(WBRE/WYOU) — As law enforcement investigates the mass shooting in Minneapolis, where two children were killed and more than a dozen injured, reaction to the tragedy is being heard in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Tonight, the I-Team's Andy Mehalshick talks with a prosecutor and a psychiatrist about these mass shootings and what lessons might be learned from these tragedies.
As the investigation into the tragedy in Minnesota continues to unfold, questions are being raised about the mental health of the shooter, Robin Westman.
I spoke with a prosecutor and a psychiatrist.
Both tell me that lessons can be learned from these horrific crimes that just might help save lives in the future.
"I mean traditionally, whenever we see these mass shootings there is some sort of mental health component," said Dr. Matthew Berger, psychiatrist.
Dr. Matthew Berger, who we want to point out is not involved in the investigation into the Minnesota mass shooting, says often times mental health issues are not a clear indicator that would lead someone to commit an act of violence.
"You're always walking a fine line because a lot of people have psychiatric fantasies about hurting people hurting other people, but never intend to do it or never intend to act on it. We're not lie detectors. We can't tell from when a patient is going to go from having a fantasy to reality," explained Berger.
Luzerne County District Attorney says that in many of these mass shootings, police learn about potential mental health issues about the shooter after the crime is carried out because of medical privacy laws.
"There's a balance to have access to this information, and also for police to keep it confidential and not share it with the general public. I think police can be entrusted as anyone to have access to those mental health records," said Sam Sanguedolce, Luzerne County District Attorney.
Sanguedolce says that legislation is needed to make it happen.
"But the access to that information can be tremendously helpful whether police are encountering someone suffering from mental health disorder on the street because they know they have to treat them differently, and they are trained to treat them differently as long as they recognize the signs and are aware of it," shared Luzerne County District Attorney Sanguedolce.
Dr. Berger says based on what the investigation has uncovered thus far about the shooter Robin Westman, there was pure hatred for everything including God, Catholics, and Jews.
Both Berger and Sanguedolce agree there are no easy answers when it comes to preventing these mass shootings.
