Examining Mass Shooting Manifestos: A comparison of far-right, left-wing, and AQ/ISIS manifestos

• In Event: EXTREME Panel 3. Preventing and countering violent extremism

Abstract

This research examines offender motivations behind ideologically motivated mass shootings, focusing on far-right extremist ideology, and compares them with non-ideologically motivated shootings. To emphasize the intersection of white supremacy and violence, this study explores how far-right beliefs, often centered on racial and religious biases, influence shooters' actions. Social movement framing theory is used to analyze shooter manifestos, focusing on diagnostic, prognostic, and motivational frames to reveal underlying motivations. Six cases of mass shootings (four ideologically motivated and two non-ideologically motivated) are analyzed through thematic coding of manifestos. The aim is to identify key differences in the motivations behind far-right extremist attacks compared to other mass shootings, with a particular focus on racial and religious factors. Findings will contribute to understanding the psychological and ideological drivers of hate-based violence, informing policy and potential online restrictions

Author

• Katrina Perry, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, CUNY Graduate Center