The “If You See Something, Say Something” campaign was originally implemented and trademarked by the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority and is licensed to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to create a nationwide campaign that raises public awareness of the indicators of terrorism and terrorism-related crime, as well as the importance of reporting suspicious activity to state and local law enforcement.
Too many times someone may have been alerted regarding an incident that could take place and failed to report it or aren’t aware of how to report it. When it comes to mass murderers, most times some sign was given by that person. A mass murderer doesn’t just snap. He or she has said or demonstrated behaviors that were not reported. Per the FBI, they need time to mull over, plot, plan their attacks, and assemble their weapon of mass destruction. As they do they give off signs we may be missing or ignoring. This is what the FBI calls leakage of violence. To stand the best advantage of protecting our schools or businesses is to do something in response to the leakage of violence. When it comes to school shooters most times they will leak their intent of violence over and over again. In doing this, this is our opportunity to do something to hopefully prevent another tragic incident from occurring.
Recognition of red flags is important because whether highly diagnostic or not, general or specific, warns us of the possibility of life-threatening disorders. Typically, shooters will say that can relate to past murderers. They will do extensive research on past shooters’ mass murders and tend to get excited because they’ve learned a great deal about the person. They will get excited about what they’ve learned and will discuss it. They have been bullied or were bullies. In doing this research, they will also visit the dark web for more information on mass shootings. Lastly, they will tell you or someone else they want to or will commit an act of violence.
Furthermore, it is important to exercise the See Something, Say Something motto, and I’ll add Do Something when you encounter someone demonstrating strange activities. It’s important to contact authorities or school officials via phone or personal visit. You can also follow up and keep following up until the matter is investigated. We can no longer leave any stones unturned when it comes to mass shootings.
