Case Analysis: Application of the TRAP-18 to the Perpetrator of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Shooting in Parkland, Florida

Allely, Clare; Scheithauer, Herbert; Langman, Peter

Abstract

Objectives and Method: It is argued that there are overlaps and similarities in the dynamics and other characteristics between perpetrators of acts of terrorist violence and perpetrators of school shootings. In this case analysis paper, we retroactively applied the TRAP-18 to study the perpetrator (NC) of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting that happened 2018 in Parkland, Florida, using publicly accessible materials. The aim of this present case analysis was to apply and assess whether the TRAP-18 developed for acts of terrorist violence can also be considered for use in school shooting cases for the purposes of informing threat management. Results: Based on our analysis of the case using the TRAP-18, NC exhibited six of the eight proximal warning behaviors. He exhibited eight distal characteristics. Implications: We recommend the application of the TRAP-18 to individuals of concern, including in the area of serious targeted acts of violence at schools.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Mar 30, 2024
• Deposit Date: Apr 2, 2024
• Journal: Journal of Threat Assessment and Management
• Print ISSN: 2169-4842
• Electronic ISSN: 2169-4850
• Publisher: American Psychological Association
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Keywords: Trap-18; Mass Shootings; Mass Murder; School Shooting; Single Case Analysis