U.S.
Politicians Respond to a Weekend of Mass Shootings
Published
3 years agoon

- Politicians are responding to two mass shootings that occurred within 13 hours of each other in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio, killing 31 people.
- Democrats are specifically linking the white nationalist motives that allegedly influenced the shooter in El Paso to President Donald Trump’s rhetoric.
- Meanwhile, many Republicans are standing against white nationalism, but are leaving the president out of it.
- Other politicians are bringing up the gun control debate, and some, including President Trump, are pointing to video games as a cause for the violence.
Two Shootings Occur in 13 Hours
Politicians are speaking out after two mass shootings over the course of the weekend left 31 dead and dozens more injured.
On Saturday, a gunman in El Paso, Texas shot and killed 22 people and injured 24 others at a Walmart. Officers believe the alleged shooter left behind manifesto where they described immigrants from the southern border as “invaders.”
The author also said they were “defending” the U.S. from “cultural and ethnic replacement brought on by an invasion.” The incident is being investigated as domestic terrorism.
In Dayton, Ohio, thirteen hours after the shooting in El Paso, a shooter went to a popular neighborhood filled with bars. He opened fire wearing a bulletproof vest and a mask, killing nine, including his sister. Another 27 people were injured. Police killed the shooter after 30 seconds.
Gun Control Conversation Starts
When Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine spoke at a vigil on Sunday, the crowd met him with repeated chants of “Do something!”
Chant of “Do Something!” breaks out as OH Gov Mike DeWine speaks at a vigil in #Dayton. @NBCNews @NBCNightlyNews pic.twitter.com/deeditNyQC
— Kate Snow (@tvkatesnow) August 5, 2019
These people were not alone in turning the conversation to gun control legislation.
2020 candidates like Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA) spoke about the shootings on Twitter.
Gilroy, California.
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) August 5, 2019
El Paso, Texas.
Dayton, Ohio.
Let’s speak truth: Gun violence is a national emergency in our country.
Rep. Tim Ryan (D-OH) called for Congress to open session so a vote on gun control could happen quickly.
I’m calling on the President to call Congress back into session and Mitch McConnell and Chuck Schumer to pass the background check bill and ban assault weapons.
— Tim Ryan (@TimRyan) August 4, 2019
Some Republicans joined in with similar messaging. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) called for red flag laws, which would allow a family member, friend, or law enforcement official to petition for someone’s right to purchase a gun to be restricted if they believe that person is a threat or danger.
May not have mattered here, but Red Flag laws have proven to be effective in states that have them. (2/2)
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) August 4, 2019
Leaders Condemn White Supremacy
Because of the shooter in El Paso’s motives, many also were quick to speak out against white nationalism. Many pointed to President Donald Trump’s rhetoric, as he has used similar language, including the word “invasion” in the past.
Where could anyone get the idea that illegal immigration is an “invasion” that must be stopped? pic.twitter.com/Fe9G2vY4Sw
— Brian Klaas (@brianklaas) August 4, 2019
When asked what Trump can do in response to these events, presidential candidate and former Texas representative Beto O’Rourke said, “Members of the press, what the fuck?”
“Connect the dots about what he’s been doing in this country,” O’Rourke continued. “He is not tolerating racism he is promoting racism.”
🔥 "Members of the press, what the f***?" @BetoORourke on the obvious answer to whether @realDonaldTrump is inciting violent #racist attacks.#RacistGOP#RacistInChief
— Dr. Dena Grayson (@DrDenaGrayson) August 5, 2019
pic.twitter.com/9CIkmZVCWx
Other 2020 candidates also made similar statements. Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) said Trump is “giving license to this kind of violence.”
One of the lessons in my faith is that you reap what you sow.
— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) August 4, 2019
When Donald Trump uses words like “infestation,” “invasion” and “shithole countries”—
When he refuses to condemn Neo-Nazis and white supremacists—
Trump is giving license to this kind of violence. He’s responsible. pic.twitter.com/hf3ugZIO5D
Pete Buttigieg spoke about the incident at the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees forum in Las Vegas, Nevada.
“White nationalism is evil, and it is inspiring people to commit murder,” the South Bend, Indiana Mayor said. “And it is being condoned at the highest levels of the American government.”
Republicans also condemned white supremacy but were largely leaving Trump out of it. Acting White House Cheif of Staff Mick Mulvaney said on ABC’s This Week that the shooter in El Paso was “sick” but that “no politician is to blame for that.”
Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-TX) said white supremacy has “no place in this world.“
Violence against another human being because of their ethnicity is one of the most disgusting forms of evil that exists. It must be rooted out, white supremacy has no place in this world.
— Dan Crenshaw (@DanCrenshawTX) August 4, 2019
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) called the shooting in El Paso a “heinous act of terrorism.”
We must speak clearly to combat evil in any form it takes. What we saw yesterday was a heinous act of terrorism and white supremacy. There is no place for this in El Paso, in Texas, or anywhere across our nation.
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) August 4, 2019
We are all Americans and we are all standing united with El Paso.
Politicians Point to Video Games
Other politicians had a different approach when responding, with a few arguing that violence in video games was a catalyst for these shootings. The Lt. Governor of Texas, Dan Patrick, told Fox News he believed the two were related on Sunday.
“What’s changed in this country? We’ve always had guns. We’ve always had evil,” he said. “But what’s changed where we see this rash of shootings? And I see a video game industry that teaches young people to kill.”
“This was maybe a video game to this evil demon. A video game to him,” he continued. “He has no sense of humanity, no sense of life. He wanted to be a super soldier, for his Call of Duty game.”
“The idea of these video games, they dehumanize individuals to have a game of shooting individuals and others,” he said.
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) also appeared on Fox News Sunday to speak about the subject.
“The idea of these video games, they dehumanize individuals to have a game of shooting individuals and others,” he said.
President Trump Responds
President Trump made several comments about the shooting himself. He also linked gun violence to video games during a Monday morning press conference.
“We must stop the glorification of violence in our society,” he said. “This includes the gruesome and grisly video games that are now commonplace. It is too easy today for troubled youth to surround themselves with a culture that celebrates violence. We must stop or substantially reduce this, and it has to begin immediately.”
During the press conference, he also joined the many politicians who condemned white supremacy.
“In one voice, our nation must condemn racism, bigotry, and white supremacy,” Trump stated. “These sinister ideologies must be defeated. Hate has no place in America.”
He also cited mental illness as a factor in shootings.
“Mental illness and hatred pulls the trigger, not the gun,” he said.
On Monday, the president also tweeted about potential gun control legislation but linked to immigration policy.
….this legislation with desperately needed immigration reform. We must have something good, if not GREAT, come out of these two tragic events!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 5, 2019
Editor’s Note: At Rogue Rocket, we make it a point to not include the names and pictures of mass murderers or suspected mass murderers who may have been seeking attention or infamy. Therefore, we will not be linking to other sources, as they may contain these details. Instead, we will be linking to donation pages for those impacted by the shootings.
U.S.
Lincoln College to Close for Good After COVID and Ransomware Attack Ruin Finances
Published
6 days agoon
May 10, 2022By
Chris Tolve
Last year, 1,043 schools in the U.S. were the victim of ransomware attacks, including 26 colleges or universities, according to an analysis by Emsisoft.
One of the Only Historically Black Colleges in the Midwest Goes Down
After 157 years of educating mostly Black students in Illinois, Lincoln College will close its doors for good on Friday.
The college made the announcement last month, citing financial troubles caused by the coronavirus pandemic and a ransomware attack in December.
Enrollment dropped during the pandemic and the administration had to make costly investments in technology and campus safety measures, according to a statement from the school.
A shrinking endowment put additional pressure on the college’s budget.
The ransomware attack, which the college has said originated from Iran, thwarted admissions activities and hindered access to all institutional data. Systems for recruitment, retention, and fundraising were completely inoperable at a time when the administration needed them most.
In March, the college paid the ransom, which it has said amounted to less than $100,000. But according to Lincoln’s statement, subsequent projections showed enrollment shortfalls so significant the college would need a transformational donation or partnership to make it beyond the present semester.
The college put out a request for $50 million in a last-ditch effort to save itself, but no one came forward to provide it.
A GoFundMe aiming to raise $20 million for the college only collected $2,452 as of Tuesday.
Students and Employees Give a Bittersweet Goodbye
“The loss of history, careers, and a community of students and alumni is immense,” David Gerlach, the college’s president, said in a statement.
Lincoln counts nearly 1,000 enrolled students, and those who did not graduate this spring will leave the institution without degrees.
Gerlach has said that 22 colleges have worked with Lincoln to accept the remaining students, including their credits, tuition prices, and residency requirements.
“I was shocked and saddened by that news because of me being a freshman, so now I have to find someplace for me to go,” one student told WMBD News after the closure was announced.
When a group of students confronted Gerlach at his office about the closure, he responded with an emotional speech.
“I have been fighting hard to save this place,” he said. “But resources are resources. We’ve done everything we possibly could.”
On April 30, alumni were invited back to the campus to revisit the highlights of their college years before the institution closed.
On Saturday, the college held its final graduation ceremony, where over 200 students accepted their diplomas and Quentin Brackenridge performed the Lincoln Alma Mater.
Last year, 1,043 schools in the U.S. were the victim of ransomware attacks, including 26 colleges or universities, according to an analysis by Emsisoft.
See what others are saying: (The New York Times) (Herald Review) (CNN)
U.S.
U.S. Tops One Million Coronavirus Deaths, WHO Estimates 15 Million Worldwide
Published
2 weeks agoon
May 5, 2022By
Chris Tolve
India’s real COVID death toll stands at about 4.7 million, ten times higher than official data, the WHO estimated.
One Million Dead
The United States officially surpassed one million coronavirus deaths Wednesday, 26 months after the first death was reported in late February of 2020.
Experts believe that figure is likely an undercount, since there are around 200,000 excess deaths, though some of those may not be COVID-related.
The figure is the equivalent of the population of San Jose, the tenth-largest city in the U.S., vanishing in just over two years. To put the magnitude in visual perspective, NECN published a graphic illustrating what one million deaths looks like.
At the beginning of the pandemic, the White House predicted between 100,000 and 240,000 Americans would die from the coronavirus in a best-case scenario.
By February 2021, over half a million Americans had died of COVID.
The coronavirus has become the third leading cause of death in the U.S. behind heart disease and cancer.
The pandemic’s effects go beyond its death toll. Around a quarter of a million children have lost a caregiver to the virus, including about 200,000 who lost one or both parents. Every COVID-related death leaves an estimated nine people grieving.
The virus has hit certain industries harder than others, with food and agriculture, warehouse operations and manufacturing, and transportation and construction seeing especially high death rates.
People’s mental health has also been affected, with a study in January of five Western countries including the U.S. finding that 13% of people reported symptoms of PTSD attributable to actual or potential contact with the virus.
Fifteen Million Dead
On Thursday, the World Health Organization estimated that nearly 15 million people have died from the pandemic worldwide, a dramatic revision from the 5.4 million previously reported in official statistics.
Between January 2020 and the end of last year, the WHO estimated that between 13.3 million and 16.6 million people died either due to the coronavirus directly or because of factors somehow attributed to the pandemic’s impact on health systems, such as cancer patients who were unable to seek treatment when hospitals were full of COVID patients.
Based on that range, scientists arrived at an approximate total of 14.9 million.
The new estimate shows a 13% increase in deaths than is usually expected for a two-year period.
“This may seem like just a bean-counting exercise, but having these WHO numbers is so critical to understanding how we should combat future pandemics and continue to respond to this one,” Dr. Albert Ko, an infectious diseases specialist at the Yale School of Public Health who was not linked to the WHO research, told the Associated Press.
Most of the deaths occurred in Southeast Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
According to the WHO, India counts the most deaths by far with 4.7 million, ten times its official number.
See what others are saying: (NBC) (U.S. News and World Report) (Scientific American)
U.S.
Official Says Missing Alabama Convict and Corrections Officer Had a “Special Relationship”
Published
2 weeks agoon
May 4, 2022By
Lili Stenn
Authorities have also said they now believe the officer willfully helped the inmate escape.
New Information on Missing Inmate & Officer
Authorities in Alabama revealed Tuesday that Assistant Director of Corrections for Lauderdale County Vicky White, who is accused of helping a murder suspect Casey Cole White escape from jail, had a “special relationship” with the inmate.
“Investigators received information from inmates at the Lauderdale County Detention Center over the weekend that there was a special relationship between Director White and inmate Casey White,” Lauderdale County Sheriff Rick Singleton said in a statement. “That relationship has now been confirmed through our investigation by independent sources and means.”
Officials have previously said that the two are not related, despite their shared surname.
Singleton elaborated on the nature of the relationship while speaking to CNN later on Tuesday. He said it took place “outside of her normal work hours” and added that although it did not include “physical contact,” he still characterized it as “a relationship of a different nature.”
“We were told Casey White got special privileges and was treated differently while in the facility than the other inmates,” Singleton said.
Also on Tuesday, the Marshals Service issued a statement confirming that authorities believe Officer White had helped Mr. White escape. The authorities described her as a “wanted fugitive” and offered a $5,000 reward for any information on her whereabouts. Earlier this week, the Marshals Service also offered a $10,000 reward for any information that could lead to Mr. White’s capture.
Singleton echoed the belief that Officer White’s actions were intentional while speaking to Good Morning America Wednesday.
“I think all of our employees and myself included were really hoping that she did not participate in this willingly. But all indications are that she absolutely did,” he said. “We’re very disappointed in that because we had the utmost trust in her as an employee and as an assistant director of corrections.”
Mysterious Escape
Vicky White and Casey White were last seen leaving the Lauderdale County jail just after 9:30 a.m. Friday. The officer told other employees that she was taking the inmate to a mental health evaluation at a courthouse just down the road, and that she would be going to a medical appointment after because she was not feeling well.
Officials later said her actions violated an official policy that required two sworn deputies to transport people with murder charges. In 2020, Mr. White was charged with two counts of capital murder in connection to a fatal stabbing he confessed to and was awaiting his trial in Lauderdale County.
Mr. White was also serving time for what officials said was a “crime spree” in 2015 which included home invasion, carjacking, and a police chase. He had also previously tried to escape from jail, police said.
It wasn’t until 3:30 p.m. on Friday that a jail employee reported to higher-ups that he was not able to reach Officer White on her phone and that Mr. White had never been returned to his cell.
During a press conference that same night, Singleton told reporters that there had never even been a scheduled mental health evaluation. At another briefing Monday, he announced that an arrest warrant had been issued for Vicky on a charge of “permitting or facilitating an escape in the first degree.”
At the time, Singleton said it was unclear “whether she did that willingly or was coerced or threatened” but added, “we know for sure she did participate.”
See what others are saying: (CNN) (ABC News) (NPR)

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