Overview of: “Distinguishing ‘Loner’ Attacks from Other Domestic Extremist Violence: A Comparison of Far‐Right Homicide Incident and Offender Characteristics”

Abstract

Research SummaryRecent reports have suggested that “loner” extremists, or self‐radicalized extremists with no ties to organized groups who commit an ideologically motivated attack on their own, represent a growing threat to public safety in the United States. Disagreements among scholars and policy makers about contributing factors of loner attacks have led to competing predictions based largely on anecdotal evidence. Our study contributes to the understanding of loner violence by comparatively examining lethal attacks committed by far‐right extremist loners and other far‐rightists in the United States between 1990 and 2010. More than 20 of the leading claims from the literature on extremist loner violence are examined. The systematic comparison of far‐right loners and other far‐rightists presented in this article highlights ways in which loners are different from other far‐rightists. Bivariate comparisons found that far‐right loners are more likely to have a military background, less likely to be married, and more likely to plan on dying at commission of the crime, live alone, use a firearm, kill multiple victims, and select government targets. Loners also were similar to other far‐right extremists on a large number of measures. Using a multivariate analysis, we tested what factors are particularly important for distinguishing between loners and other far‐right offenders net the effects of other variables. Variables that significantly distinguished loners from other far‐right homicide offenders include military background, age, mental illness, and relationship status.Policy ImplicationsThe findings highlight several important differences between loners and other types of violent extremists that could be used by policy makers and analysts to craft policies and strategies designed to prevent and preempt loner extremism. It seems that increased emphasis on intelligence, the use of undercover operations and informants, and task force strategies are in many ways working to prevent attacks committed by extremists. Although steps must always be taken to ensure that civil rights are not violated, our results provide direction for modifying and redirecting some ongoing counterterrorism efforts to prevent future loner attacks. We conclude with a discussion on how building or enhancing extant partnerships, information sharing, technological surveillance, and sharpening threat assessment capabilities could enhance current strategies to thwart loner violence.