Across the Universe? A Comparative Analysis of Violent Radicalization Across Three Offender Types with Implications for Criminal Justice Training and Education

• In Event: The NIJ Scientific Program on Domestic Radicalization to Violent Extremism

Abstract

This project develops a series of studies comparing the behavioral underpinnings of three types of U.S.-based offenders since 1990: solo-terrorists, lone-actor terrorists, and individuals who engage in mass casualty violence but lack an ideological motivation. In particular this research program compares the developmental, antecedent behavioral and ideological factors that crystallize within the offender and are later expressed behaviorally via the offense itself. This program of research seeks to understand whether (dis)similarities are observable across these offender types and what the relevant implications are for law enforcement. The results from this study will help to determine the appropriateness of profiles for these offenders as well as develop indicators and warnings for law enforcement and other community organizations.

Author

• John Horgan, University of Massachusetts, Lowell