Mass Murder

Explanation

Mass murder refers to a single violent incident in which multiple people (commonly defined as four or more) are killed in the same location and within a short time frame. Unlike serial or spree killings, mass murders lack a cooling-off period and are usually carried out in a single, concentrated episode.

Common contexts for mass murder include:

• Workplace violence

• Family annihilations

• Terrorist or ideological attacks

• Public shootings (e.g., in malls, churches, or concerts)

Mass murderers may die by suicide, be killed by police, or be arrested at the scene. The motives can range from personal grievances to ideological extremism, and the events often provoke public shock and political debate, particularly in relation to gun control, mental health, and media responsibility.