A useful first sentence.
“I am at [place]. At [time], I saw [specific action]. It is [still happening or ended]. I am concerned because [context].” Start with your location if people may be at risk. A dispatcher or safety officer can ask the next questions.
Write down what you know.
- Where: address, entrance, room, gate, or nearest landmark.
- When: time first seen, duration, and whether it happened before.
- What: actions and exact words, separated from your interpretation.
- Who: descriptions only as needed to identify a person, never identity as the reason for suspicion.
- How to follow up: your contact information, if you are willing to share it, and any existing messages or footage.
Choose the channel.
If people face an immediate threat, move away and call 911. For a nonurgent local concern, use local law enforcement or the property’s security lead. Tips about possible federal crime or terrorism can also go to the FBI at tips.fbi.gov. Do not wait until you know the full story and do not collect more evidence at personal risk.