FRESNO (KMJ) — As investigators in Nevada piece together what led to the largest mass shooting in modern U.S. history, an expert in the Central Valley says vigilance is key to preventing future tragedies.
The perpetrator of Sunday’s incident in Las Vegas has been identified as 64 year old Stephen Paddock, and those who knew him say they were surprised to discover he was the person behind it.
Fresno State criminal psychologist Dr. Eric Hickey says reporting anything that seems threatening could help save lives.
“What we do know from mass murderers is that they are learning from each other. Especially the copycat killers: those who are raised here in the United States, they know the terrain well, they see other mass murders take place, and they learn how to more effectively get larger numbers of victims.”
Dr. Hickey adds that we can’t stop incidents like this happening, but being united in our resolve to combat them can help reduce the likelihood.
“From family, to the schools, to the government, making people very much socially aware that we all have a responsibility to report these kinds of people who are talking danger, talking harm to other people.”
He reveals that his own research has shown the number of mass murders increasing over recent years, with radical Islam partially responsible. However, Hickey considers the events in Las Vegas to play into a more typical template.
“You’ve got a local person, a white person, basically killing people. Unfortunately, this person was able to kill more than anyone else.”
Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
You can hear the full interview with Dr. Eric Hickey below:
