Human connection can bring someone back from the edge.

Potential perpetrators often lack the social support structures that provide safety and healing — leading to the risk of desperate contemplation.

 

We work to replicate Aaron Stark’s experience

Aaron Stark had a plan to become a mass shooter. But the love of a friend changed his heart. Hear his story below.

 
 

Perpetrators of Violence are usually also victims of violence.

 

In our research, we found that most shooters chose violence out of retribution. They choose it because they’re afraid, angry, and believe they are out of options.

Many of them have a history of being bullied. Many have endured months if not years of horrific verbal, emotional, sexual or physical abuse. They feel powerless, trapped, and shunned. The internet is often the only place where they feel safe.

The online communities they find on the dark web give them a needed outlet. As a result, they feel supported.

Unfortunately, these sites and messaging boards don’t give them a way out. They don’t give them a way to handle feelings of shame, hurt, or anger. They don’t give the resources they need to express their anger in healthy ways. 4Chan and subreddit communities fan the flames of their anger.

It becomes too much for them to handle.

So they start making violent plans.

They have moments of doubt.

Before his attack, the 2022 Buffalo NY shooter wrote this in his journal:

“Every time I think maybe I shouldn’t commit to an attack I spend 5 min on /pol/*, then my motivation returns.”

*/pol/ is an anonymous political message board on 4Chan, allegedly known for its widespread racist, discriminatory, and violent content

He had a moment of doubt, but no one was there to capture that moment and help him find a better path.

We work to make sure these opportunities for redemption aren’t missed.

 

They need hope. Let’s give it to them.

Additional Resources:

  • The Violence Project

    https://www.theviolenceproject.org/

    Well-researched statistics on mass shooters in America.

  • US Government Stats

    https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/articles/public-mass-shootings-database-amasses-details-half-century-us-mass-shootings