Research on the motivations behind mass shootings remains inconclusive as these events often lack a singular or explicit cause. The motivations of mass shooters are complex, shaped by the interplay of psychological, social, and ideological factors. While some attacks are clearly driven by extremist beliefs, others appear to stem from less defined forces such as depravity or sadistic intent. Existing typologies, such as Langman’s (2009) analysis of school shooters, offer valuable insight but are limited in scope. This study expands upon previous research by examining U.S. mass shootings from 2006 to 2024 to determine whether such events are more frequently motivated by explicit ideological influences or by non-ideological factors. By distinguishing between these categories, the research seeks to identify alternative motivational patterns and provide a deeper understanding of perpetrator psychology. The findings aim to advance typological models and provide a holistic understanding of what drives mass shooting violence in the United States.
Isaiah H Harris (Wed,) studied this question.