Individuals who carry out acts of targeted violence often show certain behaviors or warning signs beforehand. The list below highlights some of the behaviors that may signal growing concern.
Early recognition of concerning behaviors can help prevent targeted violence. The FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) identifies several warning behavior indicators—observable, dynamic patterns that may suggest an individual is moving toward violence.
This list is not exhaustive, other concerning actions or changes in behavior may also be present. These signs are often most visible to people who know the individual personally, such as friends, coworkers, classmates, or family members.
It’s important to remember:
- No single behavior automatically means someone will become violent.
- Patterns of behavior and the overall situation should always be considered together.
Below are some examples of behaviors that may indicate increasing concern:
*Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation, Behavioral Analysis Unit. (2017). “Making Prevention a Reality: Identifying, Assessing, and Managing the Threat of Targeted Attacks.” U.S. Department of Justice.