Bob McCarty: Congresswoman’s Shooting Raises Questions: Correction!

Congresswoman’s Shooting Raises Questions: Correction!:

http://bobmccarty.com/2011/01/08/congresswomans-killing-raises-questions/

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© 2006–2011 Bob McCarty Writes

U.S. Rep. Gabrielle “Gabby” Giffords (D) of Arizona’s 8th Congressional District died is in critical condition, according to a Fox News Channel broadcast update at 1:47 p.m. Central numerous news reports, after being shot in the head at point blank range during a “Congress on the Corner” event she was holding in Tucson this morning.

Several others — including members of her staff — were shot as well.  While their conditions remain unknown at this point, the condition of our country — and how Americans will react to the news as more details begin to surface — becomes an even larger concern.

If the shooter turns out to be a right-wing conservative, I fully expect members of the liberal media to attempt to portray the shooter as a typical member of the Constitution-loving side of the political fence.  In addition, they will use the event as another reason to clamp down on gun rights.

If the shooter turns out to be an illegal immigrant, those same media outlets will paint the person as a victim of his circumstances and gloss over the “elephant in the room” that is the lack of real security at our nation’s borders.

If the shooter turns out to be an Islamic extremist, they will downplay his religious affiliations and spin the Muslim shooter’s actions as criminal but not an act of terrorism.

Of course, other possibilities exist.  Stay tuned for updates.

UPDATE 1/8/11 at 2:44 p.m. Central: A state senator who is a friend of the congresswoman said the congresswoman is alive and responding to some commands of doctors.  The state senator also said that the shooter was — or claimed to be — a veteran of the war in Afghanistan.  Will seek to confirm.

UPDATE 1/8/11 at 2:56 p.m. Central: Fox News just reported that the shooter has been identified as a 22-year-old white male.  Nothing else until 6 p.m. Arizona time.

UPDATE 1/8/11 at 3:08 p.m. Central: News outlets have identified the alleged shooter as Jarod Laughner, but provided no more details.

© 2006–2011 Bob McCarty Writes

McCarty, Bob. “Congresswoman’s Shooting Raises Questions.” Bob McCarty Writes. 8 Jan. 2011. Web. 08 Jan. 2011. <http://bobmccarty.com/2011/01/08/congresswomans-killing-raises-questions/&gt;.