A renowned forensic psychologist, who has interacted with numerous mass murderers throughout his career, has shared a common trait observed in these individuals. Professor Paul E. Mullen, known for interviewing some of the most infamous lone mass killers in history such as Martin Bryant and Thomas Hamilton, believes that these killers are not incomprehensible monsters but rather deeply disturbed individuals shaped by identifiable forces.
According to Professor Mullen, a recurring psychological feature among these individuals is a profound resentment directed towards the world in general. This resentment is fueled by specific experiences, perceived injustices, and humiliations that the individuals failed to address, often out of fear of consequences.
Most of these mass killers are socially isolated, have few friends, and view themselves as victims whose lack of success in life is attributed to the malevolence of others. Many of them harbor a strong fascination with firearms, with one killer even relocating from China to Australia to join gun clubs.
Contrary to common assumptions, Professor Mullen pointed out that childhood abuse is not a prevalent factor among these individuals. They typically come from white, middle-class families, possess normal to above-average intelligence, and exhibit distinct characteristics from the majority of violent offenders.
Furthermore, a significant number of these individuals hold extreme right-wing political views, along with racist or fundamentalist religious beliefs. Professor Mullen has recently published a book titled “Running Amok,” which delves into the psyche of mass murderers, explores commonalities among them, and provides insights on identifying warning signs and enhancing threat assessment.
During the promotion of his book, Professor Mullen shared his experiences of interacting with these killers, emphasizing that despite their violent pasts, when confronted in a non-threatening environment, they often exhibit fear and vulnerability rather than aggression.
For those interested, Paul’s latest book is accessible for purchase online.