Grand Blanc: Two separate mass shootings in Michigan and North Carolina have brought attention to the involvement of military veterans in such incidents. Both suspects in these shootings are reportedly Iraq War veterans.

According to EMM, these events underscore a complex relationship between military service and mass violence, as highlighted by James Alan Fox, a criminologist from Northeastern University.

Thomas Jacob Sanford, a former Marine, allegedly drove into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan, during Sunday services, opening fire on hundreds of worshipers and setting the building on fire before being killed in a shootout with law enforcement. Sanford, who had served tours in Japan and Iraq, was 40 years old.

In a separate incident, Nigel Edge, who reportedly changed his name from Sean Debevoise, was arrested for allegedly conducting a mass shooting from a boat at a dock-front bar in Southport, North Carolina. Edge is a decorated combat veteran who served in Iraq and was awarded a Purple Heart in 2006, according to NPR. He is reported to have suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder.

James Alan Fox notes that while military veterans are somewhat overrepresented in mass shooting statistics, their involvement does not fit a specific stereotype. He explains that about 23% of public mass shootings are committed by individuals with some military service. However, the majority of veterans do not engage in such violent acts.

Northeastern University psychologist Laurie Kramer emphasizes the importance of challenging the perception that combat veterans are more likely to be mass murderers. She highlights the challenges veterans face when reintegrating into civilian life, including PTSD, anxiety, and negative thought patterns.

Fox further explains that while veterans do experience higher rates of PTSD and other mental health issues, they do not constitute the majority of mass shooters. He notes that roughly 7% of U.S. military veterans will experience PTSD in their lifetime, a rate slightly higher than the general population.

The article concludes by noting that mass shootings, including those involving veterans, are down this year compared to previous years, marking the lowest number since at least 2006.