Community Chat

[Oznell]

Media is now reporting that a list of specific names of lawmakers was found on the person of James Hodgkinson, would-be assassin of members of Congress in Virginia.

It is not unreasonable, under the circumstances, to think that it may have been some sort of "hit list".  Some of the names have leaked out;  don't know if he made any targeted trips to their offices or homes before the Alexandria, Virginia shooting.

Those people are probably very relieved that he didn't make contact with them.

This is a rather creepy development to think he may even have had particular names in mind.  Will be interesting to see more and more of his past cyber activities and what they reveal.

[tansy]

It's not an unreasonable conclusion but there was no explanation of why those names were listed.  We'll probably never know.

There is so much going on right now.

[Noel7]

He also had a hate thing going for a former female candidate.

It was all over his FB.

[Oznell]

I think they'll find out more;  I certainly hope so.

[Noel7]

He had a long history of violence and anger issues, using a gun to act out.

He was obviously very unstable.  He was also an equal opportunity hater.

[tansy]

Mental health gun laws were loosened within the last few months and weren't our lawmakers legalizing silencers for some unknown reason?

[Oznell]

These days they can learn so much from a person's cyber footprint, as it were, and he's left quite a "legacy" in that department.

I'm also thinking that a thorough airing of the crime of anyone who contemplates assassination because of thought disagreements may help to deter future individuals.

Not all, of course, but perhaps some.  It is horrible when anyone is targeted of course, but to be targeted when you are trying to fulfill your constitutional obligations is an insidious encroachment on freedom.

[Perkup]

Clearly this man has been hanging around the ball field for a while. It is known that he has been there sleeping in his car. That being the case, I don't quite understand why someone didn't check him out, given the practice field for politicians being right there.

Also it's clear he must have slipped in his rifle earlier than the shooting opportunity arrived. Maybe days before.  If anyone had seen him with a rifle the day of the practice it would surely have been reported.

A shame to give up "fun" events that help people in need. But can we really afford to risk our politicians and other people of interest to "nuts"?  I think it's time we have to stop these events before we lose any more important people to a country filled with extremists and idiots.

I say we need to begin a thorough investigation of people who are part of hate groups, whatever their basis.  Clearly this man was an obvious hater per his facebook postings and his membership in a hate group. His guns didn't shoot anyone - HE did.  Let's get people like him out of this free society. Freedom of speech has to have a breaking point.  Even so called "stars" have to be held to a reasonable standard.  Enough is definitely enough.

[tansy]

I'm remembering Gabby Giffords and how nothing was done after she was shot.  

[Oznell]

I was thinking of her case too.  What a brave road back she has paved.  I pray that Rep. Scalise, and the young lobbyist and the Capitol police will all find their way back in a way that is meaningful.