The Myth of the Lone Wolf: Why Most Attacks Aren’t Random

You’ve heard it before—maybe even said it yourself:

“Nobody saw it coming.”
“He just snapped.”
“It was totally random.”

But in almost every major incident—whether in a school, church, business, or public space—there were signs.
Behavioral leakage. Verbal threats. Social media posts. Concerning changes.

The problem isn’t that the signs weren’t there.
The problem is that no one connected them—or no one responded in time.

Why the “Lone Wolf” Idea is Dangerous

The image of an attacker acting totally alone, for no reason, with no warning… it feels terrifying and unpreventable.
But it’s also inaccurate—and unhelpful.

Most attackers:

• Broadcast their intentions before acting

• Fixate on specific grievances or targets

• Show patterns of isolation, obsession, or anger

• Test boundaries or probe security systems in advance

They rarely act on a whim.
They escalate.

Red Flags & Pre-Attack Behaviors to Watch For

Here are common signs that should trigger concern—and a response:

• Inappropriate fixation on staff, leaders, policies, or past grievances

• Talk of revenge, violence, or martyrdom (even as a “joke”)

• Sudden withdrawal or major personality change

• Boundary-testing behaviors: entering restricted spaces, tailgating doors, showing up uninvited

• Stalking, harassment, or obsession with specific individuals

• Exaggerated sense of injustice, unfairness, or persecution

• Fascination with previous attacks or attackers

These signs don’t guarantee violence.
But they require follow-up—especially when multiple signs appear together.

Why “See Something, Say Something” Often Fails

Most environments don’t actually have a functional system for reporting concerning behavior.

Employees might:

• Be afraid of retaliation

• Feel unsure what qualifies as “serious”

• Believe no one will act anyway

That’s why BHS helps facilities set up clear, confidential, and supported reporting systems—with team training to take things seriously before it’s too late.

How BHS Helps Your Team Spot Threats Early

BHS doesn’t just train for high-speed emergencies.
We train your team to prevent them.

With our early intervention model, we:
-Train teams to recognize threat behaviors
-Help you establish a reporting process that works
-Teach how to assess credibility vs. overreaction
-Guide appropriate de-escalation or escalation
-Develop site-specific response protocols when red flags emerge

Violence is rarely spontaneous.
It leaks out.
Your team just needs to know where to look—and how to act.

Want to know if your team is ready?
Schedule a free consult or walkthrough.
We’ll review your current readiness and recommend practical upgrades.