Public Mass shootings shock, disturb and provoke enormous and controversial debate, often causing significant public and media resonance/reaction, becoming the subject of intense discussion in political culture (Böckler et al, 2013). At times they provide an impetus for legislative amendments to European frameworks and policies (Duquet, 2016; Hurka, 2017), often in distinct ways that routine gun violence does not. Certain mass shootings can be seen to be 'signal crimes', acts that change the way people and institutions think about safety and security (Innes, 2004). This can be seen in the cases of Hungerford, Dunblane and Antwerp for example, where legislative/policy change occurred as a result of the incidents. Conversely, there are some mass shootings that despite also resulting in multiple deaths, generate nothing other than an intensely short-lived media response, with no change to legislation/policy, leading us to question: what events matter under what circumstances. Research Aims This paper presents an outline of a research project that explores public mass shootings, how they are framed and conceptualised and how this shapes policy change across Europe. The 1 Sarah is a Senior Lecturer and Course Leader for the Professional Policing degree at Staffordshire University. Sarah is currently a part-time PhD researcher examining mass shootings across Europe and what factors contribute to policy change. Sarah has published a paper in Criminology and Criminal Justice; a chapter that explores the impact of firearms on society and development; and she also produced content for the UN Office of Drugs and Crime Education 4 Justice firearms programme. 69 research aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the nature and extent of mass shootings in different European countries. It examines historical data, statistics, and case studies to analyse patterns, trends, and variations. Understanding how mass shootings are defined and categorised is crucial when assessing how they are framed and responded to. This involved examining definitions, legal frameworks, and differences in stances to shed light on the factors that influence the understanding and perception of mass shootings in varying contexts. Mass shootings research frequently focuses on the psychological profile of the perpetrator, their social isolation, masculinity, mental ill health, consumption of violent media (Krach, 1999) and the role of the media in the portrayal of mass shootings. There is little exploration of the impact of mass shootings on firearms policy (for exceptions see Doran, 2014 and Hurka, 2017). The research utilises a blended approach to provide a criminological evaluation of key scholarly debates, policymaking and modification following mass shootings, intertwined with qualitative interviews. The research delves into the policymaking processes and legislative responses that follow mass shootings in Europe. By analysing existing laws, regulations, and policy measures that are implemented in different countries, it provides insights into the approaches and strategies employed to address mass shootings. This exploration helps to uncover similarities, differences, and evolving practices across Europe. The final objective focuses on opening a conversation and narrative surrounding responses to mass shootings. It involves analysing media coverage, public discourse, and societal reactions to gain a comprehensive understanding of perspectives on mass shootings. By exploring diverse viewpoints, the research sheds light on the societal, cultural, and political factors that shape responses to these incidents.