USA (MNN) — The 21-year-old man suspected of opening fire on a Fourth of July parade in suburban Illinois could face life in prison without parole if convicted on murder charges. Yesterday, the suspected killer confessed to the crime during his first court appearance.
Investigators have yet to determine a motive in this case. However, the suspect posted graphic videos online before the shooting and previously threatened to harm himself or others.
Some studies suggest that certain types of video games and rap music correlate to violent behavior in people younger than 30.
Set Free Ministries’ Steve Prince refers to the training he received from violence expert retired Army Lt. Col. Dave Grossman: “Desensitizing our youth through movies and video games will lead to a psychological effect, and [result in] them being more comfortable with the act of killing.”
The allure of notoriety
Not everyone who plays video games will become a killer. Many people, young and old, turn to video games to relieve stress.
However, some people do replicate the killings they see take place in media – especially when that media is journalistic coverage of infamous shootings. “People that plan these [killings] out study previous incidents, whether it’s the theater in Aurora, or the school in Florida,” Prince says.
“They look at it like a video game – how many kills can they score?”
(Photo courtesy of Alexander Andrews/Unsplash)
Fame factors in, too. Learn more here. “They watch these other killers become famous through the media” and seek to replicate the results, Prince says.
“They’re looking for fame; they’re looking for notoriety. When they accomplish these things, they’re famous in their mind. Kind of like being a famous athlete or a famous musician.”
Plus, there is a spiritual element to violence. “It’s absolutely spiritual warfare,” Prince says.
“Satan comes to steal, kill, and destroy. Individuals who choose to kill another human being [are] joining the mission of Satan to steal, kill, and destroy. But Jesus came to give us life and give it abundantly.”
Next steps
If you’re struggling today as a result of violent thoughts or actions, seek help. Connect with Set Free Ministries here to find spiritual freedom.
“We’re available locally [in Michigan] and through virtual appointments to talk through these incidences with people and help them find peace in the aftermath,” Prince says.
“It’s a mental exercise, and you have to decide if you’re going to respond biblically or in your flesh. If one of my family members got shot at one of these mass shootings, I’d be extremely enraged. But then I have to decide, ‘am I going to take justice into my own hands? Or am I going to respond biblically?’”
Header image is a representative stock photo courtesy of Elti Meshau/Unsplash.
