With multiple school threats and a shooting at Pauls Valley High School making headlines this week, federal investigators say the conversation cannot stop at response. It has to start with prevention.
The FBI says acts of targeted violence rarely happen without warning. Instead, investigators point to what they call the “Pathway to Violence.” It’s a series of behaviors and stressors that often develop long before an attack occurs.
According to Oklahoma City FBI Special Agent in Charge Douglas Goodwater, violence is typically not impulsive.
Research shows many attackers display concerning behavior or communicate warning signs to people around them beforehand.
“The research has shown historically that a large percentage of mass violence attacks involved individuals who indicated behavior that caused concern for those around them,” Goodwater said.
The FBI uses the Pathway to Violence model to explain how a grievance – sometimes something as common as stress, isolation or personal conflict – can escalate over time if left unaddressed.
Investigators say the goal is not automatically to arrest someone, but to intervene early and connect people with help.
“Sometimes that’s going to mean a law enforcement response,” Goodwater said. “But there’s also the potential for other solutions… financial help, medical help or mental health resources that may be needed.”
Federal agents stress prevention depends heavily on community awareness.
“The best way to stop violence before it happens is being aware of what it looks like and not just recognizing it, but reporting it,” Goodwater said.
Investigators emphasize there is no concern too small to share.
People are encouraged to report suspicious or concerning behavior to local law enforcement, school administrators or anonymously through the ProtectOK app. Tips can also be submitted directly to the FBI at fbi.gov/prevent.
Officials say speaking up does not automatically get someone in trouble. Instead, early reporting allows authorities and community partners to step in, offer resources and potentially redirect someone away from a dangerous path before a tragedy occurs.
