Warning Signs

How to spot someone turning to hate?

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Hate does not just happen. Hate is something that grows.

Common Risks for turning to hate

There is not one path that leads someone to commit an act of hate-based violence. But there are some common risks that people who turn to hate might share:

Warning Signs: Grievences

Grievances

A grievance is a real or imagined wrong. Grievances often develop when someone feels treated unfairly or excluded. A grievance can grow into a feeling of resentment or even hate towards a specific group of people.

Warning Signs: Vulnerabilities

Vulnerabilities

Vulnerabilities increase a person's likelihood of turning to hate. Examples include loneliness, feeling disconnected, struggling in school, poverty, or being bullied. These factors can make someone more susceptible to hate.

Warning Signs: Exposure

Exposure to Hate

Most people encounter hate accidentally, often online. Symbols or messages can hide in songs or memes. Algorithms amplify this, showing more hateful content if someone interacts with a hateful post.

If someone experiences these risks, that does not mean that they will act on hate.

Also, you should know that these categories do not include everything that might cause someone to act on hate. Donโ€™t assume that anyone who is struggling will become violent. However, these things can build on each other, so itโ€™s important to notice if someone is struggling. If youโ€™re worried about someone, find out what you can do.

ATTACKS ARE PREVENTABLE

0%

of people planning an attack on a school communicated their intentions with peers, adults, or online before the attack.

0%

of people who committed a mass attack previously behaved in a way that caused fear for their safety or the safety of others.

0%

of planned attacks on schools were prevented because someone spoke up when they heard or saw concerning communications.

U.S. Secret Service National Threat Assessment Center Reports:

Mass Attacks in Public Spaces 2016 - 2022ย 

Averting Targeted School Violence

KNOW THE WARNING SIGNS

If someone doesnโ€™t share their plans explicitly, they will likely show certain warning signs. If you know the signs, you can do something to help prevent future acts of violence. Here are some of the most important signs, how they might look, and what to do if you see them.

โ€œIt doesnโ€™t matter because I wonโ€™t be here for long.โ€

โ€œWhen you see the news tomorrow, I want you to tell everyone that I didnโ€™t have a choice.โ€

Giving away treasured items.

What to do: Seek help from a trusted adult and call 911.

A manifesto is a written statement about a personโ€™s motivation for violence. Manifestos are documents full of hate and conspiracy theories. If someone writes one or posts one online, that is a key sign that they are planning for violence.ย 

What to do: Seek help from a trusted adult and call 911.

This might look like researching a target, spending long periods of time outside a building, or making unusual purchases like body armor (and more).ย ย 

What to do: Seek help from a trusted adult and call 911.

โ€œIโ€™m going to find him after school and show him why he doesnโ€™t belong here.โ€

โ€œDonโ€™t come to school tomorrow.โ€

What to do: Seek help from a trusted adult and call 911.

This may be a warning sign if it is inconsistent with a personโ€™s normal hobbies or activities.

The type of weapon can matter here. Posing with semi-automatic weapons is a very concerning sign, especially when combined with hate symbols.

What to do: Tell a trusted adult or seek help.

โ€œNone of these girls will pay attention to me so Iโ€™m going to mess one of them up and force them to listen.โ€

What to do: Tell a trusted adult or seek help.

โ€œThat person stood up for what he believed.โ€

โ€œI read what that attacker said, and he made some good points.โ€

What to do: Talk to the person and find out more or tell a trusted adult.

โ€œI just think that we should force women back into the kitchen.โ€

โ€œThose [racist slur] have made our whole country worse.โ€

What to do: Talk to the person or address their comments. Tell a trusted adult or seek help.

Find out more about what this might look like.

What to do: Talk to the person, tell a trusted adult, or seek help.

Find out more about what this might look like.

What to do: Talk to the person, tell a trusted adult or seek help.

Know the Warning Signs

First Responderโ€™s Toolbox: Terrorism Prevention: Addressing Early Risk Factors To Build Resilience Against Violent Extremism - NCTC, FBI, DHS

US Violent Extremist Mobilization Indicators - NCTC, FBI, DHS

Risk Factors and Indicators Associated With Radicalization to Terrorism in the United States - National Institute of Justice

Hereโ€™s what warning signs can look like in action:

*This video contains content that some viewers might find upsetting. Watch with care.

Warning Signs

You should know that these signs do not predict if someone will become violent. If you notice any of these behaviors, that does not mean that someone is dangerous. But it is good to share any strange behaviors with a trusted adult. If youโ€™re worried that someone might become violent, seek help now.

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This project is funded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships, opportunity number DHS-23-GPD-067-00-01.

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