Prescription Drugs at the Root of Violence? Retired Army Officer Links Drug Abuse to Attacks

A recent arrest tied to an alleged New Orleans attack points to the influence of prescription drug use and abuse as an overlooked factor in what drives people to violence, according to retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Tony Shaffer.

In a recent panel discussion, Shaffer stated: “Any community where violence is prevalent, I think you can trace it back to a series of cocktails that have been prescribed to them.” He emphasized that the effects of psychotropic drugs are often overlooked in violent incidents.

Last week, federal authorities arrested Micah Legnon, 29, a Marine veteran and former police officer. Investigators allege Legnon was linked through a Signal chat to a broader case and was traveling toward New Orleans with weapons and gear, according to an FBI criminal complaint.

Legnon, who is transgender, faces one count of “threats in interstate commerce” after posting images depicting what appeared to be weapons, armor, and anti-ICE messaging, per the complaint. FBI Special Agent Paul Sellers’ statement dated Saturday indicated Legnon intended to travel to New Orleans to carry out an attack using weapons shown in the images.

Shaffer highlighted a pattern of drug-related violence: “This is a common factor in a number of shootings, especially with kids who are diagnosed with ADD,” he said. “They put them on psychotropic drugs.” He also noted that transgender patients face similar risks: “You have mental illness. Well, this puts you on a drug. So I don’t think it’s the guns. I think it’s actually the drugs that has a great deal to do with what happens when these people turn violent and either participate in or contemplate acts of violence.”