Final answer:
Mass murderers commit acts of mass murder, often targeting specific groups and committing atrocities under conditions of cruelty. Historical examples include the Holocaust and the Killing Fields of Cambodia, as well as modern instances like school shootings. The societal role in these tragedies, including the debate on gun control and the responsibility of bystanders, is also a significant point of concern.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mass murderers are individuals or groups who commit mass murder, defined as the act or an instance of killing several human beings under circumstances of atrocity or cruelty, which includes pogroms, mass executions, and crimes against humanity that lead to death. These horrific events, such as the Holocaust during World War II where Nazi Germany orchestrated the extermination of six million Jews, are stark examples of mass murderers at work. Additionally, the term Killing Fields refers to areas where mass killings occur, such as those under Pol Pot's regime in Cambodia, where people were forced to dig their graves before being executed. Another example includes school shootings, such as those at Columbine and Sandy Hook, where the gunmen had easy access to firearms.
The extermination stage of mass murder is when the killers begin systematically killing the victims, often viewed as "less than human" by the perpetrators. When state-sponsored, these killings can involve the military and militias. Preparation for such heinous acts includes the identification, separation, and listing of victims, ultimately leading to their planned destruction. Throughout history, mass murderers have targeted specific groups based on ethnicity, religion, or other identifying characteristics.