One of my favorite liberal quotes, and one that I’ve come back to periodically, was made by CNN commentator Marc Lamont Hill following the beheading in 2014 of an Oklahoma woman by a coworker who had converted to Islam. Rejecting the notion that the killer had engaged in an act of terrorism, and not “workplace violence,” Hill observed, “People behead for all sorts of reasons.”
I’d like to build on Hill’s memorable comment and add that people shoot into crowds for all sorts of reasons. In the case of a still-unidentified man who “pulled out a silver plated semi-automatic handgun and fired several shots into a crowded area” last evening, according to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department via Fox 5 San Diego, it was anger over learning that an Ice Cube concert was sold out.
Shots rang out at the crowded venue around 7 p.m. The Sheriff’s department says it all started when the man came up to the ticket window and found out the concert was sold out. An argument broke out and nearby deputies came over to confront the man.
According to eyewitnesses, the deputies ordered the gunman to drop his weapon. Shortly after that, several gunshots rang out. Those closest to the gunman say he fell to the ground.
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The shooter was taken to a local hospital. His condition is unknown. The Sheriff’s department say they do not believe anyone else was injured.
Just before 7:30 p.m., an announcement went out via Twitter informing ticket holders that the situation “has been contained” and that the concert will go on as scheduled.
