The Secret Service did a study relating to these shootings--it was motivated by the Columbine Shootings--they examined 37 incidents--and yes, they did interview perpetrators--Here are their "10 Key Findings of the Safe Schools Initiative"--



¥ Incidents of targeted violence at school rarely were sudden, impulsive acts.

¥ Prior to most incidents, other people knew about the attacker's idea and/or plan to attack.

¥ Most attackers did not threaten their targets directly prior to advancing the attack.

¥ There is no accurate or useful "profile" of students who engaged in targeted school violence.

¥ Most attackers engaged in some behavior prior to the incident that caused others concern or indicated a need for help.

¥ Most attackers had difficulty coping with significant losses or personal failures. Moreover, many had considered or attempted suicide.

¥ Many attackers felt bullied, persecuted or injured by others prior to the attack.

¥ Most attackers had access to and had used weapons prior to the attack.

¥ In many cases, other students were involved in some capacity.

¥ Despite prompt law enforcement responses, most shooting incidents were stopped by means other than law enforcement intervention.


Most of you have not read this surprisingly clear and concise report, which may be understandable,. but most school administrators and school board members have not., which is less understandable.

I know, because over the last several years, I have been involved in creating, delivering, and funding violence prevention programs for schools. I have quoted this, and related reports a lot, and folks are generally surprised by it.

Not surprised enough to do anything, though—the same folks who locked down their schools for weeks after Columbine, and made highly publicized vows that they would do everything humanly possible to prevent such a tragedy in their own communities have had other things on their minds ever since.

They haven't supported new initiatives, and have even cut back funding for existing ones. In one case, a school district that I will not name, received a $2.5 million federal grant that was earmarked for violence prevention programs, and used it to hire more teachers.

Yes, it's true that we don't have all the answers, but it is also true that we don't care enough to act on the answers that we do have.

Safe Schools Initiative Report (PDF)