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Mass Shootings Essay

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Can We Prevent Mass Shootings? There is an assumption that if you understand the minds of serial killers, or persons who commit mass shootings, that it may help prevent mass shootings. “Mass shootings are not on the rise, but have held steady over three decades, randomly clustering in time to trick our brains into finding a pattern of increase where none actually exists” (Shermer 3). Mass shootings happen at varying times without rhyme or reason. Some think that a psychological disorder or some genetic defect could be the reason people commit these crimes. Although we cannot prevent mass shootings, we can educate on how mental health issues can be a precursor to such a tragedy, and how better laws can create a safer environment. No one …show more content…

Shortly thereafter they shot themselves (History 1). Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold became involved in all things surrounding German Nazi’s including wearing swastikas, giving the “Heil Hitler” salute and listening to heavy industrial metal bands. The Columbine attack was on the anniversary of Adolph Hitler’s birthday, April 20th. Klebold, after his death, was found to have writings that showed depression and suicidal thoughts. Both had violent and gruesome writings on school assignments. Psychiatrist James Brussel said that “paranoia tends to peak around age 35…” (What 2). “Mass murders were committed primarily by a single attacker (98.6%), whose average age was 34.4 and when a second attacker was present, both were typically young men (average age of 19.4). Attacks killed 9 and injured 9.6 people on average, excluding the attacker. Many of the attackers were related to at least one victim (38%), and a few also killed animals (3.1%)” (Hillshafer 1). The attacks usually ended when the attackers were confronted by police then committed suicide or they were shot down by police. Many of the killers that were arrested were either executed by the state, had to serve a life sentence or an average of 29 years in prison, or found not guilty due to the reason of insanity. Famous killers like Bryan Uyesugi, who murdered his co-workers, was thought to have schizophrenia. Or like Jared Loughner, who also has schizophrenia, believed in government conspiracy

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