Randolph-Macon College will host James Alan Fox, a leading expert in the field of criminology, for his lecture “The Mass Shooting Menace in America” Thursday, April 20 at noon in the SunTrust Theater.

Fox’s lecture will examine the widespread rampage shootings in schools, houses of worship, and other public settings in the United States, discuss how the media has impacted perceptions of risk, the role of mental illness, and assess some of the solutions that have been advanced by politicians and the public.

Fox is the Lipman Family Professor of Criminology, Law, and Public Policy at Northeastern University, and a member of the Board of Contributors for USA TODAY, where his opinion column appears frequently. In addition to wide-ranging appearances in other print and television media, Fox has published 18 books, including Extreme Killing: Understanding Serial and Mass Murder, which is used as the textbook for two RMC criminology courses.

Fox has also served as an expert witness in litigation related to several mass shootings, including the Sutherland Springs church shooting and the Parkland school shooting, as well as on President Bill Clinton’s advisory committee on school shootings.

Refreshments will be served before the talk at 11:30 a.m. in the Dollar Tree Room. The event is open to the public.