Secret Service Releases New Research on School Violence

The U.S. Secret Service has released a new report on targeted school violence in the United States. The study, Protecting America’s Schools: A U.S. Secret Service Analysis of Targeted School Violence, identifies 41 incidents of attacks against K-12 schools in the United States from 2008 to 2017. Researchers with the Secret Service National Threat Assessment Center (NTAC) have examined the background and behaviors of the attackers and identified a series of key findings and significant commonalities.

The report identifies ten key findings among the 41 incidents:

• There is no profile of a student attacker, nor is there a profile for the type of school that has been targeted.
• Attackers usually had multiple motives, the most common involving a grievance with classmates.
• Most attackers used firearms, and firearms were most often acquired from the home.
• Most attackers had experienced psychological, behavioral, or developmental symptoms.
• Half of the attackers had interests in violent topics, like the Columbine shooting or Hitler.
• All attackers experienced social stressors involving their relationships with peers and/or romantic partners.
• Nearly every attacker experienced negative home life factors.
• Most attackers were victims of bullying, which was often observed by others.
• Most attackers had a history of school disciplinary actions, and many had prior contact with law enforcement.
• All attackers exhibited concerning behaviors. Most elicited concern from others, and most communicated their intent to attack.

To access a copy of the complete report, please visit:

U.S. Secret Service: Protecting America’s Schools: A U.S. Secret Service Analysis of Targeted School Violence (2019)