Portrait of a Criminal Bomber

The following is a prelimininary summary of the characteristics of 50 incarcerated bombers (U.S.) studied by the NCAVC as part of a new offender typology research project. This summary provides a good survey of the characteristics of North American bombers.

Sex:   100% Male

Race:
74% White
12% Black
4% Hispanic

Maritial Status:
58% Married at least once

Education:
72% HS diploma or higher

Age:
38% Under 18
50% Under 23

Intelligence:
Mean IQ 111

Mental Health:
40% Mental health history

Economic Status:
74% Middle class
56% Average + income

Employment/Vocation:
60% Stably employed
30% Prior military service
50% Constr., Mechanics
17% Trained in electronics

Childhood:
56% Stable childhood home

Personality:
44% Self-described loners

Source:                                                                  

National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime