1140: Mark Follman | How to Stop Mass Shootings in America

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Apr 15, 2025

Mark Follman, an author and journalist focused on mass shootings, shares essential insights into preventing violence. He highlights that mass shootings aren't random but follow a 'pathway to violence' with identifiable warning signs. Follman challenges the myth that mental illness is the primary cause, instead pointing to factors like isolation and anger. He emphasizes the need for collaborative behavioral threat assessment teams to intervene early and discusses the influence of notoriety on shooters. His compelling narrative urges a deeper understanding and proactive strategies in addressing this crisis.

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INSIGHT

Mass Shootings: Pathway to Violence

Mass shootings involve planned violence with warning signs, creating prevention opportunities.
Behavioral threat assessment offers solutions beyond gun control debates.

INSIGHT

Mass Shootings: A Global Issue

The US has a disproportionately high number of mass shootings but the problem isn't unique.
Easy access to firearms exacerbates the issue of targeted violence.

INSIGHT

Mental Health's Role in Mass Shootings

Mental health is a factor in mass shootings, but not the primary cause.
Shooters make deliberate choices driven by anger, isolation, not psychosis.

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Why do mass shootings occur? Trigger Points author Mark Follman explains warning signs, behavioral assessment, and how to stop attacks before they happen.

Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1140

What We Discuss with Mark Follman:

Mass shootings are not random events, but involve a "pathway to violence" where perpetrators plan their attacks over time, showing warning signs that create opportunities for intervention.
Mental illness is not the primary cause of mass shootings. While mental health issues may be present, perpetrators are typically making deliberate choices driven by factors like anger, isolation, and perceived grievances rather than psychosis.
Many mass shooters seek notoriety and are influenced by previous attackers through emulation behavior — they want to transform from nobody to somebody through violence and media attention.
Warning signs that appear before attacks often include threatening communications, research/planning behaviors, significant life stressors, and social isolation — but these must be evaluated collectively rather than as a checklist.
Behavioral threat assessment teams offer an effective prevention approach by bringing together mental health professionals, law enforcement, and educators to identify at-risk individuals and provide constructive interventions like counseling, education support, and family involvement — showing that these tragedies can be prevented with the right collaborative approach.
And much more...

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