Texas Shooter

Special interest Article;
Anthony J. Iantosca, BCFE
IAFEI

Published by Anthony Iantosca, BCFE
For the International Academy of Forensic Examiners and Investigators.

Threat Assessment
Texas Shooter

There are many people in our society who have serious mental issues and are on the edge. Threat Assessment profilers attempt to prevent the "when" violence will occur. Many times in my articles I have stated to be a "competent observer of your environment" this does not mean to look both ways before you cross the street. In profiling "fantasy proceeds the act" what is fantasy: something that is produced by the imagination: an idea about doing something that is far removed from normal reality: the act of imagining something.

Many times the act of imagining something can have violent consequences. There were many "red flags" that were missed with the shooter in Texas. First he had isolated himself, he spent a lot of time locked up in his room, he was a loner, it was stated that he was bullied at school, he quit and stopped going to school, he spent many hours watching violent video games, he used a BB to shoot at people and animals this shows a complete lack of empathy. When people regardless of age have a lack of empathy we have a serious problem. His friends stated he would cut his own face because he liked the look of blood on his face. Being bullied at school is an underlying reason for some of these school shootings. An act of revenge for being humiliated and made fun of.

What was his/her social media footprint, what was he/she talking about. Were they talking about violence, expressing acts of revenge or violence towards others. This is a serious 'red flag" that must be addressed and not overlooked.

What do I look for when conducting a threat assessment profile, is the personality "moody" unstable emotions, moodiness is a "stress trauma that has yet to be identified." There is a reason that a person is extremely moody. Moody personality types can flip at the droop of a hat. Add, anger, temper, jealousy, low self esteem, deep need for attention, vindictive, deception, lack of empathy towards others. Depending on his/her intensity level. When these traits are detected it is not a question if violence will occur, it is a question of how soon will violence will occur. When these traits found in a child or young adults profile we have a serious issue that must be addressed. These traits are found in a sample of handwriting and by paying very close attention to their behavior patterns over a period of time. Remember a "change in behavior is a change in reality." It is our responsibility to find out why.

Types of Threats
FBI NCAVC

Threats can be classed in four categories: direct, indirect, veiled, or conditional.

A direct threat;

Identifies a specific act against a specific target and is delivered in a straightforward, clear, and explicit manner: "I am going to place a bomb in the school's gym."

An indirect threat;

Tends to be vague, unclear, and ambiguous. The plan, the intended victim, the motivation, and other aspects of the threat are masked or equivocal: "If I wanted to, I
could kill everyone at this school!" While violence is implied, the threat is phrased tentatively --
"If I wanted to" -- and suggests that a violent act COULD occur, not that it WILL occur.

A veiled threat;

Is one that strongly implies but does not explicitly threaten violence. "We would be better off without you around anymore" clearly hints at a possible violent act, but leaves
it to the potential victim to interpret the message and give a definite meaning to the threat.

A conditional threat;

Is the type of threat often seen in extortion cases. It warns that a violent act will happen unless certain demands or terms are met: "If you don't pay me one million
dollars, I will place a bomb in the school."

Factors in Threat Assessment;

Specific, plausible details are a critical factor in evaluating a threat. Details can include the identity of the victim or victims; the reason for making the threat; the means, weapon, and method by which it is to be carried out; the date, time, and place where the threatened act will occur; and concrete information about plans or preparations that have already been made. Specific details can indicate that substantial thought, planning, and preparatory steps have already been taken.

A change in behavior is a change in reality. It is of the utmost importance for caring adults to find out why. This is what I mean when I state to be "competent observer of your environment." Is there a change in the persons words and actions. In profiling "past behavior is indicative of future behavior and behavior reflects personality."

I believe in the right to bear arms. On the flip side of that coin there is no way anyone should be able to buy a firearm of any kind without a serious background check. This gun shop should have never let this eighteen year old leave with these firearms without doing a background check. Call the parents, inform the police and let them know what this teenager was doing and why he was buying these firearms.

Evil people who are hell bent on committing acts of evil and violence will commit these acts with or without guns. You can yell and scream about guns all you want, if they don't have guns, they will use something else. A car, a truck, a bomb, a hammer, a knife. A can of lighter fluid and a book of matches can cause a great deal of damage, death and bloodshed. Just ask any arsonist.