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Description
One of the most troubling aspects of modern society are shootings in public spaces, but particularly disturbing are Active Shooters in schools. As these shootings continue year- after-year, an increase in a Law Enforcement and Homeland Security context to learn to prepare for and react to the violent emergencies. Studies by the U.S. Secret Service and FBI have gathered enormous amounts of information to articulate the “Who, What, When, and How” these shootings occur. However, the “Why?” has been elusive to studies in terms of Public Health and Psychological concerns. By examining the major studies by the FBI and U.S. Secret Service that deal with what has occurred in Active Shooter tragedies and specific studies focused on a sub-set of averted school shootings. This thesis will attempt to outline major stressors, motivations, and psychological challenges exhibited in the lives of those who become the perpetrators. As well, look at a particular group often not considered, those whose plans for violence were averted. These “Averted School Violence” events in particular shed light on what can be done to mitigate this broken part of society. A new significant stressor today is COVID-19 and the lockdowns plus isolation that have occurred in 2020. As society goes back to “normal” interactions, it is anticipated that Active Shooter violence can increase. This thesis concludes with an encouragement to link Public Health and Homeland Security to help resolve the challenge of Active Shooters particularly at schools. By trying to understand the Psychological aspects and mental health challenges of people’s lives, it may be possible to help avert school violence before the fact instead of Law Enforcement coming in to try to neutralize the threat. This can save lives including the life of the plotter, which generally ends in suicide or a destroyed life in other ways besides the innocent people killed during the attack.
