A proposal to save lives from deranged mass shooters: involve social media users

A proposal to save lives from deranged mass shooters:  involve social media users in a "if you see something, say something" campaign. The campaign would urge users to report disturbing postings and videos, a mechanism to report and make referrals, and private and public funding suggestions..

There were comments this morning on cable that the Minneapolis shooter left warning signs on social media, in this case, YouTube. If that was so, why didn't someone report it or even know where to report it? Unlike China or dictators, we do not have a cadre of many monitors of social media, but the real army in the US is the users of social media, from elementary school to citizens of all ages. The effective use of citizens to be alert and report those who are posting plans and comments that are the warning signs, is as applicable to warning about a person carrying a gun as they are entering a public space, as it is to those using social media.  So many of the shooters have no criminal record because they are young or clever, so those legally buying weapons escape detection through databases when they fill out the required paperwork.  What about a national campaign by private and public entities to promote "see something, say something" on social media and report it to some hotline run by, say the the FBI or ATF,911, or a mental health agency tied to a national website/telephone number/ ?. The campaign should include what are warning signs are as well as where to report it. For those who do not want to be accused of being a snitch, or even a fearful parent not knowing what to do, the ads should contain the concept that your report could save the life of both the prospective shooter and the victims. Like all hotlines answered in person or from an email, good screening needs good judgment, and knowledge about which police or mental health agency the referral is made to depends upon good training.  Social media companies and the Ad Council could be sources of funding for the campaign and hotline training and manning, as well as federal funding, to make this a long term campaign.