An active shooter incident is characterized as a _____ and _____ attack.

An active shooter incident is characterized as a deliberate and planned attack. This is because such incidents are typically premeditated, involving the shooter's intention to harm others in a specific environment. The characteristics of being deliberate and planned indicate that the perpetrator often selects a target and prepares for the attack, rather than reacting impulsively or randomly.

A deliberate attack suggests that the shooter has a clear intention behind their actions, which could be motivated by personal grievances, ideological beliefs, or other factors. The planning aspect involves consideration of factors like timing, location, and potential victims, which can significantly impact the response strategies of law enforcement and the safety measures put in place to mitigate risks.

In contrast, other choices reflect different scenarios that do not align with the nature of an active shooter incident. For instance, spontaneous and unplanned situations involve a lack of foresight or intent, while indirect and covert refer to methods of attack that are not direct confrontations. Legal and controlled implies adherence to legal standards, which contradicts the unlawful nature of an active shooter incident. Thus, the most accurate description is that it is a deliberate and planned attack.