Abstract:
This study presents results from the first combined quantitative assessment and comparative
analysis of suicide terrorists and rampage, workplace, and school shooters who attempt suicide.
Findings suggest that in the United States from 1990 to 2010, the differences between these
offenders (N = 81) were largely superficial. Prior to their attacks, they struggled with many of
the same personal problems, including social marginalization, family problems, work or school
problems, and precipitating crisis events. Ultimately, patterns among all four types of offenders
can assist those developing security policy, conducting threat assessments, and attempting to
intervene in the lives of at-risk individuals.
