Predatory behavior and warning signs

Many shooters exhibit observable behaviors, which if recognized and reported, can lead to the disruption of a planned attack.

Nearly 68% of incidents (23) were intentionally planned by the shooter, up from 58% in 2024.

A significant portion of these shooters (23), nearly 68%, exhibited predatory behaviors, indicating they had intentionally planned and prepared to carry out their acts of violence.

The FBI’s BAU-1 distinguishes between types of targeted violence by categorizing acts that involve planning and preparation separately from those that arise impulsively based on an emotional response to situational circumstances.

Targeted acts of violence, or predatory violence are often deliberate and calculated, carried out by perpetrators who carefully consider, plan and prepare their attack.

These individuals often display warning signs-observable behaviors that, if noticed and reported in time, create critical opportunities to intervene and prevent violence from occurring.

Warning behaviors may be present prior to violence occurring

Non-predatory violence, or violence that occurs as a reaction to an emotional response, can be impulsive and occur without warning.

These acts of violence often lack warning signs that provide opportunity for bystanders to recognize and report their concerns before the violence occurs.

Does not provide same breadth of observable warning sign behaviors

See Appendix IV for a list of warning signs and predatory behaviors.

The data presented in this report offers a preliminary categorization of incidents based on information available prior to the publication of this report. It is important to note that this does not represent a comprehensive analysis of the shooter’s behavior leading up to the attack.

These classifications rely on reported behaviors suggesting the perpetrator likely engaged in planning and preparation for the act, and can be revised if further information becomes available.

In 2025, 68% of all shooters (23) exhibited predatory behavior, resulting in 76% of all casualties (37 killed and 89 wounded).

The average number of casualties per incident was 5.5, which was higher than the overall average of 4.9.

Furthermore, 88% of all law enforcement casualties and 100% of all security personnel casualties occurred in incidents where shooters exhibited predatory behavior.

Wounded | 84

Killed | 33

All attackers who died by suicide in 2025 exhibited predatory behaviors. | 3

Suicide | 10

Apprehended | 8

Killed | 5

Research has found that mass shooters don’t just snap. They spend time thinking about violence and they plan, prepare, and often display indicators before their attacks.

This means there are opportunities to identify someone who is on a pathway to violence - and prevent their attack.

Studies have also proven that before most mass attacks, someone observed concerning behaviors that were signs the person was on a path to violence.

The people who noticed were often family, friends, schoolmates, coworkers, neighbors, or associates.

You may be in a unique position to observe these signs in someone you know. Educating yourself on what to look for can be the key to preventing an attack of mass violence in your community.

No single behavior means someone will commit violence, but research has identified behaviors that may indicate a person is moving towards violence.

The earlier a person’s concerning behaviors are noticed, the more options are available to get that person help.

Together with other concerning behaviors, new or inappropriate interest in weapons may increase concern for violence against others.

Comments, jokes, or threats about violent plans | • Angry outbursts or physical aggression • Repeated or detailed fantasies about violence | • Increasingly troublesome interactions with others • Comments about hurting themselves or others | • Obsessive interest in prior attackers or attacks • Creating a document, video, suicide note, or other item to explain or claim credit for future violence | • Bizarre or unexpected change in appearance, including dress or hygiene • Seeing violence as a way to solve their problems • Unusual difficulty coping with stress • Reduced interest in hobbies and other activities • Worsening performance at school or work • Increasing isolation from family, friends, or others • Asking questions about or testing security at a possible target • Changing vocabulary, style of speech, or how they act in a way that reflects a hardened point of view or new sense of purpose associated with violent extremist causes, particularly after a catalyzing event