The FBI has taken the unusual step of urging the media to stop identifying mass shooters, KSAT.com reports.
The campaign, called “Don’t Name Them,” comes after researchers at Texas State University found that fame and past mass casualties often motivated shooters.
“When the media covers it, it unfortunately puts ideas in people’s heads,” said Chris Combs, special agent in charge of the San Antonio FBI field office.
Dr. Pete Blair, a researcher with TSU, said reporters are often focused on identifying the shooters and sharing their personal information.
“We understand that the events have to be covered, but it shouldn’t be a glamor piece making this person the center point of the story,” Blair said. “We’d much rather see stories about the heroes and the victims and those sorts of things.”
Blair said people should call out news organizations on social media for naming shooters.
