Lone Mass Violence Actors (LMVAs) are individuals who commit acts of extreme violence independently, often without clear affiliation to an organised group or ideology. Motivated by personal grievances, psychological distress, or a desire for notoriety, they act outside of conventional ideological frameworks. Their actions are often impulsive and may be influenced by a combination of individual vulnerabilities and environmental factors.

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The concept of asymmetric violence—unconventional retaliation by a perceived weaker actor—is pertinent here. Lone actors who feel powerless or marginalised may resort to extreme measures to assert control or express frustration. Such violence is marked by unpredictability, and the perpetrator's grievances are often displaced, with victims chosen not because of direct involvement but due to perceived vulnerability or symbolic significance. The grievance(s) held by the perpetrator may be displaced from those who hurt them in the first place, influencing the target choice—often focusing on a target more vulnerable than the perpetrator.

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Recent research highlights the nuanced relationship between neurodivergence and extremism, revealing that neurodivergent individuals, such as those with autism spectrum conditions, may face unique vulnerabilities in radicalisation processes (Salman and Al-Attar, 2023a; 2023b). Evidence from practitioner insights and literature reviews suggests that neurodivergent traits—such as social naivety, rigid thinking patterns, or intense special interests—can intersect with personal grievances, complicating the behavioural assessment of individuals under review in safeguarding or counterterrorism settings, particularly in lone actor contexts (Salman and Al-Attar, 2023b). Moreover, concerns have been raised about the disproportionate referrals of autistic individuals to the UK Prevent programme, underscoring the need for tailored safeguarding approaches that distinguish between neurodivergent distress and genuine extremist threat (Rights & Security International, 2025).

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Understanding the dynamics of lone mass violence actors requires a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating insights from psychology, criminology, neurodiversity research, and security studies. Early identification and intervention are critical in mitigating the risk of such incidents. This includes providing support for vulnerable individuals, promoting social inclusion, and monitoring online spaces for signs of radicalisation. The UK Home Office has acknowledged these challenges and committed to reviewing support mechanisms within counter-extremism efforts for neurodivergent individuals (The Guardian, 2025).

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Addressing the threat of lone mass violence actors requires a comprehensive approach that prioritises collaboration across agencies, builds community trust, and implements preventative measures addressing underlying psychological and social factors beyond ideology. By adopting an inclusive strategy that integrates psychological and neurodevelopmental insights, we can improve risk management for lone actors and contribute to safer communities.

 

 

References

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Financial Times, 2024. Home Office to review autism cases in anti-extremism unit. [online] Available at: https://www.ft.com/content/4218b9c3-8d60-4354-96fe-8a947e93d0b7

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Financial Times, 2024. Weaponised autism and the extremist threat facing children. [online] Available at: https://www.ft.com/content/536c0f10-5011-4329-a100-c2035e32e602

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Salman, N. and Al-Attar, Z., 2023a. Autism and Extremism: The Questions that Operational Practitioners Should be Asking. CREST Research. Available at: https://www.crestresearch.ac.uk/resources/autism-and-extremism-practitioner-report/

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Salman, N. and Al-Attar, Z., 2023b. A Systematic Review of Neurodivergence, Vulnerability and Risk in the Context of Violent Extremism. CREST Research. Available at: https://www.crestresearch.ac.uk/resources/a-systematic-review-of-neurodivergence-vulnerability-and-risk-in-the-context-of-violent-extremism

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Rights & Security International (2025). Autistic individuals and disproportionate referrals to the UK Prevent programme: Safeguarding concerns. Rights & Security International Report. Available at: https://www.rightsandsecurity.org/impact/entry/caught-in-the-web-prevent-databases-and-the-policing-of-children

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The Guardian (2025). UK Home Office to review support for neurodivergent individuals within counter-extremism efforts. The Guardian. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/may/29/neurodivergent-people-overreported-to-uk-anti-extremism-programmes-charity-says

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Additional academic references to support key points:

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1. On multidisciplinary approach and psychology of lone actors:

• Lankford, A. (2013). Public Mass Shooters and Firearms: A Cross-National Study of 171 Countries. Violence and Victims, 28(5), 704-718.

• Gill, P., Horgan, J., & Deckert, P. (2014). Bombing alone: Tracing the motivations and antecedent behaviors of lone-actor terrorists. Journal of Forensic Sciences, 59(2), 425-435.

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2. On asymmetric violence:

• Hoffman, B. (2006). Inside Terrorism. Columbia University Press. (Chapter on asymmetric tactics)

• Kilcullen, D. (2009). The Accidental Guerrilla: Fighting Small Wars in the Midst of a Big One. Oxford University Press.

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3. On displaced grievance and target selection:

• Atran, S. (2010). Talking to the Enemy: Violent Extremism, Radicalization, and the Science of Terrorism. Penguin.

• Silber, M.D., & Bhatt, A. (2007). Radicalization in the West: The Homegrown Threat. NYPD Intelligence Division.