San Bernardino Shooting : No Notoriety for Suspects

The senseless, tragic scene in San Bernardino was just the latest spree killing, adding to a list that dates back decades, leaving the world wondering "who?" and "why?"

In 1966, a sniper at the University of Texas in Austin forever altered the concept of public space as shots rang down from the iconic tower in the middle of campus. 

In 1981, a man opened fire inside a McDonald's restaurant in San Ysidro, California, killing 21.

The deadliest mass shooting recorded was in 2007 at Virginia Tech, where a student opened fire, killing 32 people before taking his own life.

With at least 14 people killed and 17 others injured, this Southern California shooting was the deadliest since the Sandy Hook Elementary School incident in Newtown, Connecticut, in 2012.

CNN and the Los Angeles Times have running lists of shooting rampages in the U.S. over time.

We understand the desire to know the motive and the background of the offenders.  Perhaps by gaining insight, we can comprehend any sliver of cause behind such heinous activities and prevent future acts.  

It is human nature to feel connected by discussing motives in order to try to make sense of these things. While the public has a right to know this information (and it is easily available everywhere), we are personally choosing to never discuss the names of the offenders who carry out such horrific acts.

By focusing on the first responders, the civilians, all those affected, we aim to show respect to those who served, sacrificed, survived, and were lost to senselessness.  There will always be lessons learned; experts will glean takeaways on motives, causes.  

Our position is to recognize the good work by all first responders, understand key issues in public safety, promote the advancement of the field, and commend  those who have taken the oath to "take a bullet before you, that's for damned sure".

We understand the desire to know more, but hope our readers respect our decision to not allow the suspects to dictate the discussion or gain infamy for their cause. Our warm thoughts go out to all of those affected by this most recent tragedy.

-Michelle
-JR