It happened again. This time in Minnesota. A deranged gunman broke into a legislator’s house and shot her and her husband, killing both of them. He also killed their dog. The alleged gunman broke into a state senator’s house, shooting him. Somehow, the senator and his wife survived.
The suspect, 57-year-old Vance Boelter, grew up in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota. Residents described in various media reports that it was the type of community where locals don’t lock their doors and look out for each other.
Boelter worked in the restaurant business around Minneapolis. Prior to his killing, he developed a list of democratic lawmakers. It was very detailed. It’s stretched as far as Cincinnati Congressman Greg Landsman.
Police found an AK-47 assault weapon and other firearms in his possession after obtaining a search warrant. He had a manifesto of those he intended to kill. Most of his writings were angered around abortion advocates.
It doesn’t help matters when President Trump a few weeks ago, speaking with reporters, called the opposition “the scum of the earth.” President Trump survived two assassination attempts in the last two years.
Political violence has been geared toward both parties. In recent years, Louisiana Republican Congressman Steve Scalise was shot while preparing for a congressional softball game. Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul was attacked while cutting his grass. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s home was burglarized and her husband was beaten with a hammer.
We see it on the local level on social media, but not to the extent of a criminal nature. Clearly, hate comments breed those who may have a troubled mind. We’re aware of your First Amendment rights, but folks in America need to cool the rhetoric. It can start with the man leading the country.