The Lone Gunman MythThe idea of the lone gunman has long held sway in American public discourse, with perhaps no example more iconic than the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. But more significant than the historical debate is how the lone gunman label became entrenched in the national psyche. The Politics of the ‘Lone Gunman’Importantly, the lone gunman narrative is applied unevenly, especially along racial lines. The media can play a crucial role in perpetuating the lone gunman myth. It allows white supremacist violence to flourish under the radar, often dismissed until it becomes undeniable—usually after multiple lives have been lost.