Walmart shootings in Denver suburb

[TV and credit cards]

The victims Latino? Oh... wait, we aren't allowed to use the term "hate crime", because it is a right-wing trigger word.

It could be coincidence that he was a white male republican who gunned down 3 people at a Walmart with Spanish-sounding names. Hispanic/Latino population of Thornton is 31.7% and percent at Walmart might be higher due to economic imbalance. So, I mean, there could be a 50% chance of hispanic customer in Walmart and the odds of this happening may not be statistically significant given that demographic. You could be right...he could have been angry about his finances, disgruntled about work etc, and taken it out on perceived immigrants or minorities.

Also, in order to make this narrative work, don't forget he walked off his job. It really sounds like something triggered him from there. That has to be compatible and consistent with this hypothesis. So, did he walk off the job because they hired another minority and this made him angry or was it because he found out that Mary Sue got married?

Hate crime is totally plausible, but we need to wait a bit and see if this is the reason this happened. What additionally comes out, like his social media activities and personal accounts from estranged relatives...

I think going forward we’re going to see more of these random shootings with no clear motive. Crime is an indicator of the health of society. As we grow more divisive, move more toward the extremes, society’s crimes grow more extreme.

Walking away from a Walmart job could very likely mean nothing at all. I’m sure anyone walking away from their Walmart job can walk across the street to a job of equal pay bussing tables and washing dishes.

Considering the statement that he carried out this crime in a rather nonchalant manner, I’m sure he could have just as easily shot white people but may have had a slight inclination to killing nonwhites.

 

[ronburgundy]

Terrorism is a politically motivated act of violence. This was an unknown motivated act of multiple killings. What we must remember is that because a white person was involved, we really need to kick them out of the US. Especially if he was a Broncos fan.

I understand the distinction, and don't disagree with it.

I just disagree with the general perception that somehow "terrorism" is so much worse than this:

I agree that the label of "terrorism" has come to inaccurately denote how important or terrible the action was. This act was no less bad than what happened in NYC several days ago. And the reality is that there is currently no more reason for the public to fear from one than the other. That's because the definition of "terrorism" does not require the one element that is actually the most important part from an informational/readiness/response standpoint, and that is whether is was an act directly orchestrated by a multi-person organization, some of whom are still alive to carry out similar such acts.

Whether or not some lone nutcase was inspired by a political objective isn't particularly important, once they either caught or killed. But if the act is just one orchestrated by a network of people who are still at large, then then their motive becomes critical information in stopping them and/or minimizing one's risk of being their next victim.

 

[RavenSky]

I understand the distinction, and don't disagree with it.

I just disagree with the general perception that somehow "terrorism" is so much worse than this:

I agree that the label of "terrorism" has come to inaccurately denote how important or terrible the action was. This act was no less bad than what happened in NYC several days ago. And the reality is that there is currently no more reason for the public to fear from one than the other. That's because the definition of "terrorism" does not require the one element that is actually the most important part from an informational/readiness/response standpoint, and that is whether is was an act directly orchestrated by a multi-person organization, some of whom are still alive to carry out similar such acts.

Whether or not some lone nutcase was inspired by a political objective isn't particularly important, once they either caught or killed. But if the act is just one orchestrated by a network of people who are still at large, then then their motive becomes critical information in stopping them and/or minimizing one's risk of being their next victim.

You make an excellent point! I had not considered it until reading your post, but I think that you are exactly correct.

 

[ZiprHead]

Colorado Walmart Killer Lived Alone With a Stack of Bibles and No Furniture

 

[Don2 (Don1 Revised)]

From that link:

Hispanic residents said he was especially mean to them.

“He wouldn’t say nothing to us, but he talked to the only white couple who lives here,” Muniz said. “I don’t understand where that hatred comes from.”

 

[Jimmy Higgins]

Colorado Walmart Killer Lived Alone With a Stack of Bibles and No Furniture

Sounds a bit mentally ill, though he did try to flee.