avatarQuintessa L. Williams

Summary

The provided text discusses the alarming rise in domestic terrorism, particularly focusing on recent mass shootings in the United States, the political responses, and the urgent call for legislative action.

Abstract

The text highlights the series of violent incidents characterized as domestic terrorism within the United States. Beginning with the activation of the National Terrorism Advisory System Bulletin shortly after President Biden's inauguration, the article outlines a series of deadly attacks, including those in Buffalo, New York, and Uvalde, Texas. It emphasizes the racial and ideological motivations behind these attacks, noting the targeted nature of the violence, particularly against African Americans. The piece also scrutinizes the responses from politicians and the lack of decisive legislative action, despite the increasing frequency of such incidents, and the shared sentiment of exhaustion from the cycle of public grieving without corresponding changes in gun control policies.

Opinions

  • The author suggests that current responses from politicians are inadequate, consisting mostly of thoughts and prayers without meaningful legislative action to prevent future incidents.
  • There is an opinion that the motivation behind voting against domestic terrorism legislation could be a reflection of hate or self-serving interests rather than a commitment to the public good.
  • The repeated instances of mass shootings in places where individuals should feel safe are described as part of a larger epidemic of domestic terrorism.
  • The writer expresses personal experience, implying a constant fear and targeting as part of a minority group often victimized by these violent acts.
  • Frustration is directed toward politicians who offer condolences but resist supporting domestic terrorism bills, questioning the sincerity of their concern for public safety over their own political agendas.
  • The article conveys a sense of urgency for action beyond verbal expressions of sympathy, calling for tangible progress in preventing such tragedies.

Breaking + Emergency

The Domestic Terrorism Epidemic

Even with last week’s attacks, I don’t think anyone was prepared for the next deadly assault. Except maybe Salvador Ramos.

An American flag torn by a gunshot | Photo Courtesy of The Untitled

On January 27th, 2021, just days after President Joe Biden’s inauguration, the Department of Homeland Security activated a federal alert system to warn of potential domestic terrorist threats in the coming weeks.

The National Terrorism Advisory System Bulletin,(NTAS) was issued due to “a heightened threat environment across the United States, which was believed to be a result of the successful President Inauguration.

Since then, domestic terrorists have executed violent and deadly, extremist attacks at every turn. They are often fueled by false ideologies and motivated by a range of issues — one largely being racism.

On May 14th, 2022, a mass terrorist shooting occurred at the Tops Friendly Supermarket in Buffalo, New York. Ten people were killed, while three others were injured. 11 of the 13 victims were African-American, and two were white. The shooter, identified as 18-year-old Payton S. Gendron, live-streamed the attack on the Twitch platform, and described himself as a white supremacist who targeted African Americans in a 180-page manifesto.

On May 15th, another mass shooting occurred at the Geneva Presbyterian Church in Laguna Woods, California. One person was killed, while five were critically injured. The shooter was identified as 68-year-old David Chou. He was apprehended and hogtied by the victims until taken into police custody. Evidence discovered provides that Chou was motivated by “some kind of hate” according to police investigators.

Aren’t they all?

And even with last week's attacks, I don’t think anyone was prepared for the next deadly attack. Except maybe Salvador Ramos.

On May 24th, 2022, the deadliest school shooting in Texas history to date occurred at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. The shooter, identified as 18-year-old Salvador Ramos, opened fire at the elementary school, killing over 18 people, including a teacher. Ramos reportedly shot his grandmother earlier that day, before the shooting occurred. Ramos was announced dead moments later and confirmed he was killed by police.

As of now, the shooter’s motives are reportedly unknown. But I think it’s fair to gather, much like with every domestic terrorism attack, that they’re all fueled by “some kind of hate.”

Twenty-three years after the Columbine high school shooting, 10 years after the Sandy Hook elementary shooting, and four years after the Parkland high school shooting, domestic terrorism in schools strikes again. And we are forced to wonder: What has been done in the last 20 or so years to prevent deadly shooting attacks?

“I had hoped when I became president I would not have to do this — again.” Another massacre. Uvalde, Texas. An elementary school. Beautiful, innocent second, third and fourth graders.

And how many scores of little children who witnessed what happened — see their friends die, as if they’re on a battlefield, for God’s sake. They’ll live with it the rest of their lives.” — President Joe Biden

“To the people of Uvalde: Please know that we grieve with you. We are praying for you. And we stand with you.” — Vice President Kamala Harris

While the media is currently exercising its efforts in unpacking the motives of the shooter, we should be asking the more important questions to those who have control over and are held responsible for the prevention of these crimes.

News of the recent attack fueled comparative conversations about similar school shootings and how the incidents were strangely similar. While several politicians rolled out their condolences and prayers.

“Horrified and heartbroken by reports of the disgusting violence directed at innocent schoolkids in Uvalde, Texas. The entire country is praying for the children, families, teachers, staff, and the first responders on the scene.” — Leader Mitch McConnell

“Heidi & I are fervently lifting up in prayer the children and families in the horrific shooting in Uvalde. We are in close contact with local officials, but the precise details are still unfolding. Thank you to heroic law enforcement & first responders for acting so swiftly.” — Senator Ted Cruz

“Texans are grieving for the victims of this senseless crime & for the community of Uvalde. Cecilia & I mourn this horrific loss & urge all Texans to come together.” — Governor Greg Abbott

The one thing we can all do is offer our prayers and thoughts — to grieve. But there is one thing we can’t all do, and that is to legislate. We need more than thoughts, prayers, and condolences from politicians.

More than ever, we need assurance that the idea of legislation to prevent domestic attacks won’t be debated by those more concerned with authority and power. We need to know our politicians will make decisions with the people it will largely impact in mind more than maintaining personal agendas.

Politicians are swift in addressing the school shooting but slow to stand up to gun control laws. Perhaps we should ask the pro-gun politicians what their motive is? Those willing to debate the idea of a domestic terrorism bill being put in place. Because imagine having the power to prevent such attacks and choosing not to help prevent such attacks.

What is the motivation behind voting against domestic terrorism legislation?

Some kind of hate, perhaps? Or is it simply the solace in knowing that they won’t ever feel the brunt of their decisions?

I am not entirely sure. But what has been made clear is that today is the 144th day of 2022 and Ulvade marks the 212th mass shooting of the year. This year has seen more shootings than days. Shootings have occurred where people should feel the safest. And the verbal remarks from do-nothing politicians are tiring.

America is in a domestic terrorism epidemic. And trust me, I’m a part of a race largely targeted by it every day.

So I know one when I see one.

And “What are we doing?” asks Senator Murphy.

What are we doing?

QUINTESSA is a Freelance Writer & Journalist|#WEOC member & moderator| Blacktivist|Writer & Editor for Cultured, WEOC, The Case for the 1619 Project, and AfroSapiophile Publications | Bylines in GEN, Momentum, and midnight & indigo

Terrorism
America
Crime
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