Questions Over Orlando Gunman's Motivation Prompts Debate
Follow CBSMIAMI.COM: Facebook | Twitter
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – As we try to understand the motivations driving a gunman who killed at least 49 people at an Orlando nightclub, one area of debate is whether he and individuals like him are mentally ill.
CBS4's Jim DeFede recently spoke to a board certified forensic psychologist Harley Stock who has helped train the FBI to look into the minds of these killers - including that of Omar Mateen.
When asked if a shooting like this is considered the definition of insanity, Stock had an interesting definition.
"People are not going to believe this, but in terms of the definition of legal insanity, I would say that 99.5 out of a hundred people that do this are not legally insane. But yet you'd say anyone who does this has to be crazy. They are not crazy. They're cunning," said Stock.
Defede asked, "Is that really it, they're cunning? Because it seems to me only a mad man would do something like this."
Stock replied, "It's the difference between the mad and the bad. These are bad actors."
To clarify, you can legally be sane but still mentally troubled. Everything that has been learned about Mateen shows him to be a confused individual who didn't even understand the radical Islamic groups he pledged allegiance to.
RELATED STORIES:
FBI Looks Into Own Work During Orlando Massacre Investigation
Obama: Orlando Massacre Appears To Be Homegrown
Father Of Orlando Massacre Gunman Condemns His Son's Actions
Scott Seeks Federal Emergency Declaration After Attack
Orlando Release Some Names Of Those Killed In Club Shooting
Waiting Game: Victims' Family & Friends Prepare For The Worst
Former Co-Worker Calls Orlando Shooting Suspect Angry, Profane
Message Of Solidarity, Gun Control At Vigil For Orlando Massacre Victim
