David Riedman is a data scientist focused on understanding and preventing school-based violence, and he is the creator of the K-12 School Shooting Database website, which – for those who are not familiar – provides hours of opportunity for interesting (and sometimes alarming) reading rabbit holes.
In an article posted today to Substack.com, Riedman examines the decades-old link between Nazi ideals and students who become school shooters. [WARNING: the article shares images of the person responsible for Wednesday’s shooting at Antioch High School in Nashville, TN.] This read may be especially pertinent for school leaders because many people have stereotypical ideas of how Nazis look and act (such as: white, male, adult). Most educators would not consider their students as embracing Nazi principles (and most students do not); however, it is critical to recognize the potential warning signs (and to understand the implications) of possible Nazi, neo-Nazi, or white supremacist beliefs when assessing potential school-based violence.
The connection between Nazi ideology and teenage school shooters is a complex and deeply disturbing subject, primarily centered on the role of extremist ideologies in shaping the motives and behaviors of certain individuals. Some school shooters have demonstrated fascination with Nazi symbolism, rhetoric, or ideologies as part of a broader pattern of alienation, hatred, and radicalization. Key elements of this influence include:
- Glorification of Violence: Nazi ideology, which is rooted in militarism, hate, and genocidal violence, may attract individuals who are already predisposed to violent or nihilistic tendencies. School shooters who idolize such ideologies might see them as a way to justify their actions or amplify their sense of power.
- Hatred and Bigotry: Nazi beliefs promote racism, antisemitism, and other forms of hatred. For some shooters, these ideologies provide a framework to channel existing prejudices or develop a sense of superiority over others.
- Symbolism and Identity: Nazi symbols, like the swastika, are sometimes adopted by school shooters as a form of rebellion, intimidation, or a way to amplify the shock value of their actions. This can be part of an effort to gain notoriety or express a distorted sense of belonging.
- Case Examples: Some notable school shooters, like those involved in the Columbine High School massacre (1999), displayed Nazi-related symbols or referenced fascist ideologies in their writings, though the extent of their genuine ideological commitment is debated. For many, the adoption of such symbols appears to be less about true political beliefs and more about a desire to provoke outrage or align with a historical archetype of extreme violence.
- Radicalization Pathways: Modern online spaces have facilitated the spread of extremist ideologies, including neo-Nazism. Vulnerable teens may encounter this material in forums that glorify mass shooters or promote hate speech, which can further radicalize them.
The OK hand sign was added to a list of hate symbols in 2000, due to its frequent use by white supremacists, according to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). The hand sign may be seen as indicating a “w” and a “p” to symbolize “white power.”
Understanding the role of Nazi ideology in school shootings requires a nuanced approach that considers the broader psychological, social, and cultural factors at play. While some shooters may be influenced by these ideologies, they are often one part of a larger web of motivations that include mental health issues, social alienation, and access to firearms.
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