James Fitzgerald, the retired FBI special agent and profiler best known for his work on the Unabomber case, joined Dan Proft on Chicago’s Morning Answer to discuss the growing debate over marijuana use, mass shootings, and accountability within the FBI.
The conversation began with recent reporting on cannabis and violent behavior, raising the question of whether marijuana use may be a common thread in the backgrounds of several mass shooters. Fitzgerald noted that the human brain remains in development well into the twenties and warned that high-potency marijuana can disrupt that process, particularly in young men who are already isolated or struggling with other issues. He suggested a serious study would likely show marijuana use as a consistent factor among recent shooters.
Fitzgerald also addressed the challenges of profiling potential attackers, stressing that while patterns exist—drug use, mental illness, isolation, and in many cases lack of meaningful personal relationships—only a small subset of people with these traits ever commit acts of violence. He emphasized the importance of early intervention, particularly by family members, when someone shows signs of violent thinking.
Discussing recent shootings involving military veterans, Fitzgerald pointed to the need for better monitoring of grievances and warning signs during and after military service. He recalled efforts within the military to develop tools that could detect violent language in communications, but said funding for such programs was pulled. In his view, carefully designed monitoring systems could help identify individuals at risk of snapping before tragedy occurs.
The interview concluded with Fitzgerald’s perspective on the FBI itself. Asked about the indictment of former Director James Comey, he described him as emblematic of hubris, saying Comey had brought his legal troubles upon himself. He also expressed concern over the lack of transparency surrounding FBI agents and informants present on January 6th, calling for clearer answers and warning that public trust is undermined when bureau leaders fail to be forthright.
Fitzgerald, who has also served as a consultant on Criminal Minds and authored the Journey to the Center of the Mind series, underscored that mass violence remains difficult to predict but not impossible to mitigate. Identifying risk factors early and ensuring accountability within law enforcement, he argued, are both critical steps toward preventing future tragedies.