Stop The Killing

A deep dive into the case files of former head of the FBI’s Active Shooter program Katherine Schweit; diving deep into true crime revealing the insider’s story of what happened and what went wrong at some of the world's worst mass shootings, empowering listeners along the way. With Co-Host Sarah Ferris.

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S5E2 HOMETOWN HERO

| S:5 E:2

Hometown Hero: Stopping a School Shooter in His Kids' School


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:

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