[Maru]

Originally Posted by Livia

I can understand someone wanting to take their own life. I can't understand them doing it in this way and involving so many horrified eyewitnesses.

Exhibitionism maybe? We do have many willing voyeurs.

Usually when someone does it in such a public manner it's to make some sort of statement of self-victimization. Maybe less about the patrons of the mall and more about the shock it will cause people who recognize them through the news. It has more impact (pun not intended), i.e. is more emotionally harmful, than a self-serving Facebook message or a letter sent through a relative that can be more easily refused, refuted or dismissed.

Edited for clarity.