
• Real-world examples of how flag laws have saved lives.
• The challenges law enforcement faces in states with limited flag law protections.
• Why knowing your state’s flag laws could make a life-saving difference.

We also examine recent changes to Maine’s yellow flag law in the wake of the Lewiston shooting, which have led to a surge in its use. Discover how awareness, action, and legislation work together to prevent tragedies and save lives.

Tune in to understand how these laws operate, why they’re effective, and how you can advocate for safer communities.

Relevant Resources and Links:

• Support us on Patreon for exclusive content and early access to episodes: Patreon
• Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts
• More insights from Katherine Schweit: Katherine Schweit
• 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

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.

Bonus Episode: Abundant Life Christian School Shooting

Show Notes:

This is an early access bonus episode exclusively for our subscribers. Recorded on December 17, 2024, just a day after the tragic shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin, this episode provides an overview of what we currently know about the incident.

In this episode:

• A timeline of events as they unfolded.
• Clarification on early misinformation and official updates.
• Discussion of the response by law enforcement and emergency services.
• Insights into school safety protocols and community impact.
• What you can do to address concerns with your loved ones.

Please note that details surrounding this incident are still emerging, and new information may have come to light since this recording. We are committed to keeping you updated as further developments occur.

Our thoughts remain with all those affected by this devastating event. Thank you for your continued support in fostering a deeper understanding of how we can work together to stop the killing.

👀 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.

S5E7: Analyzing the Lewiston Shooting - Military Links and Missed Signals

In this gripping conclusion to our two-part series on the Lewiston Shooting, Katherine and Sarah dive back into the tragic events of October 25, 2023, with Robert Conlin, author of The Lewiston Shooting: An All-American Tragedy. In Part One, we examined the immediate impact of the shooting on the small, close-knit community of Lewiston, Maine. If you haven’t listened to Part One, be sure to start there for a complete understanding of this complex story.

Episode Highlights:

• Military Connections: Robert shares insights into the shooter’s Army Reserve background, his access to firearms, and the complex jurisdictional boundaries that affected his mental health evaluations and firearm restrictions.
• Missed Signals and Red Flags: We discuss the communication breakdowns between military and local law enforcement and how these gaps, along with Maine’s “yellow flag” law, complicated efforts to restrict the shooter’s access to firearms.
• The Human Toll: Robert highlights the profound impact on Lewiston families, including the stories of specific victims, and the devastating ripple effect on the community.
• Systemic Challenges: From Maine’s yellow flag law to national challenges in coordinating responses across agencies, the episode explores systemic issues that hinder effective preventive measures.

Join us as we unpack how missed opportunities and systemic obstacles contributed to this tragedy, offering insights into potential reforms for improved community safety.

Relevant Resources and Links:

• 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
• 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.

S5E6: ANALYZING THE LEWISTON SHOOTING - TRAGEDY STRIKES MAINE (Part 1)

In this powerful episode, Katherine and Sarah dive into Part One of the Lewiston Shooting tragedy with special guest Robert Conlin, author of The Lewiston Shooting: An All-American Tragedy. Together, they explore the tragic events of October 25, 2023, when an Army Reserve soldier with a history of erratic behavior took the lives of 18 people across two locations in Lewiston, Maine. The shooting sparked a 46-hour manhunt that paralyzed the entire state.

Episode Highlights:

• Anatomy of the Incident: Robert details the sequence of events, from the initial attack at a bowling alley to the shooter's escape and subsequent violence at a sports bar.
• Missed Red Flags: Robert sheds light on the shooter’s troubling behavior over the past year, raising questions about missed opportunities by both the Army and law enforcement to intervene.
• Impact on the Community: With Maine experiencing historically low crime rates, this tragedy sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community and raised difficult questions about gun violence and community safety.
• A Personal Account: Robert shares insights from his experience covering the event and the critical themes addressed in his book.

Listen in to understand the complexities surrounding this tragic event, and make sure to join us for Part Two as we delve into the legal and systemic barriers that surfaced in the wake of this incident.

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.

CHRIS HANSEN CATCHING PREDATORS

Inside the Mind of Predators: Chris Hansen on 20 Years of Crime-Fighting

Season 5 Episode 5

In this gripping episode of the Stop the Killing podcast, host Katherine Schweit sits down with renowned investigative journalist Chris Hansen, famous for his work on To Catch a Predator. Over the past two decades, Hansen has exposed hundreds of online predators, shining a light on some of the darkest corners of the internet. In this conversation, Hansen discusses the evolution of investigative journalism, the challenges in fighting online crime, and what still needs to be done to protect the most vulnerable members of society.

Chris Hansen shares stories from his years of catching online predators, beginning with the launch of To Catch a Predatorin the early 2000s. He takes listeners through the complexities of these investigations, explaining how the internet has transformed the way criminals operate. The episode touches on the emotional toll these cases take on the victims, the challenges of working with law enforcement, and why public awareness is critical in preventing crimes against children. Hansen also gives a sneak peek into his current show, Takedown with Chris Hansen, which continues to expose dangerous predators.

Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the continuing threats posed by online predators and what steps we can take to stay informed and proactive in fighting these crimes.

Chris Hansen: A legendary investigative journalist, Chris Hansen is best known for his work on NBC's To Catch a Predator, where he brought to justice hundreds of online predators. His work has been instrumental in raising public awareness about the dangers of the internet and child exploitation. Hansen continues his mission today through his show, Takedown with Chris Hansen, on the streaming platform True Blue.

• Watch Takedown with Chris Hansen: Watch True Blue
• More about Katherine Schweit: KatherineSchweit.com
• Learn more about Sarah Ferris and her projects: SarahFerrisMedia.com
• Support the podcast on Patreon or via Apple Subscriptions.
• Follow us on Instagram:
• @conmunitypodcast
• @kateschweit
• @stopthekillingstories
• Related podcast episodes:
• Watching Two Detectives
• Conning the Con
• Klooghless
• The Bravery Academy
• Guilty Greenie

If you found this episode insightful, 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.

Introduction:

In this episode of Stop the Killing, hosts Katherine Schweit and Sarah Ferris sit down with Dr. Elyse J. Thulin, Ph.D., Assistant Research Professor at the University of Michigan’s Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention. Dr. Thulin shares her groundbreaking research on how anonymous reporting systems in K-12 schools are helping prevent school shootings, suicides, and other forms of violence. Her insights into these technology-facilitated systems highlight the crucial role they play in saving lives by identifying early warning signs and allowing students to report concerns anonymously.

Summary of Key Topics:

• The role of anonymous reporting systems (T-FIRST) in K-12 schools and how they work.
• The connection between firearms-related tips and school violence prevention.
• Real-world data from North Carolina’s anonymous tip line system, showing how these tips have saved lives.
• How anonymous tip lines help identify at-risk students and prevent potential tragedies before they escalate.
• The challenges and opportunities in improving and expanding the effectiveness of anonymous tip systems across schools in the U.S.

Guest Introduction:

Dr. Elyse J. Thulin, Ph.D., is an Assistant Research Professor at the University of Michigan’s Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention. With expertise in psychology, anthropology, and global health, Dr. Thulin has led pivotal research into the effectiveness of anonymous reporting systems in schools, helping to reduce firearms-related injuries and deaths.

Episode Highlights:

• [00:01:00] – Introduction to Dr. Elyse J. Thulin and her role at the University of Michigan.
• [00:02:17] – Overview of firearms violence research and the importance of anonymous tip lines.
• [00:04:40] – How tip lines function in schools and what makes them a critical tool for violence prevention.
• [00:11:00] – Shocking data: 10% of tips in North Carolina involve firearms, and 50% of those are life-threatening.
• [00:25:00] – Six planned school shootings were averted through anonymous tips.
• [00:33:00] – How parents and communities can support the use of anonymous reporting systems to protect students.

Relevant Resources and Links:

• National Center for School Safety: nc2s.org
• Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention: firearminjury.umich.edu
• Patreon
• Stop the Killing Podcast: Apple Podcasts

Calls to Action:

• Support the podcast and get exclusive content by subscribing on Patreon or Apple Subscriptions.
• Share this episode with someone who cares about school safety and the prevention of violence through innovative systems.

This episode highlights how anonymous tips are a powerful tool in preventing tragedies in schools. Listen in to learn more about the real-world impact of these systems!

Relevant Resources and Links:

• 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.

Episode Title: The Trump Assassination Attempt

In this special live episode, recorded at CrimeCon London 2024, Sarah Ferris and Katherine Schweit, former head of the FBI's Active Shooter program, take you behind the scenes of an unprecedented and chilling event—the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, 2024.

The episode details the harrowing moments when eight shots were fired at the former president, killing a local firefighter, Corey Comperatore, and injuring two others. Sarah and Katherine dive into the layers of the incident, from the shooter’s motives to the actions of law enforcement, and the failure of communication that led to one of the most significant breaches in Secret Service protocol.

Key discussion points include:

• The Shooter's Path to Violence: A look at the shooter’s background, his planning, and why this wasn’t a politically motivated attack but rather a desperate attempt for notoriety.
• Law Enforcement and Secret Service Response: Analyzing what went wrong, from law enforcement’s early suspicions to the failure of communication between local police and Secret Service, leading to preventable casualties.
• Impact on Public Safety Protocols: How this event has led to changes in Secret Service procedures and what it means for public safety moving forward.
• Victim Heroism: The story of Corey Comperatore, the firefighter who heroically saved his daughter’s life by shielding her from the gunfire.

The episode wraps up with insights into how we can learn from these tragic incidents to better prevent mass shootings and assassination attempts, and it raises important questions about how we balance free speech, political campaigning, and public safety.

Tune in to hear how the attempt unfolded, why it’s been labeled as one of the most significant security failures in recent history, and what changes are being made to ensure such an event doesn't happen again.

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

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

In this gripping episode, we sit down with Tom Smith, retired NYPD detective and co-host of The Gold Shields Podcast. Tom shares a harrowing personal account of when his professional and personal worlds collided—when he had just days to stop a school shooting at his own children’s school. Tom reveals the chilling details of the threat, the investigation, and the ultimate prevention of what could have been a devastating tragedy.

Summary of Key Topics Covered:

• Tom Smith's career in the NYPD and his transition to The Gold Shields Podcast.
• The unexpected threat at his children's high school and the brave actions of a young student that alerted authorities.
• How Tom's training and instincts kicked in as he worked to prevent a school shooting with only days to spare.
• The emotional toll of balancing being a detective and a father during such a critical time.
• Lessons learned from the case, the importance of vigilance, and how social media played a pivotal role in stopping the attack.

Guest Introduction:

• Tom Smith: A retired NYPD detective with 30 years of experience, Tom worked on high-stakes cases, including post-9/11 terrorism investigations. He now co-hosts The Gold Shields Podcast, where he shares untold stories of law enforcement and military heroes. Learn more about Tom and his podcast.

Episode Highlights with Timestamps:

• [00:01] Introduction to Tom Smith and his background in law enforcement.
• [10:00] The discovery of a school shooting threat targeting Tom's children’s school.
• [12:00] How a brave student’s actions helped prevent the attack.
• [15:30] Tom’s investigation into the shooter and the clues that led to his arrest.
• [20:00] The emotional toll of investigating a case that hit so close to home.
• [28:00] How Tom and the local authorities worked together to avert the school shooting just days before it was planned.
• [35:00] The lasting impact on the school and community, and Tom’s reflections on the importance of being vigilant.

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.

Title: The Legacy of Joaquin Oliver: Live from the Aspen Ideas Festival

Season 5 Episode 1

Introduction: In this compelling episode of the Stop the Killing podcast, host Katherine Schweit is joined by Manuel and Patricia Oliver, the courageous parents of Joaquin Oliver, who tragically lost his life in the 2018 Parkland shooting. Recorded live at the Aspen Ideas Festival, this episode takes listeners through the Oliver family's journey of transforming their unimaginable grief into impactful activism.

Summary: The episode offers an intimate look into how Manuel and Patricia have dedicated their lives to preserving their son Joaquin's legacy through the organization they founded, Change the Ref. The discussion highlights Joaquin's deep concern for social justice issues, even at a young age, and how his parents have continued his fight against gun violence through various creative outlets, including a one-man play titled "Guac: My Son, My Hero," art, and public speaking.

Listeners will gain insight into the emotional and psychological toll of their journey and how the Olivers have inspired others to take action. The episode also touches on the importance of community, the challenges of addressing gun violence, and the need for continued dialogue and activism.

Guest Introduction:

• Manuel and Patricia Oliver: Co-founders of Change the Ref, an organization aimed at voting out politicians who accept NRA money and voting in those with gun safety agendas. They are dedicated activists who have met with President Biden and participated in numerous events and panels worldwide to advocate for gun violence prevention. Their son, Joaquin, who was affectionately known as "Guac," is the inspiration behind their relentless fight for change.

Episode Highlights:

• [00:01:11] - Introduction to Manuel and Patricia Oliver and their mission.
• [00:03:00] - Patricia shares personal stories about Joaquin’s childhood and his growth from a shy child into a passionate advocate for social justice.
• [00:07:49] - Manuel discusses the creation of their play "Guac: My Son, My Hero" and its impact on audiences.
• [00:18:03] - The Olivers emphasize the importance of staying united as a family while dealing with the trauma of losing a loved one.
• [00:27:08] - Explanation of Change the Ref's mission and how the organization’s name was inspired by a conversation with Joaquin.
• [00:35:42] - Manuel encourages listeners to get involved in gun violence prevention in any capacity they can.

Relevant Resources and Links:

• Learn more about Change the Ref and how you can get involved: changetheref.org
• 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.