Fact check
Is it true: Columbine 'Trench Coat Mafia' bullied-loners myth (Apr 20 1999)?
No — this has been debunked.
Dave Cullen's 'Columbine' (2009) and FBI profiler Dwayne Fuselier's psychological analysis established that Harris met criteria for clinical psychopathy (Hare PCL-R) and Klebold was severely depressed-suicidal — not bullied loners. The 'Trench Coat Mafia' clique had graduated the prior year; Harris and Klebold wore dusters for tactical concealment. The attack was planned for approximately a year, ruling out the 'snapped from bullying' framing.
The claim
On April 20 1999 Eric Harris (18) and Dylan Klebold (17) killed 13 people and injured 24 at Columbine High School, Littleton CO, before dying by suicide. Initial reporting — including a USA Today fron
Key evidence
Media narrative spread by USA Today and Time 'The Monsters Next Door' cover
Trench Coat Mafia clique had graduated before the attack
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