In June of 2023, a group proclaiming themselves as the Eurocell Swatting Group targeted Jewish, LGBTQ, and African American gathering centers via suicide hotlines and would threaten mass shootings and bombings. An extensive investigation involving the Federal Bureau of Investigation, local law enforcement, and the Anti-Defamation League revealed five subjects, two of whom were juveniles living in California. During this process, suspects exhibited multiple warning behaviors including identification, fixation, and pathway behaviors. We attempted to trace the path from what seems to be a “normal” existence, down the rabbit hole of internet radicalization, to committing hate crimes and showing all the threat signs of mass violence being their next step. Threat management language focusing on the pathway was utilized to obtain search warrants and other legal processes to begin enforcement before any kind of mass violence was perpetuated. This presentation explores radicalization, pathway behavior, enforcement options, and how to use threat management tools to prevent mass violence events.
