Report page 48

Any violent, threatening, or disturbing communications which may be conveyed verbally (e.g., in-person or via phone), in writing (e.g., journals or drawings), electronically (e.g., text messages or emails), online (e.g., websites, blogs, or social media), or by other means.

The content of the concerning communications may reveal information on threats, grievances, violent intention, feelings of hopelessness/suicidality, obsessions, paranoid thinking, or a fascination with violence or weapons.

An unusual or excessive interest in weapons, violence, gore, prior attacks, notorious killers, or other concerning topics.

Fascination with weapons and violence can be demonstrated in a variety of ways, including stockpiling or manufacturing weapons, being described as obsessed with weapons, consuming or producing violent or graphic media, and writing stories or lyrics indicating a desire to harm others.

Particular concern should arise if the individual demonstrates an idolization of or desire to emulate past attackers.

Prior acts of physical violence against people, animals, or property that may appear in criminal records or may be observed or experienced by others, including physical and sexual assaults, domestic/family violence, animal cruelty, aggressively menacing behaviors, or arsons.

A history of violence may reveal signs of an escalation in aggressive behavior, for example, moving from property crimes to crimes against persons.

A pattern of conduct that willfully and maliciously causes another to feel bullied, stalked, persecuted, threatened, injured, or attacked.

The victim of this behavior may or may not have a pre-existing relationship with the individual of concern. Examples of victims with a pre-existing relationship to the individual include romantic partners, family members, coworkers, classmates, or neighbors, while those without a prior relationship may include elected officials, government employees, or celebrities.

Extreme ideological, political, or conspiratorial beliefs that advocate hate or violence, form the basis of an individual’s worldview or significantly influence an individual’s daily life.

Extreme beliefs may be based on distortion of facts (e.g., conspiracy theories) or may advocate distrust, hatred, or the use of violence targeting others based on biases against a particular race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, or gender identity.