A suspected Islamic terrorist opened fire at a gay nightclub in Florida, killing 50 people and wounding another 53 before he was killed by police. While authorities continue to investigate to determine whether this man had ties to ISIS, the terror organization has not been quiet in praising the attack. This comes three days after ISIS announced they would attack somewhere in Florida. Today's attack marks the largest act of terrorism on US soil since 9/11.
takyon: The gunman reportedly called 911 emergency services to pledge allegiance to ISIS. The President will hold a briefing momentarily. Compare this article to the original submission.
(Score: 1, Interesting) by Anonymous Coward on Monday June 13 2016, @02:30AM
Problem is...
1. Nothing he had done prior was actually criminal and provable in court. The FBI would have needed to set up a sting operation, gently goad him into taking action with FBI-supplied fake weapons, and then arrest him. Getting him to take action in a controllable way, but without getting the case thrown out of court, is a delicate balancing act that takes time and doesn't always work.
2. There are probably several million other people in this country who basically desire to commit a similar act, and the FBI probably knows about a million of them. There is no way that the FBI can trail, stalk, stake out, or otherwise follow every one of those people. This is a long-tail problem, and resources are limited.
(Score: 2) by frojack on Monday June 13 2016, @03:44AM
You are partly right, AC.
But you missed the point where he passed a FBI background check while applying for a Security Clearance.
They didn't need any probable cause to deny him that clearance, because he already accepted that background check in his job application.
Anything worrisome that they found in the background check should have tripped alarms.
This guy passed all the checks, probably it will be found he bought all his guns legally.
Once again gun control does not work. And neither would banning gun altogether. Ask the Israelis. Stabbing reports are all the rage these days, and they are probably coming to a venue near you.
I doubt there are "several million" that want to do the same thing. They may number in the thousands, (with idle dreams, and secret desires). Probably no more than a couple hundred with real intent and the courage to do something, who are just waiting for an "excuse". Those are the only ones I expect the FBI to watch.
No, you are mistaken. I've always had this sig.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Monday June 13 2016, @04:53AM
Probably no more than a couple hundred with real intent and the courage to do something, who are just waiting for an "excuse". Those are the only ones I expect the FBI to watch.
If only they weren't indistinguishable from all the others who are just talking shit.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Monday June 13 2016, @07:35AM
Long tail problem?
Then chop off the head. Ban islam and kick all people who follow islam to the middle east. WIRM.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Monday June 13 2016, @08:55AM
Head? Nuke Mecca, Jerusalem, the Vatican, Clearwater Florida, and Provo. That ought about cover it, all the centers of infection of Abrahamic Faiths, except for Pike Place Market, but one must think of the fish!