Lone Attackers: A Survey and Analysis of Extant Research

Within the framework of a commission from the Swedish Police Authority, this report presents extant psychological and sociological research on "lone attackers." Based on a broad definition of this concept, the report gives an account of the research into the categories of attacker that are subsumed within it: lone terrorists, school shooters and assassins. On this follows an account of the role that mental health problems may play for various lone attackers. A discussion on common overarching characteristics is followed by an account of existing tools for profiling and risk assessment. The report concludes with a brief summary and recommendations.