Kazmierczak described himself as a sensitive person in his personal statement for the University of Illinois graduate school . He also felt victimized during his adolescent years . He expressed interest in helping people with mental problems , and wanted to work with people " in need of direction . " Although initial reports said there were no signs , he was considered troubled . A story published by '' Esquire '' stated that he allegedly had a history of mental illness and attempted suicides , was bullied in high school , and had shown an interest in previous school shootings , particularly those that occurred at Columbine High School and Virginia Tech
Columbine High School
Columbine High School massacre
Northern Illinois University shooting