Secret Service Report Analyzes 50 Workplace Violence Incidents
“To look at how can we prevent targeted workplace violence. What is the thinking, behavior and circumstances of workplace attackers?” said Lina Alathari, who leads the National Threat Assessment Center. The Secret Service is using its intelligence-gathering and research capabilities to prevent workplace violence, according to a report seen by NBC News.
The National Threat Assessment Center analyzed 50 cases of workplace violence spanning the past decade. These incidents include the 2018 shooting at the Capital Gazette in Annapolis, Maryland, where a gunman killed five employees. Across all 50 cases reviewed in the study, 119 people died and 128 sustained injuries.
Threat Assessment Center Examines Mass Attacks and Business Targets
The Secret Service originally developed the National Threat Assessment Center to study how to prevent school shootings and other mass attacks. Researchers found that businesses represented the most frequent locations for targeted mass attacks, prompting the agency to launch this specific workplace initiative, NBC News reported. The report, scheduled for release on Wednesday, provides guidance for businesses, human resources personnel, local law enforcement agencies, and mental health professionals working to mitigate workplace risks.
According to Alathari, warning signs almost always precede an attack. While attackers do not fit a specific demographic profile, they share consistent behavioral patterns. Grievances serve as the primary trigger for attackers. Retail and service businesses experience the most frequent attacks due to easy public access, followed by manufacturing and healthcare facilities.
Perpetrators often have personal links or domestic violence histories
The connection between targeted businesses and perpetrators is typically direct and personal. Sixteen attackers were actively employed at their target sites at the time of the incident, while others maintained current or estranged romantic relationships with site workers. More than 40% of suspects in the reviewed cases had documented histories of domestic violence, though authorities did not always charge them with crimes related to that violence.
The study urges workplaces to recognize domestic violence signs and support vulnerable employees. “That includes empowering those who may be experiencing stalking, harassing, threats from romantic partners or other relatives to feel connected enough to come forward and ask for help,” Alathari said.
Firearms dominate attacks and most suspects stop on their own
Most attackers relied on firearms, though others utilized knives, explosives, or vehicles. Nearly 25% of the examined attacks involved more than one weapon. Incident resolutions varied across the 50 cases:
- In more than 75% of incidents, attackers stopped causing harm on their own and were arrested at the scene.
- Nearly half of the attackers died by suicide.
- Law enforcement officers ended the violence by killing the suspect in 14% of the cases.
The National Threat Assessment Center highlighted a case where a fired employee used active badge access to return and enter the facility. The agency advises businesses to monitor for common warning signs, including behavioral changes, depression, increased absenteeism, discussion of weapons, expression of violent thoughts, and threats against co-workers.
Secret Service trains thousands to prevent mass violence
The Secret Service led 400 training sessions on preventing mass violence for approximately 50,000 participants nationwide over the past year. “There are always opportunities for intervention, and what I can tell you is that the cost of inaction can be deadly,” Alathari said.
What are the most targeted businesses and casualty rates?
What types of businesses are most frequently targeted in workplace violence incidents?
Retail and service businesses experience the highest frequency of attacks due to easy public access. Manufacturing facilities and healthcare locations follow as the next most frequently targeted business types, according to the Secret Service report.
How many casualties resulted from the 50 cases analyzed by the Secret Service?
The review of 50 workplace violence cases over the past decade recorded 119 deaths and 128 injuries. The analyzed incidents include the 2018 Capital Gazette shooting in Annapolis, Maryland.
What percentage of suspects had a history of domestic violence?
More than 40% of the suspects studied in the Secret Service report had documented histories of domestic violence. However, the report notes these individuals were not always charged with crimes related to that violence.
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