Avoid Sharing Mass Murderer’s Names, Images

By Tim Gamble

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Tim's Comments: Although we need to refute false narratives and understand the real motivations behind mass shooters, terrorists, and would be assassins, it is possible to do so without spreading their names and images all over social media. Doing so only gives them the attention and fame they are seeking, and it may encourage others to seek similar fame. 

The following is a press release by the Gun Owners of America (GOA), dated September 17, 2024. Links contained within the press release are to GOA webpages. 

GOA Urges Public to Avoid Sharing Mass Murderer’s Names, Images

9-17-2024 Washington, D.C. – Last week, Gun Owners of America (GOA) issued a public service announcement urging members of the public, mass media, and big tech to voluntarily avoid sharing the names and photographs of mass killers. This is already the policy of Gun Owners of America, and hopefully with more buy in from the public, media, and big tech, society can deny mass killers the fame they desire.

World renowned psychologist, Dr. Jordan Peterson, argues that much of what drives mass killers is the infamy they will gain over the airwaves and online for carrying out their evil deeds. Peer-reviewed research confirms this notion that when the media extensively report on mass killings and present photos and detailed reports about the killers themselves, it can cause a “contagion” or “copycat” effect.

This public service announcement by GOA comes on the heels of Elon Musk and X announcing users would be temporarily restricted from searching for the name of the Apalachee High School shooter, but unfortunately, many in big tech continue to promote the names and details of these evil people. GOA’s Aidan Johnston authored an op-ed in The Blaze this week urging more corporations and society at large to voluntarily adopt similar practices.

Senator Mike Lee and Rep. Andy Ogles have introduced a resolution urging the media to voluntarily adopt such practices, which GOA fully supports.

Aidan Johnston, GOA’s Director of Federal Affairs, issued the following statement: 

“It’s incumbent upon the media, big tech, and anyone else with a large following to take voluntary and reasonable measures to deny mass killers the free publicity they are seeking. This concept is not new, as quite often a similar practice is already employed when discussing suicides. There’s no reason we cannot, as a society, urge these companies to adopt a similar practice, which will undoubtedly have a positive impact in reducing mass killings.  

“GOA is working for real solutions that will have an impact while respecting Americans’ civil liberties, and we won’t stop fighting for that.”  

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