Document is current

Article History

Received: 29 July 2025

Accepted: 7 February 2026

First Online: 13 February 2026

Declarations

:

: For the data originating from the FBI, appropriate internal review and approval procedures were followed within the organization.

: Informed consent was not feasible for this study. The data from online forums was publicly available and collected without user interaction. For data involving violent offenders and high-risk individuals, the material was obtained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and was anonymized prior to analysis. Obtaining individual consent was neither practical nor ethically required under the applicable review standards.

: This study demonstrates how warning signs in written communication can be leveraged to prevent targeted violence. By analyzing linguistic indicators—such as expressions of anger and grievance, identification with previous perpetrators or a warrior mindset, and the leakage of intent or operational details—threat assessment practices can be significantly strengthened. The research offers valuable insights for behavioral threat assessment professionals, enhancing their ability to recognize and respond to potential threats before they escalate into acts of violence.

: The authors declare no conflicts of interest or competing interests.