Research links 'lone wolf' terrorism and mental illness. So what now?
An emerging body of research is linking mental illness and 'lone wolf' terrorism. Experts think this new understanding could help prevent attacks.
On Friday, the RCMP released the video that 'lone wolf' terrorist Michael Zehaf-Bibeau filmed in his car before killing Cpl. Nathan Cirillo at the National War Memorial and storming Parliament Hill with a rifle. There was speculation in the days leading up to the video's release that it would provide some insight into his state of mind. Zehaf-Bibeau was known to have a history of mental health and addiction issues. New research shows a surprising link between mental illness and terrorism. One of the studies was co-authored by Emily Corner from University College London in the UK, and her work is already being used by British counter-terrorism officials.