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The Conversation USA

Mass shootings aren't growing more common – and evidence contradicts common stereotypes about the killers

  • Written by Christopher J. Ferguson, Professor of Psychology, Stetson University
Just like the memorials after a shooting, some myths are bound to appear.AP Photo/John Locher

When 22 people were killed in El Paso, Texas, and nine more were killed in Dayton, Ohio, roughly 12 hours later, responses to the tragedy included many of the same myths and stereotypes Americans have grown used to hearing in the wake of a mass shooting.

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