What is a Random Actor?
Dan Korem, investigative journalist and author of the book Rage of the Random Actor, describes the concept of a “Random Actor” is essentially someone who might act out violently or unpredictably in scenarios where you’d least expect it, like in schools or quiet towns. Unlike planned criminal behavior, these individuals don’t fit traditional criminal profiles. They’re profile finds them as unconventional in nature (creative) but also fearful decision makers, trapped in a structured management or institutional setting. They become capable of extreme actions with little warning. Korem’s research focuses on recognizing certain behavioral traits early with a 30-second profiling snapshot, which helps educators and organizations intervene and prevent potential violence and active shooter fatalities.
