Targeted Attacks - Offenders Don't Snap...They Decide

Why is that an important distinction?

When targeted violence strikes, it's natural to search for explanations. Headlines speculate about suspects' "snapping" under pressure or breaking down after an emotional tipping point. But in cases like the attacks in New Orleans, Las Vegas and Apalachee, a chilling reality becomes evident: these offenders don't snap - they decide.

Understanding the deliberate nature of targeted attacks isn't just a matter of semantics; it's a critical step in unraveling the motivations and circumstances that lead to these horrors. These weren't impulsive acts of desperation but calculated decisions, often following weeks or months of planning. Recognizing the distinction forces us to confront difficult truths about the dynamics of premeditated violence.

The idea that someone "snaps" under extreme pressure offers a simple explanation - it paints the suspect as a victim of circumstance, overwhelmed by life, until they reach a breaking point. While this may apply to some spontaneous acts of violence, it falls short in cases of planned or targeted violence.

The New Orleans attacker meticulously prepared, stockpiling weapons and scouting his target. The Las Vegas explosion was the result of a deliberate effort - acquiring materials, selecting a target, and carrying out a plan. In Apalachee, the offender showed clear intent through prior communications and actions leading up to the incident. These weren't spur-of-the-moment acts. They were choices rooted in ideology, grievance, or personal vendetta.

Labeling these offenders as individuals who "snapped" risks overlooking the calculated nature of their crimes. It diminishes their responsibility by framing their actions as inevitable consequences based on external pressures rather than conscious and deliberate decisions. By understanding that these were deliberate choices, we can better address the factors that allow attackers' plans to come to fruition. These include:

• Radicalization and Ideology: Many offenders are driven by extremist beliefs, cultivated over time through exposure to violent online rhetoric or harmful narratives/communities.
• Access to Resources: Weapons, materials, and knowledge are readily available, making it easier for individuals to execute attacks.
• Missed Warning Signs: Offenders typically exhibit troubling behaviors or make statements that go unreported or unaddressed. In a U.S. Secret Service study published in 2021, it was reported that in 94% of the school shooting cases studied, the plotters shared their intentions about carrying out an attack.

The deliberate nature of these attacks requires us to reconsider our prevention strategies. If offenders actively choose violence, our interventions must focus on disrupting the pathways that lead to such decisions. The journey along the pathway to violence (outlined below) can span weeks, months, or even years, which is why we often hear about red flags and indicators that surface well before the violent act occurs. Offenders may progress toward preparation for an attack, regress to research and planning, and later resume their trajectory, ultimately carrying out their plan.

Potential methods to disrupt the pathway to violence include:

• Community Engagement: Educating communities about recognizing and reporting concerning behavior is critical. Programs like iWatchTexas encourage vigilance and '360 awareness' and help connect individuals with Fusion Centers and, if necessary, law enforcement resources.
• Mental Health Support: While mental health isn't a direct cause of premeditated violence, access to care can help individuals process grievances before they escalate.
• Countering Extremism: Online spaces that foster radicalization should be monitored and countered with messaging that promotes inclusion and resilience.

The violence perpetrated in New Orleans, Las Vegas, and Apalachee are stark reminders that an attack isn't always the product of an emotional breaking point. Often, especially in mass and targeted violence, it is the result of deliberate planning and intent. Recognizing this truth is uncomfortable but necessary.

While it may cause some initial discomfort, shifting the narrative from 'snapping' to 'deciding' allows us to empower ourselves to better understand and address the root causes of targeted violence. Prevention starts with acknowledging that choices lead to actions -- and choices can be influenced before they're made.

SO, WHAT CAN YOU DO?

1. Understand What to Look For

Suspicious activities often involve behaviors that are unusual or out of place rather than appearance alone. For more comprehensive lists, many resources are available via federal agencies, universities, and anti-terrorism organizations. These inlcude but are not limited to: FBI Quick Reference Guide , Tarrant County College Red Flags and Indicators, USSS - Mass Attacks in Public Spaces

Some of the key indicators include:

• Surveillance Activities: Taking photos or videos of sensitive locations, drawing maps, or noting building layouts.
• Unusual Interest in Security Measures: Inquiries about security protocols, personnel shifts, or access points.
• Acquisition of Materials: Purchasing or stockpiling items like weapons, explosives, or chemicals without a clear reason.
• Trial Runs: Testing security responses by leaving unattended packages or attempting unauthorized access.
• Expressed Intentions: Making threats or statements that indicate a desire to harm individuals or infrastructure.

2. Report Suspicious Activity

In Texas, the iWatchTexas program provides an easy way for citizens to report suspicious activity:

• Online: Visit the iWatchTexas website.
• Mobile App: Download the iWatchTexas app for convenient reporting from your smartphone.
• Phone: Call 1-844-643-2251 to speak with a representative.

3. Encourage a Culture of Awareness

• Share resources about suspicious activity indicators within your community.
• Encourage others to stay informed and proactive.
• Emphasize that reporting is about behaviors, not profiling based on race, ethnicity, or appearance.

Your vigilance and willingness to report can play a vital role in keeping your community safe. By working together, we can identify and address threats before they materialize.