AMOK

ANATOMY OF A SCHOOL ATTACK
Pathway to Violence
“A series of sequential steps – from its beginning with a felt grievance, to violent ideation, research
and planning, specific preparations for violence, critical breaches of security or other boundaries, to a
concluding attack –indicating that an individual is progressing towards an act of targeted violence”
(Calhoun & Weston, 2003; Fein et al., 2002).
1. IDEATION 2. OPERATIONAL
PLANNING
3. PRE-ATTACK
PREPARATIONS
4. EXECUTION
5. POST-ATTACK /
ESCAPE
Motive evolves into violent intent:
• STUDENT - Student perceives violence
as justified revenge and as a final
solution to their problems (E. Harris &
D. Klebold, K. Kinkel, etc.).
• INSIDER ADULT – Current/former
school official rejected by school
administration or community
conceives of violence as a means
of vengeance (Kehoe, S. Shumerth, A.
Bishop, etc).
• OUTSIDER ADULT – Individual
motivated by a variety of possible
factors (fascination with mass
violence, mental illness, sexual
compulsion, family issues, etc.)
becomes obsessed with idea of school
violence (D. Morrison, A. Lanza, C.C.
Roberts IV, etc.)
• TERRORIST – Terrorist group
recognizes huge potential for
emotional impact by attacking school
or taking children, parents, and
teachers hostage. (RSBCM, DFLP, Boko
Haram, etc.)Personality disorder
may/or may not be a factor fuelling
escalation from MOTIVE TO INTENT
• Time Span: Months to Years
• Often begins as violent fantasies that
frame the template for attack
• Formally begins when perpetrator has
committed to the idea of an attack.
• Involves information gathering
aimed at supporting an attack
plan. (identification of targets,
establishment of routines, etc.)
• Research on tactics, weapons, IED
making, etc. (Developing Capability)
• Acquiring resources (weapons,
explosives, etc.)
• Time Span: Weeks to Years (months
most commonly)
• Usually begins when attack date
is selected and the perpetrator is
satisfied with the attack plan.
• Participants may ‘disconnect’ from
others at the school
• Final mission-essential resources are
acquired (if not already in possession)
• Weapons prepared, bombs
constructed, & other final
preparations
• Warnings to friends, social media
statements
• Duration: Days to Weeks
• Assault launched
• Often executed with intention of
suicide as final resolution after
damage is done.
• Often terminates with suicide when
perpetrator realizes responders have
arrived or are breaching the facility.
• If not suicide, killer may try to escape
in a vehicle or go to another location
to continue killing spree
The Role of Warning Behaviors in Threat Assessment: An Exploration and Suggested Typology
J. Reid Meloy, Ph.D.*, Jens Hoffmann, Ph.D.,†
Angela Guldimann, M.A.,{ and David James, M.B., B.S., M.A.}