Unfortunately, “there is no profile of a school shooter that is reliable,” said Stephen Brock, a school psychologist and former president of the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). However, “There is absolutely a difference between making a threat and posing a threat.” He added, “just because a student made a threat, doesn’t mean they’re a danger to themselves or others. There are risk factors and warning signs that would elevate one’s concerns and the probability they may act out.”

While it’s impossible to predict human behavior, Brock said, the best predictor is past behavior. According to NASP’s “Brief Facts and Tips” on threat assessment at school, “Most students who pose a substantive threat indicate their intentions in some way. Examples include statements to friends, ideas in written work, drawings, and postings on social media that threaten harm.”

In the event of an alarming behavioral incident, schools are supposed to have a plan in place to address it, which ideally would include convening a group of qualified adults to assess the child.