Emerging trends in targeted violence among young men cannot be fully understood without a deep dive into the culture and language that is shared by many of these perpetrators. Past shootings, important anniversaries, coded language, and a blending of ideologies are examined in this presentation specifically to demonstrate the imitation of high profile actors in preparations for an attack. Actual K-12 and higher ed. case studies are examined in the context of copycat culture, and more importantly to tease out those who are simply provocative from those who are determined to commit an attack.