Inside Attacks by NMIMS School of Design

School shootings in the U.S. are more than statistics—they are devastating events that shatter families and communities, leaving many questions unanswered. My interest in this topic stems from a desire to understand why individuals commit such acts. Is it their upbringing, past trauma, social isolation, or other influences? And what happens to them afterwards?

This project analyzes shooter profiles, motivations, geographic hotspots, and their eventual fates using data from 2000 to 2024. I examine demographics (age, gender, race, school affiliation), personal backgrounds, and outcomes (arrest, suicide, escape, etc.).

I reject the idea that these tragedies are isolated incidents. By systematically collecting data on shooter motivations and locations, I aim to uncover patterns linking personal history, societal factors, and mental health. I aim to go beyond statistics and craft a data-driven yet deeply human narrative that explores the “why” behind these tragedies, prompting critical discussions on prevention and intervention.