Thread by @FreedomFriesInc

(1) There's an active shooter incident in Boulder, CO, with reported injuries.

Early info is still patchy, so I will wait for more info before discussing details.

Remember: There _could_ be more than one shooter but usually there is not.

https://twitter.com/ABC/status/1374104012891504641

(2) I was planning to write about the Asian Spas tragedy now that several days have passed.

Both (partisan) sides exploit (a) these tragedies, and (b) the background socio-political environment of the past 18 months or so.

Some of us are trying to "lower the temperature."

(3) Granted, this incident might turn out to have no connection to national politics. But the choices made when reporting on an incident can turn it into a political football.

All violence is wrong, whoever does it, and whoever is targeted.

(4) Any pandemic causes mass disruption and can change the course of history. The 1918-1920 Spanish Flu Epidemic did that. Why would we expect this pandemic to be different?

There were mass murders before the pandemic. It's possible a higher frequency & severity is emerging.

(5) My message, as always, is to breathe, take a step back, and ask yourself how you can help those around you. Instead of freaking out and spreading anxiety no one needs right now.

And consider donating blood regularly, if you're able. Donations are down, everywhere.

(6) This guy appears to be on scene and is sharing video clips. Stay safe, Sir.

https://twitter.com/Brookaitken/status/1374117639677648897

(7) Good point. No one should be sharing photo or video from the scene right now. I haven't covered a live event in a while so had forgotten to mention that.

https://twitter.com/boulderpolice/status/1374123467277094913

(8) One suspect was recorded by media helicopter being led away by police. We should not assume from this that there are no other suspects still at large.

Once they have secured the scene there is usually a stand up press briefing and further briefings as more facts emerge.

(9) In my experience, those official briefings are where the most credible of the available facts come out (on the day.)

Workers sheltering in place often message loved ones or even post live on social media. Treat these reports with extreme caution.

(10) Reports that a shooter starting firing inside a pharmacy that was providing Covid vaccinations.

This wouldn't be a surprise to security experts like @OliviaTroye who have warned about the evolving domestic terrorism threats.

If true, this may affect the rollout.☹️

(11) We all need to lift our game with security in the buildings where we live, work, and play.

Especially in healthcare settings. I've reported on mass shootings in these settings before, eg 2018 in Chicago:

https://twitter.com/FreedomFriesInc/status/1064797438911819776

(12) IMO we can't afford the luxury of prioritizing our political beliefs ahead of helping our neighbors stay alive.

Like it or not, you and I live in countries that are a society, and what we do can impact others.

Don't want a vax? Fine, don't get it. Others need one, stat.

(13) Regardless of where and how this tragedy started, the dynamic is the same. Someone, somewhere, decided violence was his or her solution to whatever was ailing them.

Not just in the US, in all our countries there are powder kegs ready to go off. No gun? Knife, vehicle, etc

(14) I say that bc it doesn't matter if the perp can't access a firearm, legal or otherwise. They can be very inventive.

Here's another survival tip: See something, say something.

If that person doesn't act, find someone who will. There are no excuses.

(15) Source for my earlier note about the pharmacy.

I will likely start a 2nd thread about this event soon. I will link the new one in the last tweet of this thread.

Police briefing set for 7.45pm Eastern.

(16) Unconfirmed reports of a number of deaths in the #BoulderShooting. Brace yourselves for the news, which the PD will probably give at their briefing in a few minutes.

Remember, we don't need to know the motive rn. Let the investigators do their job. Pray for the survivors.

(17) Apparently the press briefing has now been pushed back to 6pm MDT / 8pm EDT. This often happens. I'd rather get fuller details later than partial info now.

https://twitter.com/boulderpolice/status/1374144078087081984

(18) The delay could be due to a Police operation at a nearby apartment. Possibly a second suspect.

Either way, my thoughts are with all the first responders and others working to help in Boulder today. Temperature there is around 36 deg F atm, will hit 29 overnight.

(19) Many people are distressed about the challenges we're facing this year.

Distress can lead to suicide, and homicide.

The US has a free 24/7/365 @distressline that I first heard about while covering hurricanes.

Share this info; you never know who it may help.❤️

(20) Here is thread #2.

Thanks for reading, replying, and retweeting.

END

https://twitter.com/FreedomFriesInc/status/1374155042987511812