Narratives of Violence: The Last Messages of Mass Murderers
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33178/boolean.2026.1.7Keywords:
mass murder, legacy tokens, Manifestos, Terrorism, narrative identity, Performance theory, DramaturgyAbstract
Before committing acts of mass violence, some perpetrators leave behind writings, videos, or manifestos, what researchers call legacy tokens. These final messages serve as their last attempt to justify their actions, explain their motivations, or cement their place in history, ensuring that their story is remembered (Meloy & Hoffman, 2013). This article explores what these documents tell us about why people commit mass murder, what themes they emphasize, and how they shape public narratives about violence
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Copyright (c) 2026 Keith Minihane
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