When the Boss Fears a Backlash

Dozens of American corporate executives have been calling the FBI to say they are worried that workers they have fired will come back to kill them. One major bank that fired hundreds of employees, coldly informing them by mail, contacted the FBI for advice after the chairman received an anonymous threat of mass murder. FBI psychological experts, who concluded that the sender was a middle manager due for layoff, do not believe he will carry out his threat. But agent John Douglas, the agency's top behavioral-science expert, advises that all such threats must be taken seriously. Workplace shootings are increasing. One reason: many people no longer have the comfort of family and community ties that once cushioned the blow of job loss.