by S. Lee Funk | Dec 15, 2025 | Behavioral Science & Decision-Making, Case Studies & Cultural Commentary, Understanding Violence
The day Rahmanullah Lakanwal allegedly shot two members of the National Guard in Washington D.C., President Trump labeled the purported incident as an “act of terror” and the following evening, as he announced the death of one of the victims, he stated twice that it...
by S. Lee Funk | Sep 30, 2025 | Case Studies & Cultural Commentary, Understanding Violence
Just before Charlie Kirk was struck in the neck with a fatal bullet he had the following dialogue with Hunter Kozak, a Utah Valley University undergraduate. After checking to see if the microphone was working, Kozak opened by saying, “Hey Charlie, hopefully we are...
by S. Lee Funk | Aug 12, 2025 | Inside the Mind: Expert Insights, Understanding Violence
Time and place were deliberately chosen to maximize visibility. The assault was conducted in a public setting in the middle of rush hour.[1] There was no attempt to hide the crime. On the contrary, it was contrived purely for attention. Rampageous assailants...
by S. Lee Funk | Jan 13, 2025 | Case Studies & Cultural Commentary, Understanding Violence
The case of Luigi Mangione demonstrates the affinity between a sudden mass assault (or autogenic massacre) and a singular murder that could be added to the category Deitz has identified as “sensational” (a particularly peculiar killing that garners publicity).[i] The...
