Mark Follman

Mark Follman, National Affairs Editor at Mother Jones and author of 'Trigger Points', dives into the unsettling rise of political violence in America, sparked by the assassination of Charlie Kirk. He discusses the misinterpretation of motives in violent acts and the troubling direct correlation between political rhetoric and violence. Follman also critiques the Trump administration's defunding of crucial prevention programs and examines the dangerous normalization of such violence in our digital landscape, especially through social media.

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.

Mark Follman, National Affairs Editor at Mother Jones and author of 'Trigger Points', teams up with Chin Rodger, mother of Isla Vista shooter Elliot Rodger. Together, they confront the harrowing aftermath of violence and the crucial lessons learned about identifying warning signs. Chin shares her painful journey of grief and her insights into threat assessment, detailing how missed opportunities can lead to tragedy. They discuss the importance of recognizing psychological patterns and intervene early to prevent future violence.

Mark Follman, national affairs editor at Mother Jones, discusses the ineffectiveness of yellow flag laws in preventing mass shootings and explores the importance of behavioral threat assessment. The chapter highlights the flaws in the regulatory system that allows individuals with serious mental health conditions to legally purchase firearms. It also emphasizes the importance of a multi-disciplinary team in threat assessment and discusses the effectiveness and bipartisan support for red flag laws as a means of preventing gun violence.

Mark Follman, national affairs editor at Mother Jones, discusses the ineffectiveness of mental health interventions and red flags in preventing mass shootings. The podcast explores the limitations of a mental health evaluation and highlights the need for effective solutions, such as threat assessment teams and red flag laws. It also touches on the controversy surrounding gun control and introduces the podcast 'The Gun Machine'.