Identifying Mass Shooters: Perpetrators may Act Similarly

A recent study examines how mass shooters may dress and act similarly.

According to study authors, they discovered that many shooters are typically male and dressed in black. They also believe that some of the perpetrators may share similar eccentric characteristics. In particular, researchers studied risk factors related to the infamous dark-knight persona that was adopted by certain mass shooters.

Lead study authors Brian Van Brunt, EdD and W. Scott Lewis, The NCHERM Group, LLC (Malvern, Pa.) examined certain reasons as to why some individuals might be more likely to commit mass shootings, including their attraction to dark popular culture. They discovered that pop culture may contribute to certain violence and identity risk factors. Researchers also note that identifying these factors could be useful when looking out for dangerous instances.

 "'Objectification' of victims and 'costuming' are specific offender behaviors that will give threat assessment teams throughout the world greater insights into the motivation of mass shooters and just how ceremonial their preparations are," said Mary Ellen O'Toole, PhD, Editor-in-Chief of Violence and Gender and Senior FBI Profiler/Criminal Investigative Analyst (ret.), via a press release. "The value of this information in being able to identify these offenders beforehand based on their behavior so that we can prevent future acts of mass murder is very significant."

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More information regarding the findings can be seen via the journal Violence and Gender.