Incel Killers: A Dark Reflection on Misogyny and Violence

Incel violence is a troubling trend where predominantly men commit acts of aggression and murder fueled by misogyny and entitlement. The term “incel,” short for “involuntary celibate,” was coined in the late 1990s by a Canadian university student named Alana. She aimed to create an inclusive online community for people of all genders experiencing loneliness and sexual inactivity. Her goal was to provide solace and support for those feeling marginalized due to social awkwardness, mental health issues, or a lack of romantic connections.

Over time, however, the incel movement has taken a dark turn. As these communities evolved, they increasingly intertwined with extremist ideologies that foster resentment towards women. This shift has led to violent outbursts from individuals identifying as incels, culminating in tragic events that have captured public attention and raised alarms about the dangers of misogyny.

From mass shootings to targeted attacks, stories of perpetrators reveal a common thread of bitterness and anger. High-profile cases involving Elliot Rodger, Alek Minassian, Jake Davison, George Sodini, and Scott Paul Beierle show how feelings of rejection can escalate into violence. These incidents not only devastate innocent lives but also highlight the urgent need for awareness, intervention, and societal change to combat the ideologies that enable such tragedies. As we explore these stories, we confront the harsh realities of misogyny and its potential to incite real-world harm.  Here is Incel Killers: A Dark Reflection on Misogyny and Violence.

 

 

Elliot Rodger: The Face of Incel Violence

Elliot Rodger is often seen as a notorious figure within the incel community due to his violent actions and the manifesto he left before committing a mass shooting in Isla Vista, California, in May 2014. Rodger expressed frustration and anger towards women and society. His beliefs were detailed in a 137-page document and videos he posted online. His writings reveal a deep-seated sense of entitlement to romantic and sexual relationships he believed had been unfairly denied to him.

Rodger’s attack resulted in six deaths and many injuries, marking a tragic escalation of incel-related violence. His actions sparked widespread media coverage and discussions about the motivations behind such extreme behavior. Analysts pointed to Rodger’s mental health issues, social isolation, and exposure to misogynistic ideologies as contributing factors to his tragic path.

Following the shooting, Rodger became emblematic of the dangers posed by toxic masculinity and the radicalization of young men through online communities. His case prompted calls for greater awareness of mental health issues, early intervention, and social media’s responsibility in curbing harmful rhetoric. As society grapples with the implications of Rodger’s actions, it serves as a sobering reminder of the complexities surrounding violence, identity, and societal expectations.

 

 

Alek Minassian: The Toronto Van Attack

Alek Minassian gained notoriety for his tragic vehicle-ramming attack on April 23, 2018, in Toronto, Canada. Driving a rented van, he targeted pedestrians along Yonge Street, resulting in 11 deaths and injuring 15 others. This incident is the deadliest vehicle-ramming event in Canadian history. Among the victims, nine were women, highlighting the misogynistic undertones associated with Minassian’s motivations.

Minassian’s actions were labeled as “misogynist terrorism.” At his arrest, he identified as an incel and referred to the attack as part of what he called the “incel rebellion.” His social media posts before the attack expressed a disturbing ideology rooted in resentment toward women and a desire for notoriety within incel circles.

Following his arrest, Minassian faced serious legal consequences. He was charged with 10 counts of first-degree murder and 16 counts of attempted murder. In March 2021, he was found guilty on all counts. While some experts suggested his incel ideology played a role, the presiding judge noted that Minassian might have been more motivated by fame than ideology.

On June 13, 2022, Minassian was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for 25 years. 

 

 

Jake Davison: The Plymouth Shooter and Incel Ideology

Jake Davison’s violent actions in August 2021 resulted in five deaths—including his mother and a three-year-old girl—highlighting the troubling intersection of incel ideology and extreme misogyny. An inquest into his actions revealed that Davison expressed deeply misogynistic views and had a fascination with mass shootings and serial killers.

On the day of the shootings, Davison reportedly viewed discussions about incels’ feelings of hopelessness. In the months leading up to the attack, he made concerning online posts that reflected his despair over personal relationships, labeling himself “fat” and “ugly,” while identifying with frustrations common in the incel community. His references to Elliot Rodger further indicated his alignment with this toxic subculture.

Davison’s background revealed a long-standing fixation on firearms noted by those around him for years before the attack. Despite concerns raised by his mother regarding his obsession with guns, appropriate actions were not taken to address his behavior. Just days before the shootings, he engaged in alarming online searches related to serial killers and mass shootings.

 

 

Incel-Related Terrorism: The Toronto Massage Parlour Attack

 

In a landmark case, a judge in Canada classified a deadly 2020 attack on a Toronto massage parlour as an act of terrorism inspired by the incel movement. This marked the first instance of an incel-related incident being labeled a terror offense in Canada. The assailant, whose identity is protected due to his age at the time of the crime, pleaded guilty to murder in 2022 and is currently awaiting sentencing.

The attack occurred when the now 20-year-old entered the massage parlour in North York and fatally stabbed receptionist Ashley Arzaga. Authorities uncovered evidence during their investigation indicating that the attack was driven by a violent misogynistic worldview prevalent within certain online incel communities.

Ontario Superior Court Justice Suhail Akhtar agreed with prosecutors that the crime met terrorism criteria under Canadian law. This case underscores potential dangers posed by incel subculture, which often fosters resentment toward women and glorifies violence as a means of expressing grievances.

This incident draws parallels to Alek Minassian’s infamous 2018 attack. While Minassian was not classified as a terrorist despite identifying as an incel, this recent ruling sets a precedent for addressing similar incidents legally in the future. 

 

 

George Sodini: The Collier Township Shooting

The Collier Township shooting, also known as the Bridgeville LA Fitness shooting, occurred on August 4, 2009. George Sodini entered a women’s aerobics class at an LA Fitness center and opened fire, killing three women and injuring nine others before taking his own life. This incident is often referenced in discussions about incel ideology due to Sodini’s expressed frustrations with women and his feelings of rejection.

In the months leading up to the attack, Sodini documented his grievances on a personal website, revealing a long history of romantic failures and sexual frustration. He lamented being single since 1990 and articulated deep-seated resentment toward women in a note left at the scene.

Sodini’s age at the time is noteworthy; many individuals who identify as incels tend to be younger men grappling with similar feelings of isolation and anger. His actions have been discussed extensively in incel forums where they are viewed through the lens of misogyny and toxic masculinity.

 

 

Scott Paul Beierle: The Tallahassee Hot Yoga Shooting

On November 2, 2018, Scott Paul Beierle carried out a mass shooting at Tallahassee Hot Yoga in Florida, resulting in two deaths and injuring four others before taking his own life. This event has been classified as an act of misogynist terrorism due to Beierle’s documented hatred of women.

Beierle entered the yoga studio during class and opened fire on six individuals before fatally harming himself. Eyewitness accounts revealed that a male patron attempted to confront Beierle, enabling other students to escape. The shooter fired a total of 14 rounds during the attack.

Investigations unveiled Beierle’s pervasive misogyny through social media and YouTube videos where he identified with the incel community. He expressed admiration for Elliot Rodger while lamenting sexual rejections from women. His online presence included disturbing content criticizing women and racial diversity.

The shooting prompted significant community responses, including vigils at Florida State University and establishing Maura’s Voice Research Fund aimed at addressing hate crimes against women. 

 

 

Alana’s Involuntary Celibacy Project: The Origins and Evolution of the Incel Movement

The concept of “incel,” short for “involuntary celibate,” originated in 1997 with Alana’s Involuntary Celibacy Project—a website created by a Canadian university student. Alana aimed to establish an inclusive online community where individuals of all genders could discuss their experiences with sexual inactivity and loneliness. Her intention was to provide solace for those feeling marginalized due to social awkwardness or mental health issues.

Over time, however, Alana’s project was overshadowed by a darker evolution of inceldom. The rise of extremist ideologies transformed what was once a supportive space into one that bred misogyny and violence. Forums like love-shy.com and r/incels became dominated by male members blaming women for their romantic failures while adopting victim mentalities that reinforced harmful stereotypes.

The term incel was initially used to explain a broad selection of experiences, not a specific ideology. It was meant to be a descriptive term, not a label with negative undertones. The objective was to destigmatize feelings of isolation and produce a sense of community among those who felt socially excluded.

The descent into extremism is intertwined with the broader manosphere—a collection of online groups characterized by anti-feminist sentiments and male supremacy. Within this framework, incels began promoting a worldview where women were viewed as obstacles to male happiness while advocating violence as retribution for perceived injustices.

The shroud of anonymity the internet provides can have unintended, detrimental consequences. Specifically, it has permitted the infiltration of misogynistic viewpoints into communities that were, at one time, intended to give comfort and aid to individuals grappling with loneliness and social isolation. This corruption has shaken the foundation of these groups, twisting their initial purpose.

Given these risks—especially to young people—educators must remain vigilant. Safeguarding training should include awareness of incel ideology as a potential pathway to radicalization. Schools should focus on fostering inclusive environments that promote healthy relationships while addressing harmful beliefs leading to misogyny or violence.

To combat these dangers effectively, educational institutions can implement measures such as recognizing incel slang or spotting signs of radicalization. Encouraging open discussions about relationships and mental health can also help equip young people with critical thinking skills needed to resist extremist ideologies preying on feelings of inadequacy.

Ultimately, while Alana’s Involuntary Celibacy Project began with good intentions—creating a supportive community—its legacy serves as a cautionary tale about how online spaces can be co-opted by darker forces. As we navigate these complexities together, it’s crucial to educate ourselves about signs of radicalization while building safe environments for young people to thrive without falling victim to harmful ideologies.

Advocate for rules and guidelines that actively work to prevent discrimination based on gender, advancing fairness and reducing feelings of anger. This creates a more level playing field for all individuals, irrespective of gender. These feelings are sometimes at the root of violence. Actively addressing these issues is crucial for building a safer, more equitable society. Laws and policies that ensure equal pay, equal opportunities, and protection against discrimination are vital for creating a society where everyone has the chance to thrive.

These shocking cases exemplifies how misogynistic beliefs can culminate in violence while highlighting ongoing discussions about such ideologies’ dangers in society. It’s important that we never lose oursleves in hate and vengenace, and that when in need, we turn to family, friends or even medical personnel to help guide us back towards the light. 

Please love each other. Be passionate, focused and loving. When you love, you will find love! When you hate, you will only ever find hate!

Love – Hilly Horror