Understanding the Psychology Behind Target Selection in Violent Incidents: Why We Choose Weaker Opponents

Understanding the Psychology Behind Target Selection in Violent Incidents: Why We Choose Weaker Opponents

Question from a reader:
I have a question about the incident where a junior high school third-year boy killed an elderly woman. If he truly felt that “anyone would do,” then why didn’t he storm into a police station or a wrestling dojo instead? If anyone was truly his target, it makes me think he was specifically aiming for someone weaker.