For Immediate Release
September 6, 2000

Washington D.C.
FBI National Press Office

The School Shooter: A Threat Assessment Perspective

The Federal Bureau of Investigation today released the results of a comprehensive two year study examining violence in our nation's schools. The results are being released today in a report titled "School Shooter: A Threat Assessment Perspective." The report was assembled to develop a better understanding of adolescent violence through threat assessment, intervention and prevention methods.

"Youth violence has been one of the greatest single crime problems we face in this country," said Attorney General Janet Reno. "Although much research remains to be done, this report serves as a vital foundation. It presents a model procedure for threat assessment and intervention."

In May 1998, with the support of Attorney General Reno and FBI Director Louis J. Freeh, the FBI's National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime (NCAVC), Critical Incident Response Group, began the initiative to study the recent occurrences of school shootings from a behavioral/threat assessment perspective. The report is based on an in-depth review of specific cases of actual school shootings and foiled attempts. It explores the dynamics of these events; the incident itself, the shooter, his background, the school, and other social elements which may have influenced the crime. Eighteen cases were ultimately identified and included in the study.

FBI Director Freeh said, "All of the experts who made this report possible share our common goal-- give those charged with educating our children useful tools to help prevent these tragedies. Every instance of school violence is one too many. The actual threat level may be low but the consequence is severe. Preventing that consequence and protecting our children deserves all of our attention."

In July 1999, the FBI's NCAVC held a symposium on school shootings and threat assessment. The symposium included 160 educators, school administrators, mental health professionals, teachers and administrators from each of the schools included in the study, NCAVC staff members, law enforcement officers and the prosecutors involved in investigating each of the shootings. Also in attendance were experts in disciplines including adolescent violence, mental health, suicide, school and family dynamics.

Freeh also stated, "It is a privilege for the FBI and its experts to assist teachers, school administrators and others who must confront school violence. We are grateful to those many educators, doctors and other experts who, along with the FBI, devoted their time and expertise to this critical endeavor."

The report is the result of concepts and principles observed by the FBI's NCAVC in nearly 25 years of experience in threat assessment, in-depth review of 18 recent school shooting incidents and ideas generated from the 1999 symposium. The report presents a systematic procedure for threat assessment and intervention, which should be used judiciously by educators, mental health professionals and law enforcement agencies. It should be considered a tool to assist professionals faced with evaluating potential threatening situations at schools within their communities.

The FBI thanks all who participated in the July 1999 symposium. Their experience, insights and contributions were invaluable and contributed significantly to the development of this report.