The parents of the 29-year-old gunman who opened fire on a Dallas immigration facility in September told police their son was 'completely normal' before moving back to Texas from Washington state. Newly released records show Joshua Jahn believed he suffered from radiation sickness, a belief that seemed to escalate in the years leading up to the deadly rampage.
Evidence indicates Jahn had begun wearing cotton gloves to avoid contact with plastics and had taken up target shooting in Oklahoma just a month before the attack on September 24. Jahn, armed with a newly purchased rifle, killed two ICE detainees and injured another before taking his own life.
The records reveal that Jahn's parents described him as a 'loner' with an obsession for artificial intelligence technology. His father reported he practiced shooting on their property, surprising him with the purchase of an 'old rifle' online, adding that he was unaware Jahn owned a gun.
On the day of the shooting, his parents noted he rarely engaged in conversations, instead retreating into video games in his bedroom, where he would spend excessive hours, logged over 11,000 hours on first-person shooters according to analysts. Despite his alarming behavior, including writings about wanting to terrorize ICE agents found on bullets, he had not sought help for any reported mental health issues.
His shift in behavior was linked to a significant life change after his return from Washington state, where he had faced job difficulties. His parents expressed concerns that the pressure from his family might have contributed to his breakdown as they struggled with their son's isolation.
As investigations continue, authorities await the completion of a thorough examination of Jahn’s mental health background and motivations behind the shooting, which remains a troubling reminder of the factors that can lead to such tragically violent actions.
