Northeastern Law’s UnitedonGuns Releases Second Edition of Mass Shooting Protocol and Playbook
10.23.2025—In the aftermath of a mass shooting, civic leaders face enormous pressure to respond swiftly, compassionately and effectively. To meet this critical need, Northeastern Law’s UnitedonGuns—a project of the law school’s Public Health Advocacy Institute—has released an extensively updated second edition of its Mass Shooting Protocol and Playbook.
First published in 2021 and now comprehensively revised for 2025, this essential resource incorporates invaluable lessons from recent tragedies in Highland Park and Nashville. The updated Playbook expands its guidance for mayors, city managers and other civic leaders, equipping them with actionable strategies to both prepare for and respond to incidents of mass violence.
What’s Inside: The Playbook delivers detailed, practical direction across all critical aspects of mass violence response and recovery—from crisis communications and victim services to first responder training and wellness, legal considerations and beyond.
“Communities continue to face the threat of mass shootings, and when tragedy strikes, civic leaders must be ready to respond,” said Sarah C. Peck ’96, co-founder of UnitedonGuns and co-author of the Playbook with Emily Nink. “This update ensures they have the most current, practical and compassionate guidance available.”
Proven Impact: Since its 2021 launch, the Playbook has served as a vital resource for leaders responding to mass shootings in Highland Park, Oxford Village, Nashville and other communities nationwide. Its impact has been recognized by media outlets, including Fox, NPR, Northeastern Global News and ICMA Voices in Local Government.
About Northeastern University School of Law
The nation’s leader in experiential legal education since 1968, Northeastern University School of Law offers the longest-running, most extensive experience-based legal education program in the country. Northeastern guarantees its students unparalleled practical legal work experiences through its signature Cooperative Legal Education Program. More than 1,100 employers worldwide in a wide range of legal, government, nonprofit and business organizations participate in the program. With a focus on social justice and innovation, Northeastern University School of Law blends theory and practice, providing students with a unique set of skills and experiences to successfully practice law.
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