Columbine, Colorado; Virginia Tech; Aurora, Colorado; Sandy Hook, Connecticut; and Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, Arizona—these shootings are just some examples of how mental illness can have a devastating and deadly impact on innocent citizens. Each situation was different, each involved shooters of various ages, and each involved people suffering from some form of mental illness to varying degrees.

Mental illness is a complex issue that is recently receiving significant attention. Mental health professionals, law enforcement, and caregivers are looking for a solution to this issue, but a solution is as evasive as the predictability of a potential threat.