Citizen’s Fears Toward Mass Shooting and Terrorist Attacks in the United States

• In Event: Public Responses to Terrorism and Mass Shootings

Abstract

Americans have been living in constant fear of various attacks since the 9/11 attacks. Recent literature has revealed an increase in mass shootings in the US. The current study attempts to explain the factors responsible for citizen’s fears of attacks by comparing mass shootings and terrorist attacks in the United States. The study uses secondary data from multiple sources to examine citizens’ fear of attacks from a routine activity theoretical perspective. Findings suggest that violent extremism, political ideologies, social-psychological disorders, and social-economic disparities are important indicators of attacks. Hence, citizen’s fears were influenced by socio-demographic and economic factors. The policy implications of these findings include providing counterterrorism measures and improving national security strategies.

Author

• Godwin Egbe, University of Mississippi