Most mass shooters share these four defining moments, research shows
November 21, 2022 / 2:28 PM / CBS News
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The path to violence, according to The Violence Project, often begins with early childhood trauma. At a young age, 42% of all mass shooters experienced physical abuse, sexual abuse, parental suicide, or were a victim of severe bullying. If unaddressed, Densley said, later in life this trauma can feed a perpetrator's rage.
The second step on the pathway to violence is crisis. This can come in the form of a loss of a job or a break-up of a relationship. In many cases, it's a suicidal crisis. The Violence Project found 72% of mass shooters in its database were suicidal either before or at the time of the shooting.
Radicalization is the third step on the pathway to violence. The Violence Project found perpetrators time and again searched for guidance — going to the internet where they read manifestos of past gunmen and visited chat rooms where mass shooters are revered. Many then shared their own plans online. Forty-four percent of mass shooters leaked their plans, often posting about it on social media.
The final stage on the pathway of violence is access to a firearm. According to the National Institute of Justice, 77% of mass shooters got their guns through a legal purchase, often gaining access close to time of the shooting.
By knowing the pathway, Densley said it may be possible to identify opportunities to intervene.
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