One University of Alabama professor identified several factors that suicide bombers and mass shooters have in common at a Tuesday night book release, stating that suicide bombers and mass shooters often think of themselves as victims and desire social recognition.
Adam Lankford, a professor of criminal justice at the University, reexamines the motive behind mass murder in his new book, “The Myth of Martyrdom: What Really Drives Suicide Bombers, Rampage Shooters, and Other Self-Destructive Killers,” which was released on Tuesday.
Lankford also said both groups commit premeditated acts of murder-suicide by targeting strangers.
“The book presents unprecedented evidence that suicide terrorists are not selfless ‘martyrs’ trying to sacrifice their lives for an ideological cause,” Lankford wrote in an email before his presentation. “They’re actually pretending to be solely driven by the desire to serve their God and cause, but in reality, what makes them different from other people with strong beliefs is that they are suicidal in the clinical sense.”
Lankford worked in the state department, conducting anti-terrorism training for foreign governments while getting his doctorate. He has recently been contacted by Wal-Mart and the White House about potential applications of his research.
He said he believes that the current administration is beginning to incorporate his research in the way that they think about self-destructive terrorists and mass shooters.
As for what ordinary people can do to prevent terrorism and mass shootings, Lankford advocates public awareness of mental illness.
“We should be spreading accurate information about what risk factors are and what the public should do,” Lankford said.
After some national exposure in a CNN interview, Lankford was recently contacted by a professor seeking advice on how to handle a student who had made violent threats over a period of two years. The professor was afraid of taking action and, in doing so, violating the student’s privacy.
“The judgment call of the seriousness of a threat should be done by professionals, but we should call the police when threats are made,” Lankford said.
Students and UA community members attended Lankford’s book release. Nick Lewis, a junior majoring in criminal justice, said Lankford’s research offered a fresh take on the topic.
“He’s revolutionized the way we think about suicide bombers,” Lewis said. “He opened my eyes to a new perspective.”
