Statistics and Profiles

Profile of a School Shooter

When looking at the research available regarding the profile of someone who has committed an act of violence within schools, we are not able to pinpoint exactly the make up of a school shooter. Even though there is not a general profile for these individuals, there are some commonalities that we have been able to identify. Some of these statistics from the US secret service and FBI in 2014 are,

Male (100%)
Ages 11-21 (85%)
White (76%)
Strong school performance (41%)
Few failing (5%)
Interested in violence or violence-based activities (59%)
Felt bullied by others (71%)
No history of school discipline (63%)
Few suspensions (27%) and expulsions (10%)
History of suicidal attempts (78%)
History of mental health evaluations (34%)
Difficulty coping with loss (83%)

What to Look Out For

Seeing as there is no official profile of a school shooting, we are not able to pinpoint who may or may not commit these horrible acts of violence. However, there are traits that have been identified that we can be aware of. The following characteristics have been the most labeled by the US Secret Service and FBI.

Narcissism Personality Disorder(5 or more)
- Has a grandiose sense of self-importance
- Is preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love
- Believes that he or she is "special" and unique
- Requires excessive admiration
- Has a very strong sense of entitlement
- Is exploitative of others
- Lacks empathy
- Is often envious of others
- Regularly shows arrogant, haughty behaviors or attitudes
Depression (4 or more)
- Exhibiting sadness/ crying spells
- Restless and agitated
- Difficulty sleeping
- Feeling fatigued
- Showing irritability
- Feelings of shame, guilt, or worthlessness
- Bored most or all of the time
- Loss of interest in once pleasurable activities
- Problems with concentration, memory, and decision-making
- Moving or talking slowly
- Sudden weight loss or gain
- Change in skin tone (possible drug use)
- Bruising on the face, legs, and backs of arms
- Visible hickies (signs of sexual promiscuity)
- Track marks (signs of drug use)
- Cut marks or scarring on thighs, arms, lower legs or hands
- Poor hygiene and unkempt appearance
- Isolation
- Lack of eye contact
- Disinterested facial expressions
- Sharp tone of voice, yelling, or irrational response to simple questions
- Bleeding or tearing of the flesh
- Pulling hair from the body
Suicidal Ideation
- Amongst the youth population (ages 15-24), suicide is the second leading cause of death
- School shootings can be categorized as a form of suicide
- Victimizers are aware that they are not going to get away with their actions
- Widely known that their actions will lead to suicide or death by responding law officers

School Shooters: Understanding their path to violence is key to preventionPsychologists and the FBI say they are getting a better understanding of the mix of factors that lead some kids to open fire on a classroom. The shooting can be an act of desperation fueled by anger.

School Shooters: Understanding their Path to Violence is Key to Prevention

This article from NPR takes a look at understanding the path that many school shooters have gone down before committing their acts. Through looking at the commonalities that can be found, we can be more aware to step in and provide support to those who may be struggling. I highly recommend giving this a listen!

Below is a spreadsheet that was put together by Mother Jones that details the mass shootings that have occurred from 1982-2024. This spreadsheet includes both acts of violence that has happened both inside and outside of schools. It also includes the location, date, summary of the event, and profile of the shooter.

Mother Jones - Mass Shootings Database, 1982 - 2024

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