Combat Veterans and Active Shooters: Examining the Data and Paths Forward Introduction
In recent years, high-profile mass shootings have sparked intense debates about the role of military service in such tragedies. Incidents like the Lewiston, Maine shooting in 2023, where the perpetrator was an Army Reserve veteran, have raised questions about whether combat veterans or military veterans are disproportionately involved in active shooter events (CBS News, 2023). While the vast majority of veterans lead productive lives and contribute positively to society, research from gun violence prevention organizations suggests an overrepresentation of individuals with military backgrounds among mass shooters. This article delves into the available data, draws on studies from groups like The Violence Project and others, and proposes evidence-based strategies to mitigate this issue.
The Data: Veterans in Mass Shootings
Research into mass shootings—typically defined as incidents where four or more people are killed in a public space, excluding the perpetrator—reveals a notable pattern regarding military service.
According to The Violence Project’s comprehensive database, which tracks 195 mass shootings in the United States from 1966 to the present, approximately 26% of perpetrators had military experience or training (CBS News, 2023). This figure comes from an analysis showing that 50 out of 195 incidents involved suspects with a military background (CBS News, 2023). A separate examination of 168 mass shooting events from 1966 to 2019 found that 25% (42 offenders) had served in the military, with breakdowns by branch: Army (39.1%), Navy (19.6%), Marines (21.7%), Air Force (8.7%), Coast Guard (2.2%), and National Guard (8.7%) (Wagner, 2023). The National Institute of Justice-supported Violence Project database, covering 172 public mass shootings from 1966 to 2019, reports a slightly higher rate of 28.5% with military backgrounds (Knoll & Annas, 2022).
These percentages are striking when compared to the general U.S. adult population, where only about 6.1% have a military background, according to the U.S. Census Bureau (U.S. Census Bureau, 2024). However, distinguishing between general military veterans and combat veterans is challenging due to data limitations. Many studies group all forms of military service together, but experts note that post-9/11 veterans, including those from Iraq and Afghanistan deployments, face higher rates of PTSD (nearly 40%, compared to about 20% in the general population), which may correlate with increased risk factors (Wagner, 2023).
FBI reports on active shooter incidents (defined as one or more individuals actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a populated area) do not consistently break down perpetrator backgrounds by military status. For instance, the 2022 FBI report details demographics like age and gender but makes no specific mentions of veteran or combat experience (Federal Bureau of Investigation, 2023). Broader analyses suggest that while veterans are overrepresented, their military status alone does not predict higher casualty rates in shootings (Wagner, 2023).
Why the Overrepresentation?
The link between military service and mass shootings is complex and multifaceted. Experts emphasize that it’s not military service itself that causes violence but rather intersecting factors like trauma, mental health challenges, and firearm familiarity.
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Trauma and Mental Health: Veterans, especially those with combat experience, often grapple with PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, and reintegration difficulties. Studies show that many mass shooters with military backgrounds exhibited behavioral or mental health issues during service, sometimes leading to discharge (CBS News, 2023). Childhood trauma, personal crises, and a history of domestic violence are common among mass shooters overall, but these may be exacerbated in veterans.
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Firearm Proficiency: Military training provides expertise in handling firearms, which could enable more lethal attacks. Some perpetrators were marksmen or snipers, potentially increasing their effectiveness in shootings (CBS News, 2023).
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Access to Guns: Veterans have higher rates of firearm ownership and access, which, combined with mental health vulnerabilities, heightens risks (Wagner, 2023).
Importantly, the overwhelming majority of veterans do not commit violent acts. The overrepresentation highlights systemic issues in veteran support rather than inherent risks.
Proposing Solutions: Mitigation and Prevention Strategies
Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach focused on mental health support, gun safety measures, and early intervention. Drawing from gun violence research and expert recommendations, here are key proposals:
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Enhance Mental Health Screening and Support for Veterans:
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Expand VA programs for PTSD and trauma treatment, including mandatory screenings for firearm access during routine check-ups. Social workers, particularly the 15,000 employed by the VA, should receive formalized training in identifying “leakage” (disclosure of violent plans) and discussing safe storage (Wagner, 2023). Motivational interviewing techniques can help encourage behavioral changes.
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Implement and Strengthen Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs):
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ERPOs allow temporary removal of firearms from individuals deemed a risk to themselves or others. The 2022 Bipartisan Safer Communities Act allocated $750 million to support state ERPO laws (Wagner, 2023). Promoting their use among veterans’ families and healthcare providers could prevent tragedies.
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Promote Safe Storage and Education:
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Encourage veterans to store firearms unloaded and locked, reducing impulsive access during crises. Campaigns by groups like Everytown for Gun Safety could target veteran communities.
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Establish a National Tip Line:
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Create a dedicated hotline for reporting concerning behaviors, similar to the 988 suicide prevention line, to facilitate early intervention and ERPO petitions (Wagner, 2023).
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Improve Reintegration Programs:
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Bolster programs aiding veterans’ transition to civilian life, including job training, community support, and stigma reduction around mental health.
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Research and Policy Advocacy:
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Fund further studies distinguishing combat from non-combat veterans and evaluating prevention efficacy. Organizations like The Violence Project and Everytown advocate for evidence-based policies, such as assault weapon bans, which could limit lethality in mass shootings.
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Conclusion
While veterans are overrepresented among mass shooters—comprising 25-28% compared to 6% in the general population—the data underscores the need for targeted support rather than stigmatization. By investing in mental health, gun safety, and early warning systems, we can honor our veterans’ service while preventing future violence. Gun violence prevention research provides a roadmap; now, it’s time for action.
References
CBS News. (2023, October 31). Maine gunman is the latest mass shooter with a military background. Experts explain connection. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/maine-shooting-military-background-experts-explain-connection/
Federal Bureau of Investigation. (2023). Active shooter incidents in the United States in 2022. https://www.fbi.gov/file-repository/active-shooter-incidents-in-the-us-2022-042623.pdf/view
Knoll, J. L., IV, & Annas, G. D. (2022, February 3). Public mass shootings: Database amasses details of a half century of U.S. mass shootings with firearms, generating psychosocial histories. National Institute of Justice. https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/articles/public-mass-shootings-database-amasses-details-half-century-us-mass-shootings
U.S. Census Bureau. (2024, October 16). Veterans Day 2024: November 11. https://www.census.gov/newsroom/facts-for-features/2024/veterans-day.html
Wagner, B. (2023). An analysis of veteran perpetrated mass shootings & social work’s ethical mandate. Journal of Forensic Social Work, 7(1), 1-18. https://journals.shareok.org/jofsw/ojs/jofsw/article/view/110