The Dark Side of Humanity: Delving into the Psychology of Assassination

The assassination of public officials is a chilling and complex phenomenon that has captivated the attention of psychologists, criminologists, and the public alike. The psychology of assassination seeks to understand the motivations driving an individual to commit these extreme act of violence. During a twenty year span, a violent time in United States history, we experienced several assassinations and attempted assassinations of political leaders. These included President John F. Kennedy’s assassination in 1963, the murders of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Senator and Presidential Candidate Robert Kennedy in 1968, the attack on Governor and Presidential Candidate George Wallace in 1972, and the attempted assassinations of President Gerald Ford in 1975, and the attack on President Ronald Reagan in 1971.

Perhaps, we have been fortunate to experience such a long reprieve from these heinous crimes. Yet, here in 2024, we are called to face another attack on a beloved and hated political figure. Over the last decade, we have watched the political climate become more divided and heated. This may have contributed. The internet and social networks also have served to normalize hate and conspiracy. Perhaps, this is a cause. Then again, it is most likely is a combination of these social influences (among others), the shooters mental health, and a variety of countless other unknown factors.

Introduction to the Psychology of Assassination

While each case is unique, there are common psychological threads that weave through the profiles of those who carry out these heinous acts. From deep-seated grievances and personality disorders to social isolation and obsessive fixations, the psychological landscape of an assassin is often marked by a confluence of factors that push them towards this drastic path. This article delves into the intricate psychological factors that contribute to the making of an assassin, shedding light on the dark corridors of the human mind where such deadly intentions are born.

In Arthur Macdonald’s classic paper, he posits that the most dangerous criminals are “the assassins of rulers.”

MacDonald wrote:

“They may be sane, insane or partially insane, or simply monstrous criminals. They may be degenerates with certain peculiar traits, as instability, and the continual changing of their occupation and habitation. They are usually vain, irritable, impulsive and mystical, and are easily influenced by surroundings. They are usually proud of their crime, protest with indignation if called insane, and usually show great courage on the scaffold, clinging to their ideas or delusions until the end” (MacDonald, 1912).

Current Assassination Attempt

As we stand in the wake of the attempted assassination of former president Trump, the current Republican candidate for the upcoming presidential election, we seek answers to the senseless violence of the failed attack on a prominent political figure. We sorrow over the life of Corey Comperatore, who heroically died protecting his family.

The frustrating truth is that we will never have complete answers. Life is too complex. Law enforcement investigations will provide partial clues. Accordingly, we will be left with the bits and pieces of facts leading up to the heinous crime. Unfortunately, or unquenching drive for meaning will lead to unscrupulous sources, capitalizing on the tragedy to paint their own picture of reality. We will hear false claims of conspiracy, inappropriate victim blaming, and unending digging into the life of the twenty-year old killer.

The assassination of public officials is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that has been studied from various psychological perspectives.

Key Theories Explaining Assassination of Public Figures

Frustration-Aggression Hypothesis

The frustration-aggression hypothesis is a theory in psychology that suggests that when people are blocked or prevented from achieving their goals, they may become frustrated, which can lead to aggressive behavior (Kruglanski, 2023). This aggression is seen as a way of reducing or alleviating the feelings of frustration. In psychology, we refer to this cognitive path to alleviating pain as projection. Basically, the assassin is projecting their own life frustrations on an external figure.

In the context of the assassination of public figures, this hypothesis could help explain why some individuals resort to extreme acts of violence against those in positions of power or influence. Public figures often represent authority, success, and control over resources – factors that can trigger feelings of frustration and powerlessness in certain individuals.

When individuals perceive these public figures as being responsible for their own personal frustrations or societal injustices, it can fuel intense emotions such as anger and resentment. In some cases, this buildup of frustration and negative emotions may lead to an individual committing an act of aggression, such as an assassination.

It’s important to note that the frustration-aggression hypothesis is just one possible explanation for violent acts against public figures and should be considered alongside other psychological theories and social factors influencing such behaviors.

See Frustration-Aggression Hypothesis for more on this theory

Seeking Fame Hypothesis

The hypothesis that assassins are seeking fame suggests that some individuals may commit acts of violence, such as assassinations of public figures, in order to gain notoriety and attention. These individuals may harbor a desire for recognition, infamy, or a sense of power that comes from being known for committing a high-profile crime.

Assassinating a public figure can attract widespread media coverage and public interest, which could fulfill the assassin’s need for validation and acknowledgment. By targeting someone well-known or influential, the assassin may believe they will leave a lasting impact on society and be remembered long after the act has occurred.

Lee Harvey Oswald, in connection with his assassination of retired general. left copious notes about his motivation to kill the general. “Killing such a man, Oswald believed, would be a blow against fascism and U.S. imperialism — a heroic act. He badly wanted to be remembered for something, to have left some kind of mark upon the world; perhaps he hoped that it would be a distinctively ideological one” (Time Life Books, 1987).

This hypothesis aligns with theories of social identity and self-esteem, where individuals seek ways to enhance their self-image through external validation and recognition from others. In some cases, individuals who feel marginalized or overlooked in society may see committing an assassination as a way to elevate their status and gain the attention they crave.

It is essential to consider various factors when analyzing the motivations behind assassinations, including mental health issues, political ideologies, personal grievances, or societal influences. While seeking fame may be one possible motivation for some assassins, it is crucial to approach each case with careful consideration of all contributing factors.

Personality Disorders

Personality disorders can play a significant role in connection with the assassination of public figures. Individuals who suffer from certain personality disorders may exhibit traits or behaviors that increase their likelihood of committing violent acts, such as assassinations. Here are some ways in which personality disorders can be linked to these extreme actions:

• Narcissistic Personality Disorder: Individuals with narcissistic personality disorder often have an inflated sense of self-importance, a constant need for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. This combination of traits could drive someone to seek attention and recognition through violent acts like assassinations.
• Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD): People with ASPD may display a disregard for the rights of others, impulsive behavior, aggression, and a lack of remorse for their actions. These characteristics make individuals with ASPD more prone to engaging in criminal behavior.
• Paranoid Personality Disorder: Individuals with paranoid personality disorder often harbor unfounded suspicions and mistrust towards others. In extreme cases, this intense paranoia could lead someone to believe that harming a public figure is necessary to protect themselves or their beliefs.
• Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): People with BPD may experience intense mood swings, impulsivity, unstable relationships, and identity disturbances. In times of emotional distress or perceived rejection by society or authority figures, individuals with BPD may act out violently against public figures as a way to cope or seek revenge.

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It’s important to note that not everyone with a personality disorder will engage in violent behavior such as assassination. However, the presence of certain disordered traits can contribute to an individual’s motivations and decision-making processes when considering extreme acts like targeting public figures.

Understanding the role of personality disorders in connection with the assassination of public figures can help inform preventative measures and interventions aimed at identifying high-risk individuals before they resort to violence.

Social Isolation

The hypothesis of social isolation in the context of assassins suggests that individuals who feel disconnected, marginalized, or alienated from society may be more susceptible to engaging in violent acts such as assassinations. Social isolation can manifest in various forms, including physical isolation from others, perceived rejection or ostracism, and a lack of meaningful social connections.

Ways Social Isolation Can Contribute to the Motivations and Behaviors of Potential Assassins

• Lack of Social Support: Individuals who lack strong social support networks may experience feelings of loneliness, abandonment, and despair. Without positive relationships to turn to for guidance or emotional comfort, these individuals may become increasingly vulnerable to extremist ideologies or radical beliefs that justify violence against public figures.
• Alienation from Society: Some individuals may feel like outsiders within their communities due to cultural differences, political beliefs, mental health issues, or other factors. This sense of alienation can breed resentment towards societal norms and authority figures, leading some individuals to view high-profile targets as symbols of oppression or injustice.
• Desire for Recognition: Socially isolated individuals seeking validation or recognition may see committing an act as extreme as assassination as a way to leave their mark on the world and gain attention from others. The notoriety associated with such actions could fulfill a deep-seated need for significance and belonging.
• Escapism: For some socially isolated individuals facing personal struggles or psychological distress, planning an assassination might offer a temporary escape from their own inner turmoil by focusing on external targets rather than addressing underlying issues.

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By understanding how social isolation can influence the mindset and behavior of potential assassins, it becomes crucial for society to address underlying systemic issues. These may include addressing inadequate mental health support systems, community integration programs, and efforts aimed at fostering inclusivity and empathy among all members of society. Moreover, interventions focused on reducing social isolation and promoting healthy interpersonal relationships could also help mitigate the risk.

Irresistible Impulse

Debates rage over the freedom of choice of these killers or would be killers. MacDonald wrote: “Owing to this clearness of mind and appearance of reason, such assassins are too often considered as simply egotistical persons and wholly responsible; but it may be no less true that they without equilibrium, or they are slaves of their obsessions, or compelled by a blind and fatal force which they may not be free to resist” (MacDonald, 1912).

Freewill to choose is an ongoing debate both philosophically and legally. The bottom line is that some people, for whatever reason, are dangerous.

in 1954, Judge D. L. Bazelon of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals held that people “could be ruled not guilty of a crime by reasons of ‘irresistible impulse.’” We know this as the Durham decision. It is this decision that led to the acquittal of John Hinckley in the attempted assassination of President Ronald Reagan.

Ultimately, the problem is that there is no objective reasonable way to determine what is an irresistible behavior. A behaviorist may suggest that the only way to know if a behavior is irresistible or not is if the person commits the crime or not. Robin Dawes, an American psychologist, comments that: “If the mere fact that we act on them makes irresistible by definition, then the Durham decision implies that no one is legally guilty of anything, or responsible for anything good or bad, because it would by definition be impossible for any of us to have acted in any way other than as we did (Dawes, 1996).

The Twinkie Defense

On November 27, 1978, San Francisco city district supervisor shot and killed Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk. Dan White’s defense attorney’s argued that he suffered from depression, citing a symptom of the depression was his high consumption of sugary treats, most notably Twinkies (Linder, 2024).

Judge Walter Calcagno Instructed the Jury:

“If you find from the evidence that at the time the alleged crime was committed, the defendant had substantially reduced mental capacity, whether caused by mental illness, mental defect, intoxication, or any other cause, you must consider what effect, if any, this diminished capacity had on the defendant’s ability to form any of the specific mental states that are essential elements of murder and voluntary manslaughter…in determining if defendant had diminished mental capacity, if there was evidence that defendant’s act was the product of an irresistible impulse, you must consider whether or not such irresistible impulse, if any, was due to mental illness, mental disease or mental defect so as to render defendant incapable of forming the mental states essential to murder or voluntary manslaughter” (Linder, 2024).

In the end, White was found guilty of manslaughter and sentenced to less than eight years for the double murder of San Francisco political leaders.

Profiles of Assassins

• Social Isolation: Many assassins are characterized as loners who struggle to form meaningful social connections. This isolation can exacerbate feelings of alienation and hostility. This characteristic may be the most salient common trait of assassins (Goldstein, 1981).
• Personality Disorders: A significant number of assassins suffer from severe personality disorders, such as narcissistic or paranoid personality disorder. These disorders can contribute to their sense of grievance and justification for their actions.
• Fixation and Obsession: Assassins often develop an obsessive focus on their target, viewing them as the embodiment of their grievances or frustrations.
• Grievance and Perceived Injustice: Many assassins are motivated by a deep sense of personal or political grievance. They often perceive themselves as victims of injustice and see their actions as a form of retribution.
• Pathway to Violence: This involves a series of steps leading up to the act, including planning, preparation, and sometimes even rehearsal. This pathway behavior is a critical indicator in threat assessments.
• Identification with Other Assassins: Some individuals identify with previous assassins or violent aggressors, adopting similar ideologies or methods.
• Mental Health Issues: While not all individuals with mental health issues become violent, certain conditions, particularly those involving paranoia or delusions, can increase the risk.

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These commonalities help in understanding the psychological profiles of assassins and can be crucial in threat assessment and prevention efforts.

Warning Signs

Identifying potential warning signs that someone might become an assassin involves recognizing certain behaviors and patterns. Secret Service Agent Bryan Vossekuil and Robert A. Fein analyzed “pre-attack behaviors of all 83 persons in the United States who were known to have selected a prominent public official or figure as a target from 1949 to 1996 and to have attacked or attempted to attack the target. We concluded that ‘assassination’ is the end result of an understandable, and often discernible, process of thinking and behavior” (Fein, 2014).

MacDonald explains that the Assassin of rulers “do not usually proceed in a sudden and blind way, like the insane, but their assaults are generally logically conceived and pre-mediated” (Macdonald, 1912).

First, the desire to assassinate is the beginning. It is an expression of a particular mindset. The mindset is a product of genetics and social environments. The pre-assault attitude and behaviors leave footprints in the sand. Next, an assassination of a protected political figure requires planning. Later stages of pre-assault behaviors involve the preparatory steps towards the end goal.

An assassination attempt is almost never a spur of the moment impulse. It is the final act of a long play of conditions and events.

Pathway Behaviors

Pathway behaviors refer to the series of steps or actions that an individual takes in preparation for committing a violent act, such as assassinating a political figure. These behaviors can provide valuable insights into the mindset and intentions of the individual. Each sign offers an opportunity for intervention. Ultimately, this may prevent a tragic event from occurring.

Pathway Behaviors

• Surveillance: The individual may engage in surveillance activities to gather information about the target’s daily routines, security measures, vulnerabilities, and access points. This could involve stalking the target’s residence or public appearances to assess potential opportunities for attack.
• Weapon Acquisition: The individual may acquire weapons or materials necessary for carrying out the assassination attempt. This could involve purchasing firearms, explosives, or other tools needed to execute a violent act.
• Planning: Detailed planning is crucial in preparing for an assassination attempt. The individual may create blueprints, maps, or diagrams outlining their strategy for approaching and targeting the political figure.
• Practice Runs: Some individuals might conduct practice runs or rehearsals of their planned attack to familiarize themselves with the environment and timing involved in executing their plan.
• Communication: In some cases, individuals may communicate their intentions with others through written manifestos, social media posts, or direct threats aimed at instilling fear or conveying their motivations behind targeting a political figure.
• Isolation: As part of their preparations, individuals planning an assassination attempt may become increasingly isolated from friends and family members as they focus all their attention on carrying out their violent intentions.

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Identifying these pathway behaviors early on through vigilant monitoring by law enforcement agencies, mental health professionals, educators, family members, and community members can help prevent acts of violence before they occur. Early interventions focused on addressing underlying issues help mitigate risks associated with pathway behaviors.

Fixation

Fixation is a concept that refers to an individual’s intense and obsessive preoccupation with a particular person or idea. In the context of security and threat assessment, fixation can be seen as a warning sign of a potential future assassination attempt. When someone becomes fixated on a target, they may exhibit various behaviors such as stalking, surveillance, sending threatening messages, or even making direct threats against the target.

This fixation can escalate over time and potentially lead to violent actions if left unchecked.

Identification with Dark Figures

Identification with dark figures is a psychological concept that involves an individual’s strong identification or fascination with negative or violent characters, ideologies, or historical figures. In the context of threat assessment and potential assassination attempts, this behavior can be a warning sign of future violence.

When an individual identifies with dark figures, they may adopt similar beliefs, attitudes, or behaviors that glorify aggression, revenge, or extremism. This identification can create a mindset conducive to justifying or rationalizing violent actions against others. Individuals who identify with dark figures may feel empowered by the perceived strength or righteousness associated with these negative personas. Consequently, they may seek to emulate their actions.

Security professionals should pay close attention to individuals who exhibit signs of identification with dark figures as it could indicate a propensity towards violence.

Leakage

Leakage is a behavioral concept that refers to the unintentional or intentional disclosure of thoughts, intentions, or plans related to a future violent act. In the context of threat assessment and potential assassination attempts, leakage can serve as a crucial warning sign that should not be ignored.

Individuals who are contemplating committing an act of violence, such as an assassination attempt, may exhibit signs of leakage through verbal cues, written messages, social media posts, or other forms of communication. This leakage may take the form of hints about their plans, cryptic messages expressing grievances or desires for revenge, or even direct warnings about their intentions.

Social Isolation

Social isolation can be a significant warning sign of a potential future assassination attempt. When an individual becomes socially isolated, they may withdraw from normal social interactions and relationships, cutting themselves off from support systems and sources of positive influence. This isolation can create a breeding ground for negative thoughts, grievances, and feelings of alienation to fester unchecked.

In the context of threat assessment, social isolation can indicate that an individual is becoming increasingly disconnected from societal norms and values. Without the moderating influence of social connections, individuals who are planning violent acts such as assassination attempts may feel emboldened to act on their impulses without fear of intervention or consequences.

Grievance

Grievances can serve as a significant signal of a possible future assassination attempt. When an individual harbors deep-seated grievances, resentments, or feelings of injustice towards a person, group, or organization, it can fuel a desire for revenge or retribution. This may escalate into violent action.

In the context of threat assessment and potential assassination attempts, individuals who express strong grievances may be more prone to ideate about harming their perceived enemies. These grievances can stem from personal experiences of real or perceived injustices, discrimination, humiliation, or loss. These grievances may drive individuals to seek retaliation through extreme measures such as assassinations.

Mental Health Issues

Mental health issues can play a significant role as a possible sign of a future assassination attempt. Individuals who suffer from untreated or undiagnosed mental health conditions may be at an increased risk of violent behavior.

Certain mental health disorders, such as severe personality disorders, psychosis, or mood disorders like depression and bipolar disorder, can impair an individual’s ability to regulate their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors effectively. This lack of impulse control and distorted perception of reality can contribute to ideation about committing violent acts against others.

Behavior Changes

Behavior changes can serve as a crucial signal of a possible future assassination attempt. When an individual exhibits sudden or significant alterations in their behavior, it may indicate underlying issues or motivations. Accordingly, this may include targeted attacks like assassinations.

Changes in behavior can manifest in various ways. These may include increased aggression, irritability, impulsivity, isolation, paranoia, or expressions of hostility towards specific individuals or groups. These shifts may be indicative of escalating stress levels, untreated mental health issues, substance abuse problems, or the presence of external influences pushing the individual towards violent actions.

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No single sign or combination of signs indicate that a assassination attempt is inevitable. Most warning signs do not motivate violence. However, in combination and with increased intensity, they suggest a greater security risk. For instance, if a particular individual is angry with a particular political leader over some grievance, fixates on the grievance, and begins to socially isolate, there is legitimate concern. If in addition to these signs, the person begins to post angry messages about the political figure on social media with suggestions of “getting even,” and Googles the political figure’s agenda, and also secures access to a gun then the threat level is serious. Accordingly, security officials should take appropriate measures to protect the identified target.

If you notice these signs in someone, it’s important to take them seriously. You may consider reaching out to mental health professionals or law enforcement for guidance. 

Social Environments and Assassinations

social environment can significantly contribute to the likelihood of an assassination attempt on a political figure. Here are some key factors:

• Social Conflict: Increased social conflict, such as intergroup tensions and societal divisions, can heighten the risk of political assassinations. When tensions reach a tipping point, individuals may target political leaders whom they blame for societal issues.
• Political Polarization: High levels of political polarization within a society creates an environment where assassination is more likely. Presently, this describes the political environment in the United States.
• Economic and Social Inequality: Socio-economic disparities and perceived injustices can fuel resentment and anger towards political figures. Accordingly, they become targets for those who feel marginalized.
• Cultural and Environmental Factors: Traditional cultural norms, environmental constraints, and even climate conditions can influence the likelihood of political violence.
• Restrictions on Political Competition: In countries where political competition is restricted, and democratic processes are weak, the likelihood of political assassinations tends to be higher.

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Understanding these factors can help in developing strategies to mitigate the risk of political violence and protect public officials.

The Aftermath of an Assassination Attempt

Bram B. van der Meer wrote “violent attacks on public figures such as politicians or royalty are rare events. But when they do occur, the emotional impact on the public, the political and practical implications for current security and safety systems are immense. They create a marked point in history that has the power to cause significant social distress and change” (van der Meer, 2015).

The impact of this latest assassination attempt is yet to be known. How it influences the political agenda, the public’s sense of security, and candidate Trump’s own emotional stability is yet to play out. However, we know that such events will send a ripple of effects in wide and diverse ways. Hopefully, the impact is positive, motivating more vigilance to identify threats and provide appropriate services to address mental health disturbances, while also improving security measures for the leaders and innocent bystanders.

Rachel Kleinfeld, an expert on political violence, explains that “it’s possible the attack on Trump could help fuel further violence, but that doesn’t have to be the case. Particularly if politicians across the political spectrum — including Trump — step out and try to ease tensions, it could make an impact” (Kim, 2024).

Associated Concepts

• Mental Illness: Many assassins have been found to suffer from mental health issues, such as schizophrenia, depression, or personality disorders. These conditions can distort their perception of reality and contribute to violent behavior.
• Radicalization: This process involves adopting extreme political, social, or religious ideologies. Radicalization can lead individuals to justify violence as a means to achieve their goals.
• Spiral of Silence: This theory suggests that people tend to keep their opinions to themselves when they believe their perspectives are in the minority within a specific group. This silence stems from a fear of being isolated or socially excluded.
• Hostile Media Effect: This refers to the tendency of individuals to perceive media coverage of controversial events as biased, particularly in favor of the opposing side of their own viewpoint. This cognitive bias leads people to believe that the media is adversarial or hostile towards their position, even when the coverage is actually neutral. We often find this phenomenon is associated with emotionally charged or polarizing issues.
• Narcissism: Some assassins exhibit narcissistic traits, including a grandiose sense of self-importance and a need for admiration. They may believe that their actions will bring them fame or recognition.
• Social Isolation: Many assassins experience social isolation, which can exacerbate feelings of alienation and resentment. Lack of social support can also reduce the likelihood of intervention by others.
• Cognitive Dissonance: This concept refers to the mental discomfort experienced when holding conflicting beliefs or attitudes. Assassins may resolve this dissonance by dehumanizing their targets or rationalizing their actions.

A Few Words by Psychology Fanatic

The psychology of assassination is a complex and multifaceted field that delves into the darkest corners of the human mind. By understanding the mental health issues, radicalization processes, and social factors that contribute to such acts, we can better identify warning signs and intervene before tragedy strikes.

As we continue to study and learn from past incidents, it becomes increasingly clear that prevention requires a multidisciplinary approach. This should involve mental health professionals, law enforcement, and community support systems. By fostering a society that prioritizes mental well-being, social inclusion, and resilience, we can hope to mitigate the factors that drive individuals to commit such heinous acts. Accordingly, we create a safer environment for both political leaders and citizens.

Ultimately, the goal is not only to understand the psychology of assassination but to use this knowledge to build a safer, more compassionate world. Through continued research and proactive measures, we can strive to prevent future tragedies . Moreover, we can promote a culture of peace, understanding, and civil debate.

Last Update: August 26, 2025

References:

Dawes, Robyn (1996). House of Cards. Psychology and Psychotherapy Built on Myth. Free Press; 1st edition.
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Fein, Robert A. (2014). Commentary on “Assassins of Rulers” (MacDonald, 1912). Journal of Threat Assessment and Management, 1(4), 225-227. DOI: 10.1037/tam0000026
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Goldstein, Jeffrey (1981). On political assassinations and heinous crimes. Aggressive Behavior, 7(3), 268-270. DOI: 10.1002/1098-2337
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Kim, Catherine (2024). An Expert on Political Violence Sees a Way Out of America’s Crisis. Politico. Published: 7-14-2024; Accessed: 7-16-2024.
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Kruglanski, A., Ellenberg, M., Szumowska, E., Molinario, E., Speckhard, A., Leander, N., Pierro, A., Di Cicco, G., & Bushman, B. (2023). Frustration–aggression hypothesis reconsidered: The role of significance quest. Aggressive Behavior, 49(5), 445-468. DOI: 10.1002/ab.22092
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Linder, Douglas O. (2024). The Trial of Dan White: The Diminished Capacity (“Twinkie”) Defense. Famous Trials.
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MacDonald, Arthur (1912/2014). Assassins of rulers. Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology, 2(4), 505-520. DOI: 10.1037/h0101020
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Van der Meer, Bram B. (2015). The Assassination of Empress Elisabeth of Austria: An Investigative Psychological Analysis of a Lone-Actor Terrorist. Journal of Threat Assessment and Management, 2(3-4), 176-186. DOI: 10.1037/tam0000044
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Time-Life Books. (1987). Assassination. Time-Life Books.
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