Citation

Silva JR, Greene-Colozzi EA. Aggress. Violent Behav. 2019; 48: 24-35.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.avb.2019.07.005

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The current study examines the severity, characteristics, and coverage of fame-seeking mass shootings in the United States from 1966 to 2018. Specifically, this research highlights the rate of incidents and casualties, provides a comparison of fame-seeking shootings against all other mass shootings, and examines the media's coverage of the phenomenon.

FINDINGS illustrate a rise in incidents and casualties at the turn of the century. Fame-seeking perpetrators were overwhelmingly males who often perceived themselves as victims. They were more likely than other types of mass shooters to be young white students, with signs of mental illness, suicidal tendencies, and grandiose behaviors. They were also more likely to target schools and use a combination of weapons. Additionally, fame-seeking shooters were more likely to receive media coverage than their counterparts, thereby reinforcing their initial motivations. A discussion of findings highlights important implications for scholars, practitioners, and media outlets covering the phenomenon.

Language: en

Keywords

Fame; Gun violence; Mass media; Mass shooting; School shooting