It’s Time for a National Standard on the Role of Psychiatric Drugs in Gun Violence
Republished with permission from AbleChild.
Just three days ago, tragedy struck Idaho when 20-year-old Wess Roley launched an unprovoked attack, resulting in the deaths of two firefighters and leaving a third in critical condition. In an act of despair, Roley then took his own life. As the dust settles, one can’t help but ponder the underlying reasons behind such senseless violence. To unravel this enigma, an examination of Roley’s mental health history is imperative.
Public reports indicate that Roley had recently relocated to Coeur d’Alene and was reportedly living out of his van at the time of the incident. His past, marked by an expulsion from high school in Arizona due to “some trouble with a girl,” raises questions about his mental stability. Roley’s grandfather described him as “nervous, high-strung, and kind of a loner,” although he had aspirations of becoming a firefighter and held a deep respect for law enforcement. This contradiction leaves us all the more baffled: How could someone who admired firefighters turn against them?
The absence of a manifesto or clear motive adds to the mystery. Roley’s family expressed their grief, stating, “we do not understand why this happened or how this came about.” However, the method of the attack—setting a brush fire to lure the firefighters—implies a level of premeditation that cannot be ignored. What could have triggered such a drastic response?
To gain insight into Roley’s state of mind, it is vital to uncover whether he had received any mental health care, undergone evaluations during his school years, or was prescribed psychiatric medications. Furthermore, the need for a toxicology report following his autopsy to determine any substances in his system at the time of the attack is critical.
Last summer, Tennessee took a bold step by passing landmark legislation (HB 1349/SB 1146) that mandates autopsies of suspected mass shooters to include screenings for prescription psychotropic drugs. While this legislation currently applies to incidents involving four or more fatalities, AbleChild argues that any shooting resulting in a single victim should trigger similar investigations, advocating for a nationwide standard.
The Tennessee law also ensures that the results of these screenings are made public, paving the way for greater transparency and understanding of the factors that might drive such horrific acts. Given the growing concern that many shooters have histories of psychiatric drug treatments, it is essential for states to adopt measures to assess the impact of these medications on violent behavior.
If Roley had ever been treated with psychiatric drugs, it’s crucial for his family to disclose this information. The side effects of many prescribed psychiatric medications can include aggression and violent behavior, suggesting that Roley could have been unwittingly caught in a web of “treatment” that led to his actions. At the very least, understanding his mental health background would help clarify the motivations behind this tragedy.
AbleChild, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is committed to fostering accountability and transparency at the crossroads of mental health, pharmaceutical practices, and public safety. They have co-authored groundbreaking legislation in Tennessee that sets a national precedent.
What can you do? Sign the Petition calling for federal hearings! Every signature counts in the fight for accountability. Your contributions can make a real difference; donate today to ensure that the voices of affected families are heard loud and clear. Your support is not merely a donation—it’s a commitment to nurturing the minds and futures of our children. As a 501(c)(3) organization, your donation to AbleChild is tax-deductible and a step towards a safer, more informed society.
