In a startling and troubling event straight out of a crime thriller, two Minnesota state lawmakers were ambushed in their homes in what authorities are calling a targeted assassination. As if we needed any more reminders that political life is becoming increasingly dangerous, this act somehow tops the list of recent threats to democracy. The perpetrator managed a Houdini-esque escape after a shootout with police, leaving authorities scrambling in an intense manhunt. The situation has all the elements of an action movie – except, unfortunately, this is the real world.
The suspect, allegedly dressed in a law enforcement uniform and possibly escaping in a car that resembled a police vehicle, seems to have been quite the master of disguise. Identification left at the scene, and a traced firearm, allowed authorities to determine who they’re looking for. This raises the question: is our political climate so volatile that individuals feel compelled to adopt spy-worthy tactics to make a statement? What’s next? State Capitol workers wearing Kevlar vests to work?
Agents from several agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), are working in tandem to locate the suspect, who is considered armed and dangerous. Safety in America seems more like a nostalgic concept than a reality when even our elected officials are being targeted. One can only imagine the anxiety the general public must feel knowing that someone with access to such tools of violence is still on the loose. It’s as if the handbook on common decency and respect has been tossed out the window.
What’s even more alarming is that the suspect had his own security company, and this incident may show just how precarious the line is between order and chaos. Apparently, the suspect managed to evade capture simply by “getting lucky,” according to a special agent involved in the case. Well, here’s hoping that luck runs out soon. It seems that between running a security business and masquerading as an officer, this suspect had enough tact and cunning to pull off this brazen act – if only his skills could have been put to more productive use.
The confidence of law enforcement agencies is reassuring as they assert that capture is imminent. Let’s hope this confidence is warranted and that justice is served promptly. However, the larger problem remains: we’re living in increasingly divisive times where political differences are settled through violence rather than dialogue. Maybe it’s time to take a long, hard look at what we’ve become and start working towards a society where disagreements are handled with words and not weapons.
