It's a question forensic psychiatrist Professor Paul Mullen has made a life's study of.
While these devastating events can at times appear random — he says that taken together, from Port Arthur to Dunblane to Texas — patterns emerge that tell us about the motivations of lone mass killers.
It's often to do with isolation, vengeance and fame. Which is why a growing number of people, including Paul, are pushing never to name the perpetrators of mass killings.
Today on All in the Mind: insights into denying mass killers the glory they seek and preventing future massacres.
Please note, this episode covers some heavy topics including massacres and suicide. Please take care while listening.
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