Terrorist Target Selection: The Case of Anders Behring Breivik and the 22 July 2011 Attacks in Norway

• In Event: Vulnerabilities to Terrorism

Abstract

Anders Behring Breivik conducted extremely brutal terrorist attacks on 22 July 2011 in Norway. First he detonated a large bomb in the Government District in Oslo, before he initiated a shooting spree at a youth camp at Utøya - in total killing 77 persons.
This study have analysed the target selection process of Breivik. Why did he choose the final target objects, what were the alternatives and which factors made him dismiss targets not attacked? In most terrorist plots these questions are unlikely to be answered, but here primary sources make that possible.
The research has found that even a ruthless terrorist like Anders Behring Breivik acted under the influence of a number of constraints - caused by a variety of ideological, strategic and operational considerations, as well as the psychological dimension and his personality disorder. It is evident that the target selection process became substantially dynamic and pragmatic, with rapid shifts and adjustments of plans as the operation proceeded. This study of Breivik’s target selection process contributes to a better understanding of his rationality, useful within the areas of profiling, threat assessment and preventive security.

Authors

• Cato Hemmingby, Norwegian Police University College

• Tore Bjørgo, Norwegian Police University College / John Jay College of Criminal Justice