The rise of the “lone wolf” extremist hard to combat

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We have seen an increase in the lone wolf type attacks, which, from a law enforcement and investigation perspective, are the most challenging. Why? Because by definition they’re not conspiring.
Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano • Discussing “lone wolf” attacks like the ones by John Patrick Bedell (who shot two Pentagon security guards last week), Joe Stack (who flew a plane into an IRS building in February) and Johnny Lee Wicks (who was killed in a January courthouse attack after losing a case regarding his Social Security benefits). For those playing at home, that’s three “lone wolf” attacks in three months, which is problematic for law enforcement, because it’s not easy to prevent such cases. source

Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink

06 Mar 2010 12:39

Let’s face it. Extremism isn’t right-wing or left-wing. A Christian Science Monitor article from today referred to John Patrick Bedell (along with anti-tax plane crasher Joe Stack) as a right-wing extremist. We’re not comfortable trying to tie these guys to any political leaning or political party. It creates a sucking sound that ties their opinions up in politics rather than focusing on the big issue, which is that there’s enough dischord in our country that random dudes are willing to attack parts of the government singlehandedly. Let’s get away from the politics and worry about the root problem we keep seeing. Extremism. source

Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink

Given my belief that cannabis prohibition is the least defensible and most unjust aspect of the prohibitionist regime existing throughout the world today, I decided in March 2006 to cultivate cannabis in full view of the world.
“JPatrickBedell” • In an internet post which happens to be strongly anti-government. He apparently did this a lot, between YouTube and Wikipedia and other sites. When he attacked last night, he reportedly showed “no real emotion in his face” in captured video surveillance just before the shooting. source

Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink

One second, John Patrick Bedell looked innocent. The next, he was firing. The Pentagon Metro station, which is designed to be incredibly secure, was the scene of a shooting which was not the result of terrorism. How’d it happen? Well, Bedell calmly grabbed into his pocket as if he was grabbing a pass. Then he pulled out a gun, and grazed the two officers. The entrance to the station was closed for two hours as a result of the shooting, but officials are glad that the incident was otherwise handled well. source
UPDATE (1:13 a.m.): Bedell has died from his injuries.

Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink