5 Warning Signs: School shooters don't "just snap"

Journalist and author of the book Trigger Points, Mark Follman, has studied emerging research on school shootings in an attempt to understand the warning signs and prevent such tragedies. Here are signs Follman says are common among school shooters in America:

5) Not profiling: Follman clarifies that there is no way to predict who will commit a mass shooting based on their personal characteristics are like background, race or ethnicity. Rather, by analyzing circumstances and behaviors there are some signs which may be indicative.

4) Ideation: Mass shooters decide, develop violent ideas, plan and prepare to execute methodically. The attacks are not random or impulsive, as they require extensive and complex rational thought. Listen for ideation about weapons and plans against classmates.

3) Suicide/Homicide Link: Young people who are suicidal, raging, showing despair and indicating violence as their only solution. These should be seen as "cries for help". There is strong evidence that students who are suicidal are more likely to escalate to homicidal actions.

2) Bullying: Students who are bullied are more likely to engage in violent behaviors. Many have a history of years of being bullied themselves and then deciding to take violent action against their school.

1) Lack of connections: Students who begin quitting clubs, failing classes, showing signs of personal deterioration are all red flags for potential violence.

Follman has an example of a successful intervention, with a high school junior he calls "Brandon". The student had been making threats about bringing a gun to shoot up his high school. A team from the school looked deeply into his behaviors and found numerous red flags.

Because they knew what to look for they were able to quickly intervene with intensive counseling, educational support and assistance creating stronger social connections within the school. Teachers made concerted efforts to make him feel cared for and to keep a close watch.

In addition, the Threat Assessment Team did a home visit and interviewed Brandon's mother to determine whether or not he would have access to any weapons. Knowing this risk level was a key factor. In the end the intervention was successful - he improved and graduated.

Bottom line: By analyzing years of data and working with law enforcement, social services and mental health experts, Follman is confident that there are methods of early intervention, such as long-term case management, for high risk students to prevent mass shootings.