Scott Roeder and Nidal Malik Hasan
On November 5th, 2009, Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan entered the Soldier Readiness Centre at Fort Hood, TX, and opened fire with two pistols, killing thirteen and injuring another thirty.
It appears that Hasan may have been motivated by his religious beliefs as he reportedly proclaimed ‘Allahu Akbar’ before opening fire. He may also have been suffering from psychiatric ill health.
This was not the first incident of such violence on a US military installation.
Sen. Lieberman has said he will seek a congressional investigation into whether this was an act of terror.
On May 31st, 2009, Scott Roeder entered the Reform Lutheran Church in Wichita, KS, and shot George Tiller in the head.
It appears that Roeder may have been motivated by his religious beliefs as he was a member of the Army of God. He may also have been suffering from psychiatric ill health.
Rep. Slaughter’s house resolution condeming the murder of Tiller was unanimously passed.
This was not the first instance of violence against abortionists.
Despite these similarities, Hasan’s case will play into a climate of fear; Roeder’s will not. If Hasan’s actions were terrorist, so were Roeder’s. I rather doubt, though, that the Ann Coulters of this world will be calling for everyone boarding a plane to be searched for an Army of God membership card.
xD.
