New revelations have emerged about the 29-year-old gunman, Joshua Jahn, who opened fire at a Dallas immigration facility on September 24. Records indicate that Jahn’s parents described him as “completely normal” prior to his return from Washington state, where he developed an irrational fear of radiation sickness.
Background of the Shooter
Joshua Jahn had moved to Washington state several years ago, seeking work related to marijuana harvesting. He struggled to maintain employment and reportedly became increasingly isolated upon returning to Dallas. During this time, he developed a belief that he was allergic to plastic and claimed to suffer from radiation sickness due to alleged exposure while in Washington.
The Incident
On the day of the shooting, Jahn fatally shot two detainees and injured another before taking his own life. Reports suggest that he had planned the attack, evidenced by notes indicating a desire to ambush U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Jahn even inscribed “ANTI-ICE” on a bullet.
Unusual Behavior Before the Attack
- Wore cotton gloves to avoid contact with plastic.
- Practiced target shooting with a newly acquired rifle prior to the incident.
- Spent significant time playing video games in his bedroom.
Family Dynamics and Mental Health
Jahn’s family described him as a loner and noted he frequently engaged in conversations about current events with his mother but rarely interacted with others. Despite his withdrawal from society, his parents claimed he had never been diagnosed with any mental health disorders.
Prior to his attack, Jahn’s father took him shooting at their property in Oklahoma. However, he was surprised to discover Jahn had recently purchased an old rifle online. Jahn’s mother was reportedly unaware that he owned a firearm.
Online Activity and Gaming
According to analysts from the Institute for Strategic Dialogue, Jahn engaged in extensive online gaming, logging over 11,000 hours on first-person shooter games. This increased screen time may have further contributed to his detachment from reality.
Conclusion
The tragic shooting at the Dallas ICE facility highlights a complex interplay of mental health issues, familial pressures, and social isolation. While the investigation continues, records released to the public offer a disturbing insight into the life of a troubled individual who resorted to violence.
