Author(s): Dr. Barbara Melamed
School shootings are a grave concern, affecting the safety and well-being of students, teachers, and communities. There is little research that has identified traits and characteristics that can reliably distinguish school shooters from other students. If we don't know who is likely to obtain guns, we have little prevention efforts. This paper attempts to emphasize the multitude of reasons why and how a person would plan, carry-out and often kill themselves to earn fame and legacy. It is clear that social media produces, predicts and must be scanned to minimize the threat of future shootings. National Center for Analysis of Violent Crime (NCAVC) organized by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (1999) included 160 NCAVC staff members, and law enforcement officers who were involved in investigating each of the shootings. There were also individuals who claimed to know the shooters personally. In 1999, the FBI's NCAVC included 160 staff and law enforcement officers investigating shootings, alongside experts in adolescent violence, mental health, suicidology, school dynamics, and family dynamics. The inclusion of shooters, their families, and friends is crucial for understanding motivations. This article explores effective community actions to mitigate this threat. By fostering collaboration between parents, educators, law enforcement, and mental health professionals, we can create a safer environment for our children.