diff --git a/code/modules/mob/living/simple_mob/combat.dm b/code/modules/mob/living/simple_mob/combat.dm
index b38317b964..3ff7eb5b2d 100644
--- a/code/modules/mob/living/simple_mob/combat.dm
+++ b/code/modules/mob/living/simple_mob/combat.dm
@@ -86,6 +86,10 @@
 //The actual top-level ranged attack proc
 /mob/living/simple_mob/proc/shoot_target(atom/A)
 	set waitfor = FALSE
+
+	if(!istype(A) || QDELETED(A))
+		return
+
 	setClickCooldown(get_attack_speed())
 
 	face_atom(A)
diff --git a/code/modules/mob/living/simple_mob/subtypes/humanoid/mercs/mercs.dm b/code/modules/mob/living/simple_mob/subtypes/humanoid/mercs/mercs.dm
index cf6b2649a8..45c88cbfec 100644
--- a/code/modules/mob/living/simple_mob/subtypes/humanoid/mercs/mercs.dm
+++ b/code/modules/mob/living/simple_mob/subtypes/humanoid/mercs/mercs.dm
@@ -304,6 +304,10 @@
 
 /mob/living/simple_mob/humanoid/merc/ranged/sniper/shoot_target(atom/A)
 	set waitfor = FALSE
+
+	if(!istype(A) || QDELETED(A))
+		return
+
 	setClickCooldown(get_attack_speed())
 
 	face_atom(A)