In response to the Columbine High School massacre and other highly publicized school shootings, many schools in the United States have created stringent zero-tolerance policies intended to prevent school-based attacks even though the literature appears to suggest that these policies are not likely to be effective. Moreover, research pertaining to peer harassment, namely bullying and victimization has captured researchers’ attention recommending teachers understand the characteristic symptoms and risks associated with physical, verbal, and relational peer aggression. It is suggested that local and State law enforcement be involved at all stages of the threat assessment planning and policy development process. Educating the public and providing awareness to school officials, teachers, students, parents, and community members is critical. Prior to the 1999 Columbine High School massacre and the most recent Virginia Tech rampage, research probing the etiology of school violence was virtually nonexistent. However, after Columbine, the Nation frantically searched for answers as to how to intervene and prevent such a heinous crime from reoccurring. This paper delves into the behavioral manifestations of the Columbine shooters. It illustrates how Hirschi’s (1969) Social Control theory can be used as a reliable and valid psychosocial explanation of school violence, specifically in explaining the actions of the school shooter. References