In the preparation stage, what is a common action a potential shooter might undertake?

In the preparation stage of a potential shooting incident, the action of obtaining chemicals for explosives aligns closely with the behaviors associated with planning and preparing for an act of violence. This step indicates a level of commitment and seriousness in the preparation phase, as acquiring materials necessary for creating explosives shows forethought and intent to carry out a harmful act.

The act of gathering chemicals suggests that the individual is not only thinking strategically but is also looking for ways to potentially enhance the impact of their actions. This preparation can often involve researching what materials to use, where to obtain them, and how to handle them safely, which further illustrates the degree of planning involved.

While concealing weapons, writing plans, and discussing plans with friends could also be considered potential actions during this stage, obtaining chemicals for explosives represents a more aggressive and tangible step towards actual implementation of an attack, highlighting the seriousness of the threat being analyzed. It reflects an alarming readiness to escalate intentions into actions that could cause significant harm.