Mass murder

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Huittinen axe murder victims

Mass murder is the act of murdering a number of people, typically simultaneously or over a relatively short period of time. The FBI defines mass murder as murdering four or more persons during an event with no "cooling-off period" between the murders. A mass murder is distinct from a spree killing, in which the killer murders in two or more locations with almost no time break between murders, and a serial killing, in which the killer murders several individuals over a longer period of time.

Characteristics

Mass murders may be committed by individuals or organizations. The motives behind mass murders are varied and often include revenge, power, ideological causes, or mental illness. The methods used for mass murder range from firearms, explosives, and knives to less common methods such as arson or poisoning.

Psychological Profile

Many mass murderers exhibit certain psychological characteristics such as depression, social isolation, or feelings of persecution. However, not all individuals who commit mass murder are mentally ill in the clinical sense, and the relationship between mental illness and mass murder is complex and nuanced.

Notable Incidents

Some of the most notorious mass murders in history include the Jonestown massacre, where more than 900 people died in a mass suicide/murder in 1978, and the 2011 Norway attacks, where 77 people were killed by a single gunman. The Las Vegas shooting in 2017, where 58 people were killed and hundreds injured, is the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history.

Prevention and Response

Efforts to prevent mass murder include law enforcement interventions, mental health support, and gun control policies. The response to mass murder incidents typically involves emergency services, crisis management, and sometimes military personnel, depending on the scale and nature of the incident.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

The prosecution of mass murderers can be complicated by issues of jurisdiction, especially in cases involving terrorism or crimes in multiple countries. Ethical considerations in the media coverage of mass murders include concerns about glorifying the perpetrator or contributing to copycat incidents.

See Also

• Serial killing
• Spree killing
• Terrorism
• Gun control