DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE 

 NATIONAL THREAT ASSESSMENT CENTER

Systems Approach: A Case Study on Jared Lee Loughner December 2015 |1

USING A SYSTEMS APPROACH FOR 

THREAT ASSESSMENT INVESTIGATIONS

A CASE STUDY ON JARED LEE LOUGHNER1

When someone comes to the attention of law enforcement for 

engaging in threatening or concerning behavior, a threat 

assessment investigation may be initiated to assess the 

individual’s risk for engaging in targeted violence. When 

conducting a comprehensive assessment of the risk a person 

may pose, it is essential to gather detailed information from 

multiple sources to enhance your understanding of the 

individual’s life circumstances and why the individual engaged in 

the behavior that brought him or her to the attention of law 

enforcement. This investigative process is supported through the 

use of a systems approach, which serves as a vital tool for law 

enforcement to uncover information that may prevent an act of 

violence from occurring. Using examples from the case of Jared 

Lee Loughner, who opened fire at a “Congress on Your Corner” 

event in January 2011, this document offers some key 

considerations in applying a systems approach to threat 

assessment investigations and management. A case summary 

about Loughner’s life also follows.

The Systems Approach to Threat Assessment 

Investigations: Who Has Information and What Do 

They Know?

One of the first steps in assessing an individual’s risk for violence is to identify sources that may have 

information on the individual’s actions, stressors or recent changes in his or her life, and behaviors that 

may have concerned others. An effective way to accomplish this step is to identify the systems, that is, 

persons with whom the individual has a relationship or frequently comes into contact, and organizations

that may be familiar with or have information on the individual. Some examples of systems that may hold 

key information for an investigation include family members, social networks, employers, teachers, 

spiritual advisors, mental health professionals, social services, law enforcement, and the court system. 

A recent U.S. Secret Service study that examined attacks on federal government targets found that all of 

the perpetrators of these attacks had contact with, or had come to the attention of, one or more 

community systems (or community-level resources) in the years prior to their attacks.2 The systems 

examined in the report included the judicial system, educational institutions, employers, law enforcement, 

mental health professionals, social services, and spiritual centers. 

 

1 While permission to reprint is not necessary, when quoting, paraphrasing, or otherwise referring to this case study, the citation should be: 

National Threat Assessment Center. (2015). Using a systems approach for threat assessment investigations. A case study on Jared Lee 

Loughner. Washington, DC: U.S. Secret Service, Department of Homeland Security.

2 National Threat Assessment Center. (2015). Attacks on federal government 2001-2013: Threat assessment considerations. Washington, DC: 

U.S. Secret Service, Department of Homeland Security.

On January 8, 2011, Jared Lee 

Loughner, 22, shot and injured U.S. 

Representative Gabrielle Dee Giffords 

at a “Congress on Your Corner” event in 

a shopping center parking lot in 

Tucson, AZ. Loughner killed six people 

in the attack, and in addition to Rep. 

Giffords, he injured 12 others. 

Loughner had been exhibiting 

symptoms of mental illness and 

engaging in bizarre behavior in the year 

leading up to the incident. He made 

numerous delusional and antigovernment statements online, and 

reportedly disliked Rep. Giffords 

because he felt she had snubbed him at 

a prior event. Communications 

discovered after the attack indicated 

that Loughner may also have been 

seeking fame as an assassin.

.
 DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

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 NATIONAL THREAT ASSESSMENT CENTER

Systems Approach: A Case Study on Jared Lee Loughner December 2015 |2

Approximately three-quarters or more of the offenders had contact with at least one of the following 

systems:

 the judicial system for actions related to the adjudication of criminal charges the perpetrators 

faced and/or civil actions filed by or against them;

 an educational institution, specifically secondary schools and/or colleges and universities;

 one or more employers, including when seeking employment;

 law enforcement for a variety of reasons, ranging from rather minor infractions (e.g., traffic or 

fishing citations) to arrests for violent crimes.

While these are examples of the most prevalent systems with which the offenders came in contact, all of 

the systems may hold key information for investigators in identifying and assessing those who may 

engage in targeted violence. As part of your investigation, focus on:

 Being creative in identifying other sources of information

At times, an individual who comes to the attention of law enforcement may not appear to have 

any relationships or contacts with a system. This requires an investigator to consider other, 

possibly less traditional, investigative avenues from which information can be gathered, such as 

identifying places in the community that the individual frequents. For example, the person may 

have a membership at a local gym which he attends often. While the individual might not have 

established close friendships within these venues, staff or other patrons who have observed, or 

had interactions with, this individual may notice if he or she exhibits any concerning or unusual 

behavior. They may also notice changes in the individual over time, which can allow an 

investigator to assess the individual’s state of mind and his or her risk for violence.

 Identifying contradictions and gaps in the sources and information

In addition to identifying any concerning behavior, the investigator can also compare the person’s 

behavior across the various systems looking for themes and contradictions. We know that people 

do not always act the same in every setting. For example, an individual may engage in violent 

rhetoric or discuss grievances about the government with coworkers, but not in the presence of 

family members. If only the family members are interviewed during the investigation, this 

information regarding the individual’s behavior will be missed. In addition, touching base with 

these various systems often provides an investigator with leads for further investigation and other 

sources of information that may not have been identified at the outset of an investigation. 

 Considering risk management options

Each system has a piece of the puzzle that can be put together to create a complete picture of 

the individual and allow an investigator to make an informed assessment of the person’s risk for 

engaging in violence. If that individual is deemed a risk, then the systems approach can be used 

as an effective tool for managing this risk. For example, an investigator can establish rapport with 

the individual’s family, coworkers, or friends, and encourage them to contact the investigator if 

there are any changes in the individual’s life that may increase the risk for violence, such as 

acquiring a weapon or being fired from a job. Other identifiable changes in the individual’s life 

may decrease the risk for violence, such as acquiring stable employment or entering into a 

supportive relationship. In addition, investigators can explore other resources that can assist with 

managing the risk an individual poses, for example, requesting a mental health hold or evaluation 

or obtaining a stay way order from a judge.
 DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

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 NATIONAL THREAT ASSESSMENT CENTER

Systems Approach: A Case Study on Jared Lee Loughner December 2015 |3

Applying the Systems Approach to the Case of Jared Lee Loughner

The systems approach is illustrated in this section using information related to Loughner’s actions and life 

circumstances that are described in greater detail in the case summary that follows. All of the information 

provided in the case summary was derived from open source materials.3 The content contained in this 

overview is designed to provide considerations for future threat assessment investigations. It is not an 

evaluation of any investigation or actions that occurred prior to the events of January 8, 2011.

Loughner had contact with multiple systems, and within each system, there were indications of erratic 

behavior, threatening communications, and mental instability. Here we identify the types of information 

held by those who had varying levels of contact with Loughner. 

 Education: Loughner’s erratic behavior concerned faculty and students at the community college 

where he was enrolled. He often acted in an odd manner by laughing to himself or making 

comments that were unrelated to the class discussions. Administrators, faculty, and students 

voiced concern about him. One instructor feared that Loughner would become physically 

aggressive following an argument about his grade. Meanwhile, a classmate wrote an email to a 

friend saying that Loughner scared her and she was worried he would bring a weapon to class. 

He was seen by an academic counselor for his classroom behavior and performance, and came 

to the attention of campus police on at least five occasions for disruptive behavior. Loughner 

ultimately was suspended from the college after school administrators became aware of a 

disturbing video he made while on campus. He was informed that he could not return to the 

college unless a mental health professional deemed him not to be a danger to himself or others. 

 Employment: Loughner worked at a series of entry-level jobs in restaurants and retail stores. He 

walked out on one job after telling coworkers that he could not take it anymore, later describing 

that he had a nervous breakdown. Loughner also tried to enlist in the military, and felt dejected 

when he was deemed unqualified due to his habitual use of marijuana. He was fired from a retail 

store and let go as a volunteer dog walker at an animal shelter. Although he submitted numerous 

job applications in the year before the incident, he was unsuccessful in gaining employment.

 Law Enforcement: Loughner had several encounters with law enforcement and was arrested on 

three occasions. His arrests stemmed from misdemeanor charges related to drinking alcohol as 

a minor, possession of drug paraphernalia, and vandalism. He also came to law enforcement 

attention after reporting that his identity had been stolen. In addition, a detective with the 

community college public safety department emailed an agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, 

Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and asked for any information about Loughner. 

 Community: Loughner’s odd behavior was noticed by others in the community. At the YMCA, 

where he was a member, he asked strange questions, and during one visit, sat in the men’s 

locker room for 30 minutes. When he eventually left the locker room, he asked the front desk 

staff what year it was. Employees at a local bank were also disturbed by his behavior. They felt 

uneasy with him, and kept their fingers close to the alarm button when they saw him arrive. 

 Online Community: Loughner participated in online games, forums, and chat rooms. He posted 

bizarre and disturbing statements on these sites in written as well as video format. For instance, 

he posted a video on YouTube related to grammar and education, creating his own currency, and 

discussing his distrust of the U.S. government. His posts grew more disorganized, and at times 

 

3 Open source materials used in the preparation of this case summary included court records, investigative interviews, news media accounts, 

emails from the community college Loughner attended, and personal communications by Loughner.
 DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

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 NATIONAL THREAT ASSESSMENT CENTER

Systems Approach: A Case Study on Jared Lee Loughner December 2015 |4

included violent undertones. Some of his online peers voiced concern for him, with one 

suggesting that he seek mental health treatment before he hurt himself or others.

 Social Network: Although Loughner appeared to have drifted away from his close friends, at 

some point, he tried to connect with a few of them by calling them frequently and showing up 

uninvited at their homes. A few weeks prior to the attack, Loughner visited two friends and 

showed them a gun and a 32-round clip. One of the friends was so disturbed by him bringing a 

gun that he asked Loughner to leave. 

 Family: Loughner’s parents were concerned about their son’s well-being based on some of the 

behaviors he exhibited, such as talking or laughing to himself, and the problems he was having at 

the community college he attended. Following his suspension from the college, Loughner’s 

parents hid a shotgun that he owned and disabled his car at night so that he would not be able to 

drive it without their permission. 
 DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

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 NATIONAL THREAT ASSESSMENT CENTER

Systems Approach: A Case Study on Jared Lee Loughner December 2015 |5

CASE SUMMARY

Early Signs of Concerning Behavior: 2005 - 2008

Jared Lee Loughner attended high school in Tucson, AZ. A friend described him as intense and 

intelligent, and very good at math. Loughner was interested in literature and hoped to become a writer. 

While in high school, he became involved in his first romantic relationship. In the summer of 2005, 

however, his girlfriend ended the relationship, and Loughner reportedly became despondent and began to 

drink and use drugs. His grades fell and he became distant, isolating himself from his friends. 

In addition to his substance use, Loughner reportedly exhibited some odd behavior while in high school. 

He disrupted class, was rude to the teachers, and often became argumentative with those who disagreed 

with him. He frequently spoke about his dislike of the government and his belief that government officials 

were trying to cover up an unspecified conspiracy. On May 12, 2006, during his junior year, he was taken 

to the hospital for alcohol poisoning after Pima County Sheriff’s Department personnel responded to his 

high school. Loughner reported that between 1:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m., he drank approximately eight 

shots (350 milliliters) of vodka, which he took from his father’s liquor cabinet. The deputies arrested him 

on a charge of a minor in possession of alcohol. Loughner was evaluated and diagnosed with depression 

following this episode; however, he never took the prescribed medication.

Shortly after his arrest, Loughner dropped out of high school following the end of his junior year. He took 

classes at Aztec Middle College, a program through the Tucson Unified School District that allows 

students who drop out of high school to earn their diplomas and transition to Pima Community College 

(PCC).4 The Aztec Middle College program was located on PCC’s Northwest Campus. Around this time, 

a friend from school, who worked with Loughner at a local restaurant, was surprised to hear him talk 

about his use of marijuana, mushrooms, and a hallucinogenic herb, Salvia divinorum. The friend thought 

the drug use was a dramatic change in his behavior. Loughner subsequently switched jobs several times 

in the latter half of the year, and in November 2006, he began working at a Red Robin restaurant as a 

busboy.

In August 2007, Loughner attended a “Congress on Your Corner” event hosted by Rep. Giffords at the 

Foothills Mall in Tucson, AZ.5 During the event, he submitted a question for the congresswoman similar 

to, “What is government if words have no meaning?”6 Others reported that he asked his question to Rep. 

Giffords aloud saying, “If words could not be understood, then what does government mean?”7 Sources 

differ as to how Rep. Giffords responded; some state that she did not answer, while others report that 

Loughner stated that she answered his question in Spanish. Regardless of her response, Loughner 

believed her reply was unsatisfactory and came to dislike her. He referred to her as fake and unintelligent 

to friends. Following the event, he received a form letter on Rep. Giffords’ congressional stationary 

thanking him for his attendance at the event. 

On September 10, 2007, a Pima County sheriff’s deputy pulled over a van in which Loughner was a 

passenger. The deputy searched the van and its occupants, finding a burnt marijuana cigarette in the 

vehicle and a marijuana pipe in Loughner’s pants pocket. Loughner was arrested and charged with 

misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. The charge was dismissed in November 2007 after he 

completed a diversion program that included drug counseling. 

 

4 Records from PCC indicate that Loughner began taking classes at the college as early as the summer of 2005. It is unclear, however, whether 

he began attending courses at PCC before leaving high school.

5 One of Loughner’s high school friends reported that this event occurred at their high school while they were students, and not at the Foothills 

Mall. Serrano (2014, July 27).

6 Pritchard (2011, January 10).

7 Serrano (2014, July 27).
 DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE 

 NATIONAL THREAT ASSESSMENT CENTER

Systems Approach: A Case Study on Jared Lee Loughner December 2015 |6

According to sources, Loughner started to show signs of mental illness in early 2008. He began acting 

strangely and reportedly started hearing voices. He told friends that the world as they saw it did not exist. 

He further claimed that words had no meaning unless one was sleeping, and he developed a fascination 

with dreams and lucid dreaming, which is the idea that one can consciously control his or her sleeping 

world. Around this time, Loughner also appeared to shun or drift away from his close friends from middle 

and high school. In February 2008, he quit his job at Red Robin and found another position at a Quiznos 

in April 2008. He was fired from that job, however, in September 2008. In an online posting two years 

later, Loughner implied that he had a mental breakdown at the time he left the Red Robin job. 

On September 7, 2008, Loughner bought a Heckler & Koch 12-gauge shotgun from Sportsman’s 

Warehouse, a hunting and fishing supply store in Tucson, AZ. 

In the fall of 2008, Loughner had some additional interactions with law enforcement. On October 3, 2008, 

he walked into the Pima County Sheriff Department’s Foothills District Office and reported that his identity 

had been stolen. He claimed that his name and photo were being used on the Internet without his 

permission and was concerned that this would affect his ability to find employment. Although he stated 

that this may be a practical joke being played on him by a former friend, he asked for a police report so he 

could give it to potential employers who might see his name and photo on the Internet. Then, on October 

13, 2008, Loughner was arrested by an officer with the Marana Police Department on a vandalism charge 

for defacing a stop sign with graffiti. He told the officer that he wrote the letters “c” and “x” and both 

meant Christian. The vandalism case was ultimately dismissed on December 9, 2008, after he completed 

a diversion program and paid a $500 fine. 

Throughout 2008, Loughner also experienced problems with obtaining meaningful employment. Although 

he attained a position at an Eddie Bauer clothing store in late 2008, he decided that joining the military 

would help him learn important job skills. Loughner started working out and stopped smoking, drinking, 

and using drugs. He told a friend that he was working to improve his health and physical fitness so that 

he would be able to join the U.S. Army. He also tried to improve his image by cutting his hair and 

dressing more conservatively. In December 2008, Loughner tried to enlist in the Army through a 

recruiting station in Tucson, AZ. He passed the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery and was 

sent to the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) in Phoenix, AZ for a test and a physical to 

determine whether he qualified for service. During his interview, however, he was disqualified when, as 

part of the questions on medical history, he admitted to being a habitual marijuana user. This rejection 

reportedly was a devastating blow for Loughner.

Other Reports of Concerning Behavior: 2009 - 2010

Throughout 2009, Loughner was taking several classes at PCC. Around this time, he began to verbalize 

beliefs about persecution by the government. He believed the government was using grammar and 

currency to control its citizens. He also went through a “tagging” phase, where he would paint graffiti 

using phrases from literature. Then in November 2009, he was fired from Eddie Bauer. His parents 

noticed that his condition deteriorated after being fired and they found it increasingly difficult to 

communicate with him. According to Loughner’s mother, he acted in an odd manner, often talking or 

laughing to himself, and exhibited anger towards the government. Because Loughner had previously 

admitted to his parents that he tried several drugs in the past, including marijuana and cocaine, they had 

him take a drug test, which came back negative. In addition, although Loughner had lost touch with many 

of his friends from middle and high school, in 2009 and 2010, those he maintained contact with reported 

that he seemed desperate to be around people. He called his friends frequently, showed up at their 

homes uninvited, and offered to pay when they went out so that he could spend time with them.

In January 2010, Loughner began volunteering to walk dogs at a local animal shelter. While volunteering, 

staff at the shelter asked him to keep the dogs away from a restricted area that was being disinfected, but 

Loughner was unable or unwilling to follow their directions and repeatedly walked the dogs near the 

restricted area. In March 2010, the staff asked Loughner to leave the shelter because he was not 
 DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE 

 NATIONAL THREAT ASSESSMENT CENTER

Systems Approach: A Case Study on Jared Lee Loughner December 2015 |7

following instructions. Also in March, Loughner voiced an interest in weapons and learning how to shoot 

when a friend told him he was going for target practice. He went with this friend to the desert and 

practiced shooting with a firearm. Further, although the date is unknown, a man later reported seeing 

Loughner near a shooting range driving dangerously and at a high rate of speed, then stopping quickly, 

and appearing odd while sitting in his car.

During the spring of 2010, Loughner continued to engage in bizarre behavior. At the YMCA where he 

was a member, Loughner asked strange questions, such as, how often the doors were disinfected and 

how a staff member would feel about the government taking over. During another visit, he spent a half 

hour sitting in the men’s locker room. When he eventually left the locker room, he asked the staff at the 

front desk what year it was. 

Throughout 2010, Loughner’s behavior and performance at PCC also declined and he came to the 

attention of the PCC Department of Public Safety on several occasions. In January 2010, classmates in 

his advanced poetry class noticed that he exhibited odd behaviors, such as laughing to himself, grinning 

at inappropriate times, and making comments that were not related to class discussions. In February 

2010, Loughner made an inappropriate remark regarding a classmate’s poem about abortion, saying 

something similar to “strapping a bomb to the fetus and making a baby bomb.”8 The instructor was 

disturbed by the comment and reported him to campus police. After the incident, Loughner and his 

mother attended a meeting with a school administrator, during which Loughner stated that he would stop 

speaking in class in order to stay enrolled. His behavior, however, continued to concern the instructor 

and other students.

During the spring semester, Loughner also was enrolled in a logic class. Although he had an excellent 

attendance rate, he often spoke out of turn with comments that were unrelated to the class discussion 

and asked questions that did not make sense to his classmates. On one of the tests, he drew geometric 

scribbles rather than write answers to the questions. The instructor spoke to the department chair about 

Loughner, but they were unable to intervene because the college required that students disclose that they 

were having problems in order to receive assistance.

On April 6, 2010, Loughner was working at a computer in the PCC library, listening to music through ear 

phones, and making loud noises. The director of the library called campus police, and an officer arrived 

and informed Loughner that his behavior was not appropriate for a public setting. Loughner replied that 

he would not engage in that behavior again. Another report noted that one individual observed Loughner 

regularly at the library “repeatedly talk[ing] loudly to the computer.”9 This individual also noticed that 

Loughner appeared to be watching Rep. Giffords’s speeches online.

On May 17, 2010, Loughner was again reported to campus police after he became upset over a grade he 

received. His instructor told him he received a “B” and Loughner became agitated, threw his work on the 

ground, and told the instructor that the grade was unacceptable. The instructor feared that Loughner 

would become physically aggressive so she called campus police and asked them to come to the class. 

Campus police monitored her evening class in case Loughner returned. 

About two weeks later, on June 1, 2010, Loughner caused another disturbance when he repeatedly 

disrupted a math class that he was taking for the second time, having failed on his previous try. He called 

the class a “scam” and referred to the instructor as a “fraud.”10 When the instructor asked a math 

question, Loughner blurted out a random number then asked, “How can you deny math instead of accept 

it?”11 The instructor asked Loughner to stop disrupting the class and when he did not, the instructor 

asked him to leave the classroom. Loughner refused and the instructor notified school administrators. 

Loughner was seen by an educational support faculty counselor the next day. The counselor told 

 

8 Quinones, Hennessy-Fiske, & Powers (2011, January 11).

9 Serrano (2014, July 27).

10 Gardner, Fahrenthold, & Fisher (2011, January 13).

11 Gardner et al. (2011, January 13). 
 DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

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 NATIONAL THREAT ASSESSMENT CENTER

Systems Approach: A Case Study on Jared Lee Loughner December 2015 |8

Loughner that other students were complaining that he was negatively impacting their educational

experience. Loughner stated that he wanted to continue taking the class and that he would not ask any 

further questions; however, he voiced his fears that his freedom of speech was being stifled. Following 

the meeting, the counselor wrote a report in which she noted that Loughner had extreme opinions and 

had trouble focusing and staying on one topic. She also noted that he had problems with understanding 

how his behavior affected others, but was aware that his way of thinking was not common. Since 

Loughner said that he would not disrupt the class anymore, he was allowed to return. The counselor did 

recommend, however, that he be instructed on proper classroom conduct.

Despite Loughner’s conversation with the counselor, students and the math instructor were still 

concerned about his behavior. On June 3, 2010, Loughner scribbled the words “MAYHEM FEST!!!” and 

the word “Imagination” on a math quiz.12 He also continued to laugh at inappropriate times and stare at 

his classmates and his instructor in an intimidating manner. The instructor contacted the counselor who 

had met with Loughner the previous day, and requested that Loughner not return to the class again. 

Loughner was allowed to return to class, however, because he had not made a threat and had complied 

with the counselor’s directive not to cause disruptions. Campus police were notified and took a report on 

the incident.

On June 5, 2010, the math instructor sent an email to the counselor urging that someone assess 

Loughner’s behaviors and stated that he was concerned about the safety of the class. The next day, 

campus police sent the Vice President for Student Development an email providing information she 

requested regarding their contact with Loughner. They also informed the administrator that Loughner had 

come to their attention as a suspicious person, but was never reported for threatening behavior. 

Loughner’s disruptive and bizarre behavior continued for several weeks. On another math test, he 

reportedly wrote down odd equations like, “Eat + Sleep + Brush Teeth = Math.”13 Others in the class were 

concerned about Loughner and were worried that he might bring a weapon to class. In an email to a 

friend on June 14, 2010, one of his classmates wrote that he scared her. She described him as the type 

of person whose picture you see on the news. She wrote, “Hopefully he will be out of class very soon, 

and not come back with an automatic weapon.”14 Loughner’s behavior eventually led to his removal from 

the class after he accused the instructor of violating his First Amendment rights. 

During the summer of 2010, Loughner’s online friends also voiced their concern for him. A fellow 

participant in an online forum responded to one of Loughner’s bizarre posts suggesting that he seek 

mental health treatment, “I think you’re frankly schizophrenic, and no that’s not an amateur opinion and 

not intended as an uninformed or insulting remark. I really do care. Seek help before you hurt yourself or 

others or start taking your medications again, please.”15 Loughner wrote back, “Thank you for the 

concern.”16

On September 23, 2010, Loughner turned in an assignment for his biology class late and was told he 

would earn half-credit for it. He reacted aggressively and told the instructor his “freedom of speech was 

being taken away.”17 The instructor was so concerned with Loughner’s reaction that he called campus 

police. Loughner left the class, but officers found him and asked him about the incident. Loughner tried 

to explain to the officers that his freedom of speech also extended to his freedom of thought, which meant 

that his instructor should acknowledge his written thoughts with a passing grade. 

That night, September 23, 2010, Loughner returned to the campus to make a video about PCC titled 

Jared Lee Loughner Pima Community College – School Genocide Scam Free Education Broken United 

 

12 Quinones et al. (2011, January 11).

13 Quinones et al. (2011, January 11).

14 Johnson, Kovaleski, Frosch, & Lipton (2011).

15 Gardner et al. (2011, January 13).

16 Gardner et al. (2011, January 13).

17 Abcarian, Reston, & Hennessy-Fiske (2011, January 16).
 DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

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 NATIONAL THREAT ASSESSMENT CENTER

Systems Approach: A Case Study on Jared Lee Loughner December 2015 |9

States Constitution. He uploaded the video to YouTube later that night. In the video, Loughner walks 

around filming the college campus. At one point, he complains to an unknown person he passed about a 

grade he received. He also stated, “We’re examining the torture of students.”18 Speaking about the 

school, Loughner said, “I’m in a terrible place. This is the school that I go to. This is my genocide school 

where I’m gonna be homeless because of this school.”19 He also claimed that the school was “illegal 

according to the U.S. Constitution,” and “one of the biggest scams in America.”20 During the video, 

Loughner panned the camera to a campus police sign and said, “This is the police station. This is where 

the whole shabuuzie goes down with illegal activity.”21 He ended the video with “All the teachers you 

have are being paid illegally. And have illegal authority over the Constitution of the United States under 

the 1st Amendment, this is genocide in America, thank you this is Jared from Pima College.”22

A few days later, on September 27, 2010, Loughner met with a college administrator about his recent 

behaviors. During the meeting, he stated that he had paid for his classes illegally because he did not pay 

with gold and silver. He told the administrator that his parents told him not to say anymore, and he 

abruptly stopped talking. The administrator set up a meeting with Loughner and his parents for the 

following day to create a behavioral contract that would guide his behavior on campus. 

The next evening, September 28, 2010, Loughner and his mother met with the college administrator and 

the counselor to discuss his behavior. Loughner did not speak much during the meeting, but he did give 

some rote responses to the administrator’s questions such as, “I know I have to follow Pima processes 

and write what the teacher wants.”23 In her notes about the meeting, the administrator remarked that 

Loughner “held himself very rigidly and smiled overtly at inappropriate times.”24 They agreed that 

Loughner would meet with her again the following week to sign the agreed-upon behavioral contract.

On September 29, 2010, the day after his meeting with the college administrator and school counselor, 

Loughner went to the Pima County OneStop employment center. He had been to the center on five 

previous occasions in August and September 2010 to obtain assistance in finding employment. During 

this visit, however, Loughner took a video camera with him and attempted to record the facility and staff 

inside. He was asked twice to stop videotaping, but refused and then pulled a copy of the U.S. 

Constitution from his pocket and ranted about his rights. Staff at the employment center tried to calm him 

down, but he eventually was asked to leave. 

That same day, PCC campus police and other college administrators became aware of Loughner’s 

YouTube video that referred to PCC as a “genocide school.” After reviewing the video, administrators 

decided to suspend Loughner. Campus police notified him later that day that he was suspended for 

numerous Code of Conduct violations. The college also cited the video as a reason for his suspension. 

Campus police read the letter of suspension to Loughner and his father in their home and then briefly 

spoke to his father. The letter of suspension instructed Loughner to contact the school and set up a 

meeting to discuss his suspension and the process he would need to follow to re-enroll. The letter also 

informed him that he was barred from the campus except for an appointment to discuss his suspension. 

Loughner stared at the officers during the reading of the letter, and then said that the whole situation was 

a scam. 

That afternoon, a student services analyst wrote an email summarizing Loughner’s campus police 

contacts and behavioral problems. The email included a section that recommended that the school 

suspend Loughner immediately, conduct a welfare check, and refer his case to the Behavior Assessment 

Committee to provide conditions for his return to school. As a result, the committee determined that 

 

18 Loughner (2010, September 23).

19 Loughner (2010, September 23).

20 Loughner (2010, September 23).

21 Loughner (2010, September 23).

22 Loughner (2010, September 23).

23 Abcarian et al. (2011, January 16).

24 Abcarian et al. (2011, January 16).
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Loughner would not be allowed back at the school unless he received a mental health evaluation that 

showed he was not a danger to himself or others.

Also on September 29, 2010, a detective with the PCC Department of Public Safety emailed an agent 

with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and provided Loughner’s name and 

other identifiers and requested any information or lack thereof related to Loughner. The ATF agent 

responded with an email stating “I did not come up with any gun info on this guy. Let me know if you 

need anything else.”25 The following day, September 30, 2010, the college distributed a flyer to some of 

the school staff. The flyer included a photo of Loughner, noted that he was not allowed on campus, and 

stated that staff were to contact campus police if he was seen on PCC property. 

After receiving the suspension letter from campus police, Loughner and his parents met with PCC 

administrators on October 4, 2010. At the meeting, Loughner told administrators that he would voluntarily 

withdraw from the college. On October 7, 2010, PCC sent Loughner a second letter explaining that to reenroll in the college, he would have to settle his conduct violations and receive clearance from a mental 

health professional indicating that he was not a danger to himself or others. 

Following his suspension from school, Loughner became distraught and told his parents that he felt that 

he was being harassed by campus police. Loughner’s parents grew more concerned, and based on a 

recommendation from PCC administrators to remove any firearms in the home, hid Loughner’s 12-gauge 

shotgun that Loughner owned in the trunk of the family car along with another family-owned firearm. 

They disabled his car every night so that he would not be able to drive it without their permission, and 

took away his video camera to prevent him from making videos. He was permitted to drive during the day 

as he continued to seek employment. Despite their son’s apparent mental health issues, however, they 

were unable to persuade Loughner to see a mental health professional.

About a month later, on November 14, 2010, Loughner went to a tattoo parlor with a 9mm bullet and had 

a picture of the bullet tattooed on his right shoulder blade. He expressed his enjoyment for shooting and 

target practice to the tattoo artist. The next week, on or about November 21, 2010, Loughner returned to 

the tattoo parlor and asked for another tattoo of a bullet. The artist asked Loughner about the 

significance of his tattoos, but Loughner only smiled in response to his question. 

On November 30, 2010, a little more than a week after getting his tattoos, Loughner bought a Glock 19 

semiautomatic 9mm gun at Sportsman’s Warehouse, the same store where he bought the shotgun that 

his parents confiscated. While there, he told the employee who waited on him that he wanted to deal with 

a younger staff member. A younger employee assisted him with the purchase, but thought that this was a 

strange request. Loughner bought the gun, a 15-round magazine, and a box of ammunition. About a 

month later, on December 24, 2010, he purchased a 6-inch bladed knife and a holster. 

Loughner continued to exhibit concerning behaviors in the community. Employees at a local bank branch 

were disturbed by his bizarre behavior. They felt uneasy when he was there, and kept their fingers close 

to the alarm button when they saw him arrive. During one visit, Loughner became involved in a heated 

argument with a female employee when she could not accommodate one of his requests because it was 

against the bank’s policy. In the course of their argument, he told her that she should not have any 

power. After the bank installed bulletproof glass, Loughner tried to put his finger through a small space 

on the top of the glass and laughed to himself. 

Concerns in Loughner’s Online Activity Mirrored Those in Other Areas of His Life: 2010

Loughner’s interest in online gaming began in middle school. In 2010, he began reaching out to others 

who participated in the online games, forums, and chat rooms that he frequented, discussing various 

issues and asking questions. He discussed his unemployment issues and asked for advice on 

employment and relationships. His posts also contained recurrent themes involving grammar, education, 

 

25 Stellar (2011, May 19).
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his distrust of the U.S. government, creating his own currency, lucid dreaming, and the idea that he was 

being persecuted. These posts concerned many of the other individuals who participated in these online 

forums. 

Throughout the spring of 2010, the anger in Loughner’s online postings escalated as he vented his 

disappointment at not being able to obtain and maintain employment. On May 14, 2010, he began a 

discussion about employment and asked his online community what they considered to be a large 

number of job applications. The post included a list of 21 retail places to which he had applied, but failed 

to acquire a job. He wondered if his work history and previous criminal charges impacted his ability to 

gain employment. In another post, he wrote that he had been fired from five jobs and had not received a 

paycheck for six months. A few days later, someone responded to his post by stating that he thought 

Loughner may be drunk or high. 

On June 3, 2010, Loughner posted about the argument he had earlier that day with his math instructor at 

PCC. He wrote that he asked the instructor, “Are you just getting a pay check for brainwashing?”26 He 

also wrote that he told the instructor that the class was a scam, and asked “how to Deny math?”27 On this 

same date, Loughner also commented in an online post about his meeting with the school counselor, 

writing that he “told her about a logical argument, but didn’t mention attending the logic class, that the 

logical argument was relevant. Told her about brainwashing a child and how that can change the view of 

mathematics.”28

Loughner also had a MySpace account that he created on January 13, 2010, on which he made 

numerous concerning, threatening, and unusual statements. For example, in the early morning hours of 

July 11, 2010, he posted “I keep hearing VOICES IN MY HEAD!”29 He also made numerous posts about 

contemplating suicide. On September 15, 2010, he posted “I thought about attempting suicide 

again......notice the again...”30

Loughner’s online postings and videos became more disorganized and disturbing. On October 2, 2010, 

he posted a video on YouTube titled, America: Your Last Memory In A Terrorist Country! The video 

showed someone dressed as the Grim Reaper with a smiley-face mask setting fire to an American flag. 

Some sources note the person in the video is Loughner. He also posted other videos that contained 

themes of persecution and demonstrated his belief that the government was controlling him. In one video 

he posted text that stated, “I know who’s listening: Government Officials, and the People. Nearly all the 

people, who don’t know this accurate information of a new currency, aren’t aware of mind control and 

brainwash methods.”31

Loughner also made videos and postings about literacy. One of these postings may have alluded to Rep. 

Giffords’s congressional district: “My hope – is for you to be literate! If you’re literate in English grammar, 

then you comprehend English grammar. The majority of people, who reside in District 8 are illiterate –

hilarious.”32 Rep. Giffords represented Arizona’s 8th Congressional District. 

In addition to his concerning posts and videos, Loughner’s MySpace page contained disturbing photos 

and comments in the days and weeks leading up to the incident. One concerning photo was of a Glock 

firearm lying on top of a U.S. history textbook with an image that portrayed the White House in the center, 

and pictures of U.S. presidents around the edge. In addition, on an unknown date, most likely following 

his tattoo parlor visit in November 2010, Loughner posted a comment online, writing “I have a new tattoo 

 

26 Berzon, Emshwiller, & Guth (2011, January 12).

27 Berzon et al. (2011, January 12).

28 Myers (2011, March 22).

29 FBI files on the Jared Lee Loughner investigation (2014, April 10).

30 FBI files on the Jared Lee Loughner investigation (2014, April 10).

31 Steller (2011, January 8).

32 Karni (2011, January 9).
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on my back: 2 9mm bullets,” following that with “There are important figures in my dreams that 

accomplished political aspirations: Hitler, Hilary Clinton [sic] and Giffords to name a few.”33

On December 13, 2010, Loughner made threatening statements towards law enforcement on his 

MySpace page writing, “I don’t feel good: I’m ready to kill a police officer! I can say it.”34 Later that same 

day, Loughner posted a comment to his MySpace page that suggested he may have been contemplating 

suicide: “WOW! I’m glad i didn’t kill myself. I’ll see you on National T.v.! This is foreshadow .... why 

doesn’t anyone talk to me?”35

On December 15, 2010, Loughner uploaded a video to YouTube titled, Introduction: Jared Loughner. 

The video contained only written words that appeared on the screen. In the video, he made reference to 

his attempt to join the military and his visit to the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) in Phoenix. 

Loughner wrote that, “Every United States military recruit at MEPS in Phoenix is receiving one mini bible 

before the tests. Jared Loughner is a United States military recruit at MEPS in Phoenix. Therefore, Jared 

Loughner is receiving one mini bible before the tests. Loughner is in need of sleep.”36 He went on to 

discuss terrorism in this video, saying “If I define terrorist then a terrorist is a person who employs terror or 

terrorism, especially as a political weapon. I define terrorist. If you call me a terrorist then the argument 

to call me a terrorist is ad hominem. You call me a terrorist.”37 Loughner closed this video with a 

concluding statement in which he summed up his thoughts: “In conclusion, my ambition – is for informing 

literate dreamers about a new currency; in a few days, you know I’m conscience dreaming!”38

Final Preparations in the Days Leading up to the Incident

At the end of December 2010, Loughner went to visit two friends. While at their home, he took out the 

Glock handgun and a 32-round clip and showed them to one friend, who was taken aback. The friend 

asked Loughner several times why he had the weapon. Loughner answered that he purchased it for 

“home protection.”39 The friend handled the gun for a bit, took the bullets out, and then gave the gun and 

bullets back to Loughner. Loughner gave him one of the bullets to keep. Loughner then showed another 

friend at the home the handgun and his tattoo of the two bullets. The friend was disturbed by the gun and 

asked him to leave. 

Around this same time, Loughner was reportedly practicing with his handgun. A witness stated that at 

some point after Christmas 2010, he encountered Loughner in an area of the Arizona desert that was 

often used for target practice. Loughner told the unnamed witness that he was trying out a recently 

purchased 9 mm handgun. 

In January 2011, Loughner researched political assassins as well as information on the likely punishment 

for committing such an act. He researched solitary confinement and lethal injection in an effort to 

understand what lethal injection would feel like. In addition, Loughner built a shrine inside a camouflage 

tent in the family’s backyard. The shrine included a replica of a skull placed on top of a pot filled with 

shriveled oranges, which were placed next to several candles. 

On January 7, 2011, at 11:35 p.m., Loughner visited the Walgreens next to the Safeway where Rep. 

Giffords’s “Congress on Your Corner” event was slated to occur the following morning. While at the 

Walgreens, Loughner submitted a roll of film to be developed. The pictures included images of Loughner 

 

33 FBI files on the Jared Lee Loughner investigation (2014, April 10); Serrano (2014, July 27).

34 Steller (2011, January 8).

35 Steller (2011, January 8).

36 Steller (2011, January 8).

37 Karni (2011, January 9).

38 Steller (2011, January 8).

39 Serrano (2014, July 27).
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posing with his Glock firearm, some with him holding the weapon in front of him, while others show him 

holding the weapon next to his backside. 

On January 8, 2011, just after midnight, Loughner made a purchase at a convenience store and then 

checked into a Motel 6 a few miles from his home. According to the motel’s records, it did not appear as 

if he spent much time sleeping because the door repeatedly opened and closed. At about 2:00 a.m., 

Loughner called an old friend, leaving him a voicemail saying, “Hey, it’s Jared. We had some good times 

and peace out.”40 About 20 minutes later, Loughner picked up his developed photos and bought ear 

plugs from the Walgreens.

At 4:12 a.m., Loughner wrote a final message on his MySpace page that read, “Goodbye... Dear 

friends... Please don’t be mad at me. The literacy rate is below 5%. I haven’t talked to one person who 

is literate. I want to make it out alive. The longest war in the history of the United States. Goodbye. I’m 

saddened with the current currency and job employment. I had a bully at school. Thank you. P.S. 

Please the fifth!”41

Loughner returned to his parents’ house around 6:00 a.m., and then left again. He made purchases at 

several stores, and just after 7:00 a.m. he returned to a Walmart to purchase ammunition. The clerk was 

taken aback by how rushed Loughner seemed and his erratic behavior, so he lied and told him the 

ammunition he wanted was out of stock. About 20 minutes later, Loughner went to a Super Walmart and 

inquired whether they had a limit on how much ammunition he could buy. The employee who assisted 

him sold him eight boxes of ammunition and a black backpack diaper bag.

Around 7:30 a.m., Loughner was stopped by an officer from the Arizona Game and Fish Department for 

failing to stop at a red light. He told the officer that he was just driving around. A check by the officer did 

not reveal any outstanding warrants, so he informed Loughner that he was only going to issue him a 

citation. Loughner began crying and then started laughing; finding it strange, the officer asked Loughner 

if he was okay. He responded that he was okay but that he had been having a hard time lately and was 

worried about getting a ticket. The officer inquired again if Loughner was okay. He responded yes and 

stated that he was going home. He then shook the officer’s hand. 

Later that morning around 8:00 a.m., Loughner returned home. He exited the car and took the black 

backpack out of the trunk. When he entered the house, his father asked him what was in the backpack. 

Loughner mumbled something, and ran out of the house. His father tried to follow him, but was unable to 

locate him. 

At 9:00 a.m., Loughner went to a convenience store near his home and asked the clerk to call him a taxi. 

While he was waiting, he paced and repeatedly used the restroom. Around 9:25 a.m., he glanced at the 

clock and said that he still had some time. Then he walked to the clerk who called him the cab and shook 

her hand and thanked her. The taxi came and took him to the Safeway grocery store at the La Toscana 

Village strip mall in Tucson, AZ, where Rep. Giffords was holding her “Congress on Your Corner” event. 

The ride to the strip mall was mostly silent, except at one point Loughner blurted out that he drank too 

much. The taxi arrived at the strip mall at 9:54 a.m., and both the taxi driver and Loughner entered the 

Safeway so Loughner could get change to pay his taxi fare. After paying the taxi driver, Loughner went 

into the Safeway’s restroom and put in earplugs. 

The Incident

About 10:00 a.m., Rep. Giffords arrived for the “Congress on Your Corner” event and began speaking 

with constituents who had gathered there. A few minutes after her arrival, Loughner approached her 

District Director, Ron Barber, and asked, “Where is the congresswoman?...Is that the congresswoman?”42 

 

40 Abcarian et al. (2011, January 16).

41 Leonard (2011, January 10); FBI FILES (2011, February 22).

42 Serrano (2014, July 27).
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He was told to wait his turn and he walked to the back of the line of about 20 people. At approximately 

10:12 a.m., Loughner walked quickly back to the front where Rep. Giffords was standing, and shot her. 

He then turned and began firing at the crowd near her and those waiting in line. People in the crowd 

attempted to flee the scene, and witnesses called 9-1-1. Bystanders were able to subdue Loughner when 

his firearm malfunctioned. The attack lasted about 15 seconds and emergency personnel and law 

enforcement officers arrived on the scene around 10:15 a.m. Six people were killed and 13 wounded, 

including Rep. Giffords. 

Investigators were concerned that Loughner also planned to set off explosives in his home, or that he 

may have been planning to conduct a larger attack, so they executed a search warrant at the house using 

bomb technicians and bomb-sniffing dogs. In a small safe in Loughner’s bedroom, technicians 

discovered batteries, a circuit board, wires, and a keyboard. While news reports described these as 

materials that could be used to construct an explosive device, FBI files explicitly state that these items 

were components of “the safe’s numeric keyboard system,” and that “there were no explosive hazards 

found in the dwelling.”43 

In the safe, investigators also found the form letter from Rep. Giffords’s office thanking Loughner for his 

attendance at the 2007 “Congress on Your Corner Event.” On the letter, he had written “Die Cops” and 

“Die Bitch,”44 which investigators determined was a reference to Rep. Giffords. Additionally, they 

discovered an envelope in the safe containing two shell casings, on which he had written “I planned 

ahead,” “My assassination,” and “Giffords,” and words to the effect of “these are the first two shells of my 

gun.”45 The note on the envelope was dated December 6, 2010. The serial number for a Glock handgun 

was written on the outside of the envelope. The safe also contained a gun lock with a paper inside that 

said something similar to “you have a piece of a historic gun...2010, Jared Lee Loughner.”46 Finally, 

investigators found additional bullets of various caliber above the safe on a shelf. These items seem to 

imply that in addition to Loughner’s dislike for Rep. Giffords stemming from the 2007 event, another 

possible motive for his attack may have been his desire to achieve fame as an assassin.

Judicial Outcome

Initially, Loughner was deemed incompetent to stand trial following a court-ordered mental health 

evaluation. While awaiting trial, he was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, and at first, he refused to 

acknowledge that Rep. Giffords was still alive. When probed about what it meant to him if she was still 

alive, he replied that it would make him a failure. Loughner was forcibly medicated and restored to 

competency. He pleaded guilty, and on November 8, 2012, he was sentenced to 7 life sentences plus 

140 years in prison. 

 

43 FBI files on the Jared Lee Loughner investigation (2014, April 10).

44 Myers & Pritchard (2011, January 12b).

45 Becker, Kovaleski, Luo, & Barry (2011, January 16).

46 Tucson shooting: Last hours before rampage show Loughner unraveling (2010, March 28).
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ABBREVIATED TIMELINE OF EVENTS IN THE YEARS

PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT

Summer 2005 Before the start of his junior year in high school, Loughner begins 

drinking and using drugs

May 12, 2006 Police called to his high school after he showed up intoxicated; he 

is taken to the hospital and reports drinking approximately eight 

shots of vodka 

Summer 2006 Drops out of high school

August 2007 Attends “Congress on Your Corner” event in Tucson, AZ with Rep. 

Giffords

September 10, 2007 Cited for possession of drug paraphernalia; charge dismissed 

after he completes a drug diversion program

2008 (unknown date) Buys a 12-gauge shotgun from Sportsman’s Warehouse in 

Tucson, AZ

Early 2008 Begins to exhibit signs of mental illness such as hearing voices 

and communicating bizarre ideas

October 3, 2008 Registers a complaint with law enforcement that someone stole 

his identity 

October 13, 2008 Arrested on a vandalism charge for defacing a stop sign; charge 

dismissed after he pays a fine and completes a second diversion 

program

December 2008 Applies to enlist in the U.S. Army, but disqualified to serve 

because of drug use

November 2009 Fired from position at Eddie Bauer

January 2010 Volunteers as a dog-walker at a local animal shelter

March 2010 Asked to leave the animal shelter after failing to follow 

instructions; voices interest in weapons, shooting, and target 

practice

January - September 2010 Engages in disruptive and bizarre behaviors at Pima Community 

College (PCC), which led to meetings with a school counselor and 

five contacts with campus police
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August - October 2010 Posts statements on his MySpace page that indicate he may have 

been contemplating suicide

September 23, 2010 Records a disturbing video about PCC while on campus, which he 

uploads on YouTube

September 29, 2010 Engages in disruptive behavior at the Pima County OneStop 

employment center and is asked to leave; PCC suspends him

October 4, 2010 He and his parents meet with campus officials to discuss his 

suspension; he withdraws from PCC

October 7, 2010 PCC sends him a letter indicating that he needs to obtain 

clearance from a mental health professional to re-enroll

November 30, 2010 Purchases 9mm Glock semiautomatic handgun from Sportsman’s 

Warehouse in Tucson, AZ

December 13, 2010 Posts statements on his MySpace page that threatens law 

enforcement and suggest he may have been contemplating 

suicide

December 24, 2010 Purchases a 6-inch bladed knife and holster

Late December 2010 Visits friends and shows them gun and bullets 

January 2011 Conducts online research on political assassins and punishment 

for committing such an act
 DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

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Systems Approach: A Case Study on Jared Lee Loughner December 2015 |17

ABBREVIATED TIMELINE OF EVENTS: JANUARY 7-8, 2011

January 7

11:35 p.m. Arrives at a Walgreens and drops off film to be developed

January 8

12:24 a.m. Makes a purchase at a convenience store 

12:30 a.m. Checks into a Motel 6 

2:00 a.m. Calls and leaves a voice message for a high school classmate

2:19 a.m. Returns to Walgreens to retrieve photos and buys ear plugs

4:12 a.m. Posts “Goodbye... Dear friends” message to his MySpace page

6:00 - 7:00 a.m. Makes purchases at several stores

7:04 a.m. Arrives at a Walmart store and attempts to purchase ammunition, but is 

turned away due to his erratic behavior

7:27 a.m. Purchases ammunition and a backpack style diaper bag at a Super 

Walmart

7:30 a.m. Stopped by an Arizona Game and Fish Department officer for running a red 

light

8:00 a.m. Returns home, but leaves when his father asks about the backpack he had 

9:04 a.m. Enters a convenience store and asks the clerk to call him a taxi

9:39 a.m. Leaves convenience store in a taxi

9:54 a.m. Arrives by taxi at the La Toscana Village strip mall, site of “Congress on 

Your Corner” event with Rep. Giffords, enters the Safeway with the taxi 

driver to get change to pay the fare, then enters the restroom and puts in 

ear plugs

10:00 a.m. Rep. Giffords arrives for the event

Just after 10 a.m. Approaches a volunteer and asks to speak with Rep. Giffords and is 

directed to the back of the line 

10:10 a.m. Walks back to the front of the line and shoots and injures Rep. Giffords, 

then turns and fires at the crowd around her

10:11 a.m. His gun malfunctions and bystanders tackle and hold him until law 

enforcement officers arrive
 DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

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Systems Approach: A Case Study on Jared Lee Loughner December 2015 |18

REFERENCES

1) Abcarian, R., Reston, M., & Hennessy-Fiske, M. (2011, January 16). Tucson suspect: A troubled 

path; Police reports, classmates and Jared Loughner’s own words detail the Tucson suspect’s 

descent into darkness. Los Angeles Times, p. A1.

2) The Arizona shooting, and what led up to it. (2011, January 9). The New York Times 

(NYTimes.com). 

3) Audi, T. (2011, January 14). Ex-girlfriend recalls Loughner as ‘normal.’ The Wall Street Journal 

(WSJ.com).

4) Beam, C. (2011, January 10). Kent Slinker, Jared Lee Loughner’s philosophy professor, on the 

shooting in Arizona. Slate.com. 

5) Becker, J., Kovaleski, S. F., Luo, M., & Barry, D. (2011, January 16). Looking behind the mugshot grin. The New York Times, p. A1.

6) Berzon, A., Emshwiller, J. R., & Guth, R. A. (2011, January 12). Postings of a troubled mind: 

Accused shooter wrote on gaming site of his job woes, rejection by women. The Wall Street 

Journal (WSJ.com). 

7) Brosseau, C., Innes, S., Matas, K., Pallack B., Smith, K., & Steller, T. (2013, March 28a). Tucson 

shooting: Last hours before rampage show Loughner unraveling. Arizona Daily Star 

(AZStarNet.com). 

8) Brosseau, C., Innes, S., Matas, K., Pallack B., Smith, K., & Steller, T. (2013, March 28b). 

Tucson ammo seller lied to make Loughner go away. Arizona Daily Star (AZStarNet.com). 

9) Cloherty, J., Thomas, P., & Balderick, T. (2011, May 25). Jared Lee Loughner mentally 

incompetent to stand trial in Giffords shootings. ABCNews.com.

10) Colberg, S. (2011, February 5). Tucson shooting raises questions; Mental health; Could similar 

incidents be prevented? The Oklahoman, p. 19A.

11) Defendant’s Emergency Motion to Stay Involuntary Medication, United States v. Loughner, No. 

CR 11-0187-TUC LAB (D. Ariz. Sep. 23, 2011). 

12) Echavarri, F., & Steller, T. (2011, April 23). Loughner, at 17, was treated for behavioral-health 

issue. Arizona Daily Star (AZStarNet.com). 

13) Emshwiller, J. R., Barrett, D., & Forelle, C. (2011, January 10). Suspect fixated on Giffords: 

Accused gunman went to congresswoman’s event in 2007. The Wall Street Journal (WSJ.com).

14) Fahrenthold, D. A., & Horwitz, S. (2011, January 12). Sheriff releases past reports involving 

Loughner. WashingtonPost.com. 

15) Fantz, A., & Grinberg, E. (2011, January 13). Jared Lee Loughner, 22, had a documented 

history of brushes with school officials and law enforcement. CNN.com. 

16) FBI files on the Jared Lee Loughner investigation. (2014, April 10). Retrieved August 4, 2014, 

from http://tucson.com/news/local/crime/newly-released-fbi-files-on-the-jared-lee-loughnerinvestigation/collection_6b69747c-c0e9-11e3-8ff1-0019bb2963f4.html. 
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Systems Approach: A Case Study on Jared Lee Loughner December 2015 |19

17) Friedman, E., & Stone, A. (2011, January 24). Accused Tucson gunman Jared Loughner smiles 

through hearing. ABCNews.com. 

18) Gardner, A., Fahrenthold, D. A., & Fisher, M. (2011, January 13). Friends, teachers tell of 

Loughner’s descent into world of fantasy. WashingtonPost.com. 

19) Goldman, R. (2011, March 9). Jared Loughner pleads not guilty to 49 charges, including murder. 

ABCNews.com.

20) Government’s Motion for Psychiatric or Psychological Examination to Determine Competency, 

United States v. Loughner, No. CR 11-0187-TUC-LAB (D. Ariz. Mar. 7, 2011). 

21) Grand Jury Indictment, United States v. Loughner, No. CR 11-0187-TUC-LAB (D. Ariz. Jan. 19, 

2011). 

22) Holstege, S. (2011, November 20). Inside Loughner’s world. The Arizona Republic, p. A1.

23) Loughner, J. L. (2010, September 23). Jared Lee Loughner Pima Community College school 

genocides scam free education broken United States Constitution. YouTube.com.

24) Johnson, K., Kovaleski, S. F., Frosch, D., & Lipton, E. (2011, January 10). After suspect’s 

outbursts, foreboding in class. The New York Times, p. A1.

25) Karni, A. (2011, January 9). Web ravings of warped ‘killer.’ The New York Post, p. 7.

26) Kiefer, M., Lee, M. Y. H., & Dana, J. (2012, August 7). Jared Loughner, Gabrielle Giffords’ 

shooter, avoids death penalty by taking plea deal in Arizona. Asbury Park Press.

27) Kiefer, M., Ryman, A., Reinhart, M. K., Wagner, D., Wingett, Y., & Merrill, L. (2011, January 11). 

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35) Myers, A. L., & Pritchard, J. (2011, January 12a). Dad pursued Ariz. massacre suspect before 

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55) Steller, T. (2011, January 15). Loughner’s friends, teachers tell of descent into madness. 

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64) Wagner, D. (2011, January 10). Suspect in Giffords shooting had prior graffiti arrest. The 

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65) Weigel, D. (2011, January 9). Jared Loughner charged with murder, attempted assassination. 

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66) Wheaton, S. (2011, January 15). In an online game forum, Tucson suspect lashed out. The 

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