Secret Service report identifies warning signs for targeted school attacks

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — All targeted school violence incidents over nearly a decade could have been prevented, according to a new report released by the U.S. Secret Service.

A research study examined 41 incidents at K-12 schools nationwide from 2008 to 2017.

The attackers were either current or former students.

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The report said in all cases, there were opportunities to intervene before the attacks happened.

"The goal of this process is to intervene before an attack can occur," U.S. Secret Service Director James Murray said.

The report said most attackers used guns or knives that were often taken from their homes.

Most had a history of mental health challenges, and all of the attackers had at least one social stressor such as bullying or a romantic breakup.

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Parents of the victims of the 2018 Parkland, Florida, mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School joined Murray and his team in announcing the findings.

"Our nation must learn that the best way to stop a school shooting is to prevent it," Tony Montalto, father of a Parkland shooting victim, said.

The research is meant to help school and law enforcement officials better identify and respond to the warning signs.

The report did not include incidents related to gang or drug violence.

Cox Media Group