The tragic shooting incident at a private Christian school in Wisconsin on Monday, which resulted in the deaths of a student and a teacher, left the nation in a state of shock. The suspect, 15-year-old Natalie Rupnow, took her own life during the rampage, a rarity as mass shootings carried out by females are extremely uncommon. According to data from the Gun Violence Archive, out of over 2,000 mass shootings since 2013 where the perpetrator’s gender was known, fewer than 60 involved female assailants.
Mass shootings, as defined by the Gun Violence Archive, are incidents where four or more individuals are shot, excluding the shooter. These events are not limited to public spaces like schools but can also occur in domestic or drive-by settings. Despite the perception of mass shootings as active shooter situations in public places, they encompass a broader range of scenarios.
Instances of female perpetrators in mass shootings have been recorded in the past, such as the case of postal worker Jennifer Sanmarco in 2006, tribal chairwoman Cherie Lash Rhoades in 2014, and Rite Aid worker Snochia Moseley in 2018, among others. These incidents highlight the complex factors contributing to such acts of violence, including mental health issues and personal grievances.
The prevalence of male perpetrators in mass shootings has been linked to statistics showing women as common victims of violent crimes. Women’s rights advocates have emphasized the gendered nature of mass shootings, with a 2019 study describing them as a “profoundly masculine act.” This underscores the need for a deeper understanding of the societal factors influencing such tragedies and the importance of addressing issues of gender-based violence.
The study highlighted that mass shootings are often connected to a broader issue of domestic violence and entrenched misogyny. It emphasized that even in incidents involving neighbors, strangers, or law enforcement, it is women and children who disproportionately bear the brunt of the violence. Citing data from Everytown for Gun Safety, the study revealed that in 57% of mass shootings where an intimate partner or family member was involved, a staggering 64% of the victims were women and children. This alarming trend underscores the devastating impact of gun violence on vulnerable individuals within the home environment.
