U.S. Secret Service Analysis of Targeted School Violence
The U.S. Secret Service today released a new report on targeted school violence in the United States. The study, Protecting America’s Schools: A U.S. SecretService Analysis of Targeted School Violence, identifies 41 incidents of attacks against K-12 schools in the United States from 2008 to 2017. Researchers with the Secret Service National Threat Assessment Center (NTAC) have examined the background and behaviors of the attackers and identified a series of key findings and significant commonalities.
The report identifies ten key findings among the 41 incidents:
·There is no profile of a student attacker, nor is there a profile for the type of school that has been targeted.
·Attackers usually had multiple motives, the most common involving a grievance with classmates.
·Most attackers used firearms, and firearms were most often acquired from the home.
·Most attackers had experienced psychological, behavioral, or developmental symptoms.
·Half of the attackers had interests in violent topics, like the Columbine shooting or Hitler.
·All attackers experienced social stressors involving their relationships with peers and/or romantic partners.
·Nearly every attacker experienced negative home life factors.
·Most attackers were victims of bullying, which was often observed by others.
·Most attackers had a history of school disciplinary actions, and many had prior contact with law enforcement.
·All attackers exhibited concerning behaviors. Most elicited concern from others,and most communicated their intent to attack.
Education Research Report: U.S. Secret Service Analysis of Targeted School Violence