What characteristics are common among school shooters?

The U.S. Secret Service conducted one of the most thorough studies of school shooters over the past decades to try and create a "profile." That study uncovered certain commonalities of shooters. Though these characteristics do not predict a shooter, student school shooters are more likely to be:

• Male
• Caucasian
• Withdrawn (pulls back from school activities)
• Isolated or rejected from peers
• Living in a rural community
• Have easy access to weapons
• Bullied repeatedly from a young age (there is a point when the bullied child flips roles and becomes the bully)
• From a troubled home

Several school students were also mentally disturbed. In addition, there are warning signs of a child who may become violent (to himself or others). Michael G. Conner, Psy.D. and Medical Psychologist offers a few other signs to watch for:

• Feelings and behavior are easily influenced by peers;
• Victimized or treated badly by peers;
• Alcohol or other drug use;
• Dwells on experiences of rejection, on injustices or unrealistic fears;
• Reacts to disappointments, criticisms or teasing with extreme and intense anger, blame or a desire for revenge;
• Increasing anger, aggression, and destructive behavior;
• Associates with children known to be involved with morbid, destructive or violent behavior or fantasy;
• Preoccupation or interest in destructive or violent behavior;
• Has been cruel or violent towards pets or other animals;
• Fascinated interest or an obsession with weapons or potential weapons;
• Depicts violent or destructive behaviors in artistic or other creative expressions.