83 claims on pp. 13–97 (fact 13, statement 22, evidence 41, conclusion 1, definition 6).
The incident began when the attacker drove to his wife's workplace to demand that she sign divorce papers.
The incident started when the attacker drove to his wife's workplace to demand she sign divorce papers.
When his wife refused, the attacker retrieved a handgun from his car while she escaped.
When she refused, the attacker retrieved a handgun from his car while his wife escaped.
Moments later, the attacker returned and opened fire, killing two of his wife's coworkers.
Moments later, the attacker returned and opened fire, killing two of the wife's coworkers.
The attacker then drove to a law firm and fatally shot his wife's divorce attorney.
The attacker then drove to a law firm and fatally shot his wife's divorce attorney.
The attacker key findings box lists stressors, elicited concern, prior criminal charges, and domestic violence history as key findings.
KEY FINDINGS FOR ATTACKERS
Why inferred Key findings box is a summary judgement; its statistics are restated from the body text.
The Key Findings for Attackers box states that 53% of attackers had at least one instance of domestic violence in their past.
Sample (n = 27 of 51) · attackers, all affiliation types
53% of attackers had at least one instance of domestic violence in their past.
Some attackers engaged in violence directed at romantic partners or relatives, prompting victims to seek protective or restraining orders.
some attackers engaged in violence directed at romantic partners or relatives, prompting victims to seek protective orders or restraining orders against the attackers
A 53-year-old man killed his estranged wife and one of her students in her classroom, injuring another student, before dying by suicide. He had two decades of domestic violence, including threats to kill, and multiple people had filed restraining orders against him.
A 53-year-old man arrived at the elementary school where his estranged wife worked
Some attackers had charges for domestic violence (n = 9).
Sample (n = 9 of 33) · attackers with a history of criminal charges
domestic violence (n = 9)
Over half of attackers (n = 27, 53%) had at least one instance of domestic violence in their past.
Sample (n = 27 of 51) · attackers, all affiliation types
over half of attackers (n = 27, 53%) had at least one instance of domestic violence in their past
Only around one-third of these attackers (n = 9) were arrested or charged for such an offense.
Sample (n = 9 of 27) · attackers with at least one instance of domestic violence in their past
only around one-third of these attackers (n = 9) were arrested or charged for such an offense
A 38-year-old gunman with a two-decade criminal history, including felony convictions and domestic violence against his ex-girlfriend, was served a civil protection order at work on the day of his attack. He killed three and injured fourteen before being shot by law enforcement.
A 38-year-old gunman armed with a pistol and a rifle killed three and injured fourteen others
The attacker's domestic violence spanned two decades and included assaults and threats to kill women, two previous wives, and his own children.
The attacker had a history of domestic violence spanning two decades, which included numerous assaults and threats to harm and kill women, including two previous wives, as well as threats to kill his own children.
The attacker was motivated to shoot after his estranged wife moved out three months earlier and refused his attempts to force her return.
The attacker was motivated to engage in the shooting after his estranged wife moved out of his home three months earlier and refused his attempts to force her return.
Although barred from owning firearms by prior felony convictions, the attacker threatened his ex-girlfriend until she supplied the guns used in the attack.
Although the attacker could not legally own firearms due to his prior felony convictions, he threatened his ex-girlfriend until she provided him with the firearms he ultimately used in his attack.
At his estranged wife's classroom, the man fired ten shots from a revolver, killing his wife and one of her students and injuring another student before dying by suicide.
When he arrived at her classroom, the man drew a revolver and fired ten shots into the classroom, killing his wife and one of her students and injuring another student before dying by suicide.
The attacker's violent and threatening behavior led both of his ex-wives, an ex-girlfriend, and a local female pastor and her husband to file restraining orders against him.
The attacker's violent and threatening behavior prompted multiple parties, including both of his ex-wives, an ex-girlfriend, and a local female pastor and her husband, to file restraining orders against him.
Earlier on the day of the attack, the gunman was served a civil protection order at his place of employment.
Earlier that day, the attacker was served a civil protection order at his place of employment.
The gunman had numerous law enforcement encounters for domestic violence against his ex-girlfriend, which prompted her to file for the protection order served on the day of his attack.
The attacker had numerous other encounters with law enforcement for domestic violence he perpetrated against his ex-girlfriend, prompting her to file for the protection order he was served on the day of his attack.
Domestic grievances were a motive for 3 employee attackers (14%).
Sample (n = 3 of 22) · current or former employee attackers (22 attacks, each by a lone attacker)
Domestic | 3 | 14%
A gunman took hostages outside a healthcare center where his ex-girlfriend worked, shot and killed a police chief, then fatally shot his ex-girlfriend and her coworker before dying by suicide. He had assaulted and threatened her multiple times, and one protection order was still in place at the time of the attack.
In the months prior to the incident, he had assaulted and threatened to kill his ex-girlfriend multiple times
Over three-quarters (n = 7, 78%) of these attackers had threatened romantic partners or family members and engaged in at least one act of domestic violence before the attack.
Sample (n = 7 of 9) · attacks by current or former romantic partners or relatives (9 attacks, each by a lone attacker)
over three-quarters of these attackers (n = 7, 78%) had a history of making threatening statements toward romantic partners or family members
The key findings box reports that 78% of attackers had a history of domestic violence.
Sample (n = 7 of 9) · attacks by current or former romantic partners or relatives (9 attacks, each by a lone attacker)
78% of attackers had a history of domestic violence
Only three of these attackers faced criminal charges for their acts of domestic violence.
Sample (n = 3 of 7) · romantic-partner or relative attackers with a history of threats and domestic violence
only three of these attackers faced criminal charges for their acts of domestic violence
The attacker had a lengthy history of violence and had abused at least one other woman in the past.
The attacker had a lengthy history of violence and had abused at least one other woman in the past.
One attacker motivated by a domestic grievance did not target a romantic partner's current workplace, but instead targeted the attorneys handling his divorce and the mental health professionals who had evaluated his child during a custody dispute.
One attacker motivated by a domestic grievance did not target a romantic partner's current place of employment, but instead targeted attorneys handling his divorce and mental health professionals who had conducted evaluations of the attacker's child during a custody dispute.
The gunman then entered the healthcare facility and fatally shot his ex-girlfriend and her coworker before dying by suicide.
The gunman then entered the healthcare facility and fatally shot his ex-girlfriend and her coworker before dying by suicide.
One attacker targeted his romantic partner's father at his place of employment.
one attacker who targeted his romantic partner's father at his place of employment
In the sample inventory, a third-party vendor assists domestic violence victims with mental health, finances, moving, lodging, and more; use is high with a finite number of contracted referrals, and quality excellent. Gaps are referral-only access via the BTAM team, limited referrals, and possible growth in need; actions are to audit budget and costs to consider renewing and expanding the contract and to evaluate supplementary community resources.
**Third-Party Vendor for Employee Services** Offers assistance to victims of domestic violence, including help with mental health, finances, moving, lodging, and more. | **High** Frequently used; contract allows a finite number of referrals. | **Excellent** Employees who have received services report they were highly beneficial. | • Only available via referral from BTAM team. • Limited number of referrals available. • Needs for services may increase due to growing workforce. | • Audit budget and costs to consider renewing and expanding contract with vendor. • Evaluate similar community resources that can supplement services.
IPV is abuse or aggression in a romantic relationship, including current and former spouses and dating partners, and can include physical, psychological, or sexual violence and stalking.
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is abuse or aggression that occurs in the context of a romantic relationship
cite page 52 Step 4: Identify and Process Reports of Concerning Behavior
The frequency and severity of IPV vary, from a single episode to chronic and severe violence spanning multiple years. (endnote 8)
The frequency and severity of IPV varies, ranging from a single episode of violence to chronic and severe instances of violence spanning multiple years.
cite page 52 Step 4: Identify and Process Reports of Concerning Behavior
IPV often starts in the privacy of a residence but can spill out into public spaces.
While IPV often starts in the privacy of a residence, it can spill out into public spaces.
cite page 52 Step 4: Identify and Process Reports of Concerning Behavior
In Mass Attacks in Public Spaces: 2016-2020 (2023), NTAC found that 41% of individuals who engaged in mass attacks in public or semi-public spaces, including workplaces, had a prior history of domestic violence, including intimate partner violence.
Sample (n = undeterminable of undeterminable) · NTAC Mass Attacks in Public Spaces: 2016-2020 (2023), a different study
41% of individuals who engaged in mass attacks in public or semi-public spaces, including workplaces, had a prior history of domestic violence
cite page 52 Step 4: Identify and Process Reports of Concerning Behavior
In the same 2023 NTAC study, mass attackers in 29% of incidents were motivated at least in part by a domestic grievance.
Sample (n = undeterminable of undeterminable) · NTAC Mass Attacks in Public Spaces: 2016-2020 (2023), a different study
In 29% of the incidents, mass attackers were motivated to carry out their attack, at least in part, by a domestic grievance.
cite page 52 Step 4: Identify and Process Reports of Concerning Behavior
According to the CDC, victims of IPV lose nearly 8 million days of paid work each year in the United States. (endnote 9)
victims of IPV lose nearly 8 million days of paid work each year in the United States
cite page 52 Step 4: Identify and Process Reports of Concerning Behavior
According to the CDC, the estimated total cost of IPV, including medical care, mental health services, and lost productivity, exceeds $8.3 billion per year. (endnote 9)
the estimated total cost of IPV—including medical care, mental health services, and lost productivity—exceeds $8.3 billion per year
cite page 52 Step 4: Identify and Process Reports of Concerning Behavior
Organizations should be aware of warning signs that could indicate an employee is experiencing IPV.
Organizations should be aware of certain warning signs that could indicate an employee is experiencing IPV
cite page 52 Step 4: Identify and Process Reports of Concerning Behavior
A decrease in work performance can be a warning sign of IPV. (endnotes 10, 11)
decrease in work performance
cite page 52 Step 4: Identify and Process Reports of Concerning Behavior
Uncharacteristic absenteeism or lateness can be a warning sign of IPV. (endnotes 10, 11)
uncharacteristic absenteeism or lateness
cite page 52 Step 4: Identify and Process Reports of Concerning Behavior
Changes in appearance that could conceal injuries, such as clothing unsuited to the season or changed makeup use, can be a warning sign of IPV. (endnotes 10, 11)
changes in appearance that could conceal injuries
cite page 52 Step 4: Identify and Process Reports of Concerning Behavior
Increased reluctance to socialize with coworkers can be a warning sign of IPV. (endnotes 10, 11)
increased reluctance to socialize with coworkers
cite page 52 Step 4: Identify and Process Reports of Concerning Behavior
An abrupt change in address or living situation can be a warning sign of IPV. (endnotes 10, 11)
abrupt change in address or living situation
cite page 52 Step 4: Identify and Process Reports of Concerning Behavior
Sudden requests to move away from open and public areas in the workplace can be a warning sign of IPV. (endnotes 10, 11)
sudden requests to move away from open and public areas in the workplace
cite page 52 Step 4: Identify and Process Reports of Concerning Behavior
Disruptive visits, phone calls, or messages from a current or former partner can be a warning sign of IPV. (endnotes 10, 11)
disruptive visits, phone calls, or messages from their current or former partner
cite page 52 Step 4: Identify and Process Reports of Concerning Behavior
Organizations must take immediate action if an employee is believed to be experiencing violence in a relationship.
Organizations must take immediate action if an employee is believed to be experiencing violence in a relationship
cite page 52 Step 4: Identify and Process Reports of Concerning Behavior
Organizations can provide victims with parking spaces near the door of the workplace building.
Provide victims with parking spaces near the door of the workplace building
cite page 52 Step 4: Identify and Process Reports of Concerning Behavior
Organizations can offer internal and third-party services, including counseling and mental health care, to victims.
Offer internal and third-party services, including counseling and mental health care
cite page 52 Step 4: Identify and Process Reports of Concerning Behavior
Organizations can allocate funds for financial support to victims.
Allocate funds for financial support to victims
cite page 52 Step 4: Identify and Process Reports of Concerning Behavior
Organizations can grant victims flexibility in using sick days and personal leave.
Grant flexibility to victims for using sick days and personal leave
cite page 52 Step 4: Identify and Process Reports of Concerning Behavior
Organizations can coordinate with local shelters to identify available openings for victims.
Coordinate with local shelters to identify available openings for victims
cite page 52 Step 4: Identify and Process Reports of Concerning Behavior
Organizations can offer relocation services to help victims move to a new residence.
Offer relocation services to help victims move to a new residence
cite page 52 Step 4: Identify and Process Reports of Concerning Behavior
Organizations can use anonymized work schedules to decrease the risk of abusers locating victims.
Use anonymized work schedules to decrease risk of abusers locating victims
cite page 52 Step 4: Identify and Process Reports of Concerning Behavior
Organizations can increase physical security presence in locations affected by IPV.
Increase physical security presence in impacted locations
cite page 52 Step 4: Identify and Process Reports of Concerning Behavior
Intimate partner violence can include physical violence, psychological aggression, sexual violence, stalking, and other behaviors.
IPV can include physical violence, psychological aggression, sexual violence, stalking, and other behaviors.
cite page 52 Step 4: Identify and Process Reports of Concerning Behavior
A therapist who supports IPV victims calls IPV one of the leading causes of workplace violence.
IPV is one of the leading causes for workplace violence.
cite page 53 Step 4: Identify and Process Reports of Concerning Behavior
The therapist says IPV cases tend to be more severe when IPV spills over into the workplace.
IPV cases tend to be more severe when IPV bleeds over into the workplace.
cite page 53 Step 4: Identify and Process Reports of Concerning Behavior
The therapist says stalking and monitoring behaviors tend to be the most common red flags when someone is reporting IPV at work.
Stalking and monitoring behaviors tend to be the most common red flags when someone is reporting IPV at work.
cite page 53 Step 4: Identify and Process Reports of Concerning Behavior
The therapist says coming forward about abuse requires power and confidence.
Coming forward requires power and confidence.
cite page 53 Step 4: Identify and Process Reports of Concerning Behavior
The therapist says it is important to give victims a lot of voice and choice: give them the information, then let them make their own choices.
It's important to give victims a lot of voice and choice.
cite page 53 Step 4: Identify and Process Reports of Concerning Behavior
The therapist calls trauma-informed care the most successful strategy for managing IPV, using a nonjudgmental, recovery-oriented stance.
The most successful strategy is trauma-informed care
cite page 53 Step 4: Identify and Process Reports of Concerning Behavior
For safety planning, the therapist asks what victims have already done, what has worked, and what has not.
For safety planning, we ask them what they've done already and what has worked, and what hasn't.
cite page 53 Step 4: Identify and Process Reports of Concerning Behavior
Anyone experiencing domestic violence can get help through the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or by texting START to 88788.
help is available via the National Domestic Violence Hotline
cite page 53 Step 4: Identify and Process Reports of Concerning Behavior
A therapist who supports IPV victims says that in an abusive relationship, victims have little control.
In an abusive relationship, victims have little control.
cite page 53 Step 4: Identify and Process Reports of Concerning Behavior
The therapist says victims have usually tried many approaches already, so making assumptions and listing tips wastes time.
Usually, they've tried a plethora of things already, and you'd be wasting your time by making assumptions and listing off tips.
cite page 53 Step 4: Identify and Process Reports of Concerning Behavior
A therapist who supports IPV victims says to give victims the information and then let them make their own choices.
You give them the information, then let them make their own choices.
cite page 53 Step 4: Identify and Process Reports of Concerning Behavior
The therapist says letting victims make their own choices gives them the power that their abuser is taking from them.
That's giving them the power that their abuser is taking from them
cite page 53 Step 4: Identify and Process Reports of Concerning Behavior
When victims do come forward, the therapist's practice follows the victim's lead with safety in mind.
When they do come forward, we follow the victim's lead with safety in mind.
cite page 53 Step 4: Identify and Process Reports of Concerning Behavior
The therapist describes abusive relationships, in which victims have little control, as disempowering by design.
It's disempowering by design.
cite page 53 Step 4: Identify and Process Reports of Concerning Behavior
A therapist who supports IPV victims says IPV is always a huge risk factor.
It's always a huge risk factor
cite page 53 Step 4: Identify and Process Reports of Concerning Behavior
A therapist who supports IPV victims says that when victims come forward, the practice makes a safety plan with them to achieve their goals.
We make a safety plan with them to achieve their goals.
cite page 53 Step 4: Identify and Process Reports of Concerning Behavior
A therapist who supports IPV victims says hearing the person out with a nonjudgmental stance gives them the space to talk about these things and allows for honesty.
It gives them the space to talk about these things and allows for honesty
cite page 53 Step 4: Identify and Process Reports of Concerning Behavior
A therapist who supports IPV victims says that, because abusive relationships are disempowering, practitioners must do the opposite in small ways and provide feedback on what victims are doing well.
we must do the opposite, and provide feedback on what they're doing well
cite page 53 Step 4: Identify and Process Reports of Concerning Behavior
A BTAM team leader at a global corporation says common cases include suicidal ideation, individual crises, difficulty managing work, and domestic violence.
A lot of what we tend to see are cases involving suicidal ideation, someone going through an individualized crisis
cite page 54 Step 4: Identify and Process Reports of Concerning Behavior
A BTAM team leader at a global corporation says the team also sees issues with domestic violence and intimate partner violence in all of its regions across the globe.
We also see issues with domestic violence and intimate partner violence in all of our regions across the globe.
cite page 54 Step 4: Identify and Process Reports of Concerning Behavior
Home life refers to family dynamics or home environments that negatively impact an individual, including discord, abuse, drug use, criminality, and domestic violence.
Family dynamics or home environments that negatively impact an individual, including family discord, abuse, drug use, criminality, domestic violence
History of violence is prior physical violence against people, animals, or property, including assaults, domestic violence, animal cruelty, and arson.
Prior acts of physical violence against people, animals, or property
Modeled after domestic violence protection orders, ERPOs focus specifically on firearms access.
Modeled after domestic violence protection orders, ERPOs focus specifically on firearms access
Data Table 1 reports a domestic grievance (a sub-row of grievance) as a motive in 22% of all attacks (n = 50), 14% of attacks by current or former employees (n = 22), 5% by customers, clients, patients, and visitors (n = 19), and 78% by romantic partners and relatives (n = 9).
Sample (N = 50 | 22 | 19 | 9 by column) · Data Table 1 columns: all attacks 50 | employees 22 | customers, clients, patients, visitors 19 | partners and relatives 9
Domestic | 22% | 14% | 5% | 78%
In Data Table 2, history of domestic violence indicates at least one incident of domestic violence, which may or may not have resulted in an arrest or criminal charge.
*Indicates at least one incident of domestic violence which may or may not have resulted in an arrest or criminal charge.
Data Table 2 reports arrests/charges for domestic violence for 18% of all attackers (n = 51), 9% of current or former employees (n = 22), 20% of customers, clients, patients, and visitors (n = 20), and 33% of romantic partners and relatives (n = 9).
Sample (N = 51 | 22 | 20 | 9 by column) · Data Table 2 columns: all attackers 51 | employees 22 | customers, clients, patients, visitors 20 | partners and relatives 9
Domestic Violence | 18% | 9% | 20% | 33%
Data Table 2 reports a history of domestic violence for 53% of all attackers (n = 51), 41% of current or former employees (n = 22), 55% of customers, clients, patients, and visitors (n = 20), and 78% of romantic partners and relatives (n = 9).
Sample (N = 51 | 22 | 20 | 9 by column) · Data Table 2 columns: all attackers 51 | employees 22 | customers, clients, patients, visitors 20 | partners and relatives 9
**History of Domestic Violence*** | 53% | 41% | 55% | 78%
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2026, August 19). "About intimate partner violence." Department of Health and Human Services. www.cdc.gov.
About intimate partner violence.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2003, March). Costs of Intimate Partner Violence Against Women in the United States. Department of Health and Human Services. www.cdc.gov.
Costs of Intimate Partner Violence Against Women in the United States.
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