Hi. Terrorism professor here. If you're wondering why I haven't commented on today's attempted bombings, it's because we don't know enough yet. The only thing I can say with confidence is some of you speculating and accusing are crawling out onto limbs that'll get sawed off soon.
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But simultaneously attacking multiple political figures (Clintons, Obamas, Soros, John Brennan and others) indicates a clear political motive. That makes it terrorism. And at least some of the bombs have the same design, which indicates they have the same maker. 4/x
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Here's photos of the bomb sent to CNN. A few things jump out: 1) No postmark. Packages sent through the mail are required to have a postmark on the side with the address. Could be an error, but likely indicates package hand-delivered, not mailed. 5/xhttps://twitter.com/Acosta/status/1055147149158219778 …
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2) On bomb package sent to CNN, "Florida" misspelled in return address, "Brennan" misspelled in address, and Brennan contributes to MSNBC, not CNN. There's a widespread assumption that terrorists are smart--basically supervillains with elaborate plots--but often they're not. 6/x
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Terrorism is hard. Many instances of attempted attacks failing because the attacker messed up. Seen speculation that the bombs not going off is some sort of indicator. Most likely, it's just that law enforcement is good at what they do, and this terrorist is an amateur. 7/x
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Likely some who delivered the packages recorded on camera. CNN package had no postmark, but not sure about others. A courier would be a better lead than a mail carrier. No idea if bomber delivered one in person. Investigators surely looking into this. 9/x https://twitter.com/capitalistpeeg/status/1055199997308952577 …
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Zoom in on bomb sent to CNN. Appears to be ISIS flag on device. Given amateurishness of attack, almost certainly not ISIS itself. Could be ISIS sympathizer. Could also be someone(s) who thought this would send investigators in wrong direction. Noteworthy, but need more info. 10/xpic.twitter.com/DNzs0ZND18
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UPDATE: What looked like ISIS flag on pipe bomb sent to CNN appears to be a parody. Thanks to readers who pointed it out. Amateurishness of bombs already indicated unlikely ISIS, but parody flag means not ISIS sympathizer or law enforcement misdirect. 11/x https://twitter.com/SkagBaron/status/1055220250696810496 …
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Rhetoric can motivate violence. And not just direct incitement. That being said, I think it's irresponsible to assume terrorist(s) who haven't been identified or released any statement were motivated by any specific rhetoric based on chosen targets. 12/x https://twitter.com/Duncans_Eggs/status/1055213492771450880 …
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Good example of incorrect speculation connecting rhetoric and violence: Giffords shooting in AZ. Sarah Palin released map of districts to "target," which some blamed for motivating shooter. Turns out shooter wasn't motivated by political rhetoric at all (see tweet 3 above). 13/x
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We don't know who sent the bombs yet. There's nothing lost--absolutely nothing--in waiting a few days for law enforcement to investigate. (END)
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End of conversation
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Some people buy that. Dig a little deeper, it might explain the biggest miracle head injury survival ever, of all time, in the history of the world. It might also explain why the judge had such bad luck.
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So crazy people aren’t terrorists? Because crazy is de facto crazy not terrorism?
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Jared Laughner was under the influence of psychotropic Rx Drugs that have side effects listed in the PDR, on labels & in TV ads, incl: psychosis-mania-delusions-hallucinations, aggression-paranoia-akithesia-homicidal ideation-religious preoccupation and suicide. FDA approved
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I'm not sure it's necessarily that clear cut. For instance, let's say prior to Loughner targeting Giffords there was another relatively recent attack on another politician. Despite the lack of connection between the instances they will take on the illusion of organization.
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