Examining Mass Shootings and the Mobilization to Violence: A Thematic Analysis Approach

• In Event: Explaining Mass Shootings

Abstract

Objective:
This study examines the similarities and differences in ideologically motivated mass shootings, non-ideologically motivated mass shootings, and ideologically motivated non-mass shootings occurring in the United States over the last few decades. Several incident-level and offender-level risk and protective factors are comparatively examined.

Data & Method:
Data are extracted from the Extremist Crime Database (ECDB), the Bias Homicide Database (BHDB), and other open-source data on mass shootings. The ECDB and the BHDB are open-source databases including detailed information on ideologically motivated mass shootings and other domestic violent extremist shootings. Additional open-source data from Schildkraut’s (2021) database on mass shootings is used to examine non-ideologically motivated mass shootings.

Results:
Several similarities and differences in incident- and offender- level risk and protective factors across ideologically motivated mass shootings, non-ideologically motivated mass shootings, and ideologically motivated non-mass shootings were observed.

Conclusions/Implications:
Findings suggest there is empirical value in comparatively examining motivational, preparatory, and mobilization indicators across terrorism, violent extremism, and other forms targeted violence. Findings can inform investigatory approaches and policies aimed at preventing future mass shootings.

Authors

• Brynn Schuetter, University of South Carolina

• Jeffrey Gruenewald, University of Arkansas