A forensic psychologist who has conversed with ten of the most infamous mass murderers in history recently disclosed a disturbing question posed by one of these criminals shortly after committing his heinous act.
The individual in question was Martin Bryant, who carried out Australia’s deadliest mass shooting in 1996, claiming the lives of 35 individuals, including children, at Port Arthur, Tasmania. Bryant, a 28-year-old loner who struggled with forming relationships, committed this shocking massacre.
Professor Paul E. Mullen conducted an interview with Bryant just 48 hours after the tragedy, while Bryant was hospitalized due to severe burns from a failed suicide attempt. During this interview, Bryant made a chilling statement that has stayed with Paul to this day.
When asked about the most unsettling comment a mass killer had ever made to him, Paul recounted that Bryant, with a sly smile, mentioned holding a record during their initial conversation. This record referred to Bryant having exceeded the number of fatalities caused by any single lone gunman in history, a fact he was well aware of from studying similar perpetrators.
Subsequently, this grim record has been surpassed multiple times, as seen in incidents like the 2017 Las Vegas shooting where 60 individuals lost their lives. Paul, who has extensive experience with lone killers, highlighted the common trait they share and addressed concerns about being alone with them.
In his book “Running Amok,” Paul explores the psychology of mass killers, identifying commonalities among them and emphasizing the importance of recognizing warning signs and improving threat assessments. He noted that many lone mass killers indicate their intentions through various means, such as online communication and written expressions.
Efforts are being made to establish collaborative strategies and mental health units to respond promptly to reports of individuals expressing violent intentions. These initiatives involve assessing access to weapons, evaluating criminal and mental health backgrounds, and monitoring online activities before deciding on potential interventions.
Paul commended the UK for its well-organized response services compared to other countries, highlighting the importance of proactive measures in addressing potential threats. “Running Amok” is available for purchase on Amazon, providing further insights into the minds of killers and strategies for prevention.