Loughner’s troubled past raises questions about how to deal with disturbed people - before they endanger others

This courtroom drawing shows shooting suspect Jared Lee Loughner in court on January 10, 2011 in Tuscon, Arizona.

Jared Lee Loughner, the man accused of killing six people and shooting 14 others including Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords in Tucson on Saturday, appeared in court for the first time yesterday. While the nation mourns the victims, more details about the alleged shooter and his troubled past are slowly emerging. His parents, Amy and Randy Loughner, are said to be preparing a statement, but haven’t spoken publicly yet. So far, the 22-year old himself hasn’t offered much by way of explanation, leaving outsiders to guess at his motive and state of mind. Benjamin McGahee, a former college professor of Loughner’s, came forward and described Loughner as “mentally disturbed.” Classmates from Pima Community College in Tucson say something was clearly wrong with Loughner. Many who know him say he didn’t seem violent. But others have said he scared them and that his behavior had become increasingly bizarre in recent months. Anyone who has taught has had to deal with disruptive students. It’s extremely common in schools, workplaces and other environments. But is it possible to prove someone’s a threat before they act out violently? What – if anything – could have been done to stop Loughner? How have you dealt with difficult or disturbed people? What works? What doesn’t?

Jared Lee Loughner, the man accused of killing six people and shooting 14 others including Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords in Tucson on Saturday, appeared in court for the first time yesterday. While the nation mourns the victims, more details about the alleged shooter and his troubled past are slowly emerging. His parents, Amy and Randy Loughner, are said to be preparing a statement, but haven’t spoken publicly yet. So far, the 22-year old himself hasn’t offered much by way of explanation, leaving outsiders to guess at his motive and state of mind. Benjamin McGahee, a former college professor of Loughner’s, came forward and described Loughner as “mentally disturbed.” Classmates from Pima Community College in Tucson say something was clearly wrong with Loughner. Many who know him say he didn’t seem violent. But others have said he scared them and that his behavior had become increasingly bizarre in recent months. Anyone who has taught has had to deal with disruptive students. It’s extremely common in schools, workplaces and other environments. But is it possible to prove someone’s a threat before they act out violently? What – if anything – could have been done to stop Loughner? How have you dealt with difficult or disturbed people? What works? What doesn’t?