WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07) announced the introduction of his legislation the Identifying Mass Shooters Act which directs the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) to collect, study, and analyze online content created by previous mass shooters in an effort to identify potential mass shooters. At the completion of the study authorized by this legislation, the NIJ is required to prepare and submit their findings and recommendations to Congress.
“Mass shootings are not going to stop on their own. For too long, we’ve been accepting of the destruction caused by diabolical people who tell us what they plan to do in publicly displayed manifestos on social media, the dark web, and otherwise,” said Congressman Mfume. “This legislation is my effort to ensure that all law enforcement agencies are communicating with one another and that Congress has the benefit of the Justice Department’s best thinking on the digital footprints left behind by previous mass shooters. It’s a proactive step in the direction of ending the senselessness we experience too often,” he concluded.
Often, mass shooters use social media and other online platforms to declare and explain their intent to commit a mass shooting through publicly displayed manifestos, blog posts, and social media posts (e.g. the Uvalde shooter, Parkland shooter, and Buffalo shooter). A dedicated study that analyzes previous mass shooters’ online presence prior to committing acts of terror would help inform lawmakers as they seek to utilize social media and other online platforms to find and stop potential mass shooters.
Congressman Mfume’s legislation currently has 25 total cosponsors.
Topline Highlights of the Identifying Mass Shooters Act
Directs the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) of the Department of Justice (DOJ) to lead a study and analyze past online content created by mass shooters.
At the completion of the study authorized by this legislation, the NIJ is required to prepare and submit their findings and recommendations to Congress.
This study may eventually allow law enforcement agencies to more efficiently protect the nation from extremists and/or deranged individuals who plot mass attacks.
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