Yesterday’s attack at a Christmas party in San Bernardino, California, saw 14 people killed in the worst mass shooting since Sandy Hook. In response to such a horrific tragedy, many people understandably sent their thoughts and prayers to the victims and their loved ones.
However in the confusion surrounding the specifics of the event, the Internet became a veritable beehive of arguments and blame. Those on both sides of the political spectrum pointed out the others’ contradictions and hypocrisy, while vehemently defending their own stances.
Many are suspicious that the attack may have been related to Islamic extremism, but there are also voices calling for people to exercise caution in their judgements. It has sparked questions about why every attack carried out by a Muslim is deemed terrorism.
It's probably fair to call this terrorism given planning/explosives/weapons but assuming link to ISIS is definitely premature #SanBernardino
— Lauren Nelson (@SnarkySmarty) December 3, 2015Dangerous reporting by some US media organisations in presuming terror connection to San Bernandino shooting just because suspect is Muslim
— omar r quraishi (@omar_quraishi) December 3, 2015
As is normal in these situations, the debate also moved to gun control.
The shooting San Bernandino is another horrible event in America's that proves we need better gun control laws #SanBernadinoShooting
— Picasso baby (@itscarlitos94) December 2, 2015Today's shooting in San Bernandino is a reminder that only we can protect ourselves... Guns make a great gift... https://t.co/PxVFdl52nd
— Tibor Kovacs (@tuspsa) December 3, 2015With San Bernardino shooters being a)Muslim b)possible ISIS influence, there's not even a glimmer of hope for discussing gun law reform.
— Allison Menjivar (@amubalt) December 4, 2015
Some directly blamed the Republicans.
These routine mass slaughters are more proof of US failure. Blame lies mainly at the feet of Republicans... https://t.co/cf3sipXYn8
— Hal Donahue (@haldonahue) December 3, 2015
Others argued that the Democrats should apologize for what they percieved as inaction against Daesh on the part of President Obama.
@ChrisMurphy San Bernardino was an ISIS attack , if any asking for forgiveness is warranted it should come from democrats and the POTUS
— Rob Marrero (@romarr1) December 4, 2015
There were those who got the name wrong, blaming the Turkish president for the attacks after certain media outlets gave his name as that of one of the suspects.
One of San Bernandino shooting suspects Qatar citizen Tayyeep Bin Ardogan before moving to US was in Syria & Iraq smuggling oil to Turkey
— domi (@krivalj) December 3, 2015
People bringing Syrian refugees into the equation was—of course—to be expected.
That female terrorist in San Bernardino? Same government system vetted her that will check Syrian refugees. Feel safe America?
— Nicholas Augusta (@naugusta) December 4, 2015
Some celebrity personalities gave their opinion, with comedian Amy Schumer advocating increased gun control.
NRA Life Member. Imagine my surprise to see the San Bernardino headlines & find out it's my fault. The left has given up on real news. #2A
— Bill (@BillinWV) December 4, 2015
And of course, the conspiracy theorists believe that the US government is responsible. For whatever reason that may be.
The San Bernardino shooting news reeks of government setup. I don't buy any of it. #falseflag
— Markus Sandy (@apperceptions) December 4, 2015That whole San Bernardino attack seem like a false flag set-up with the covering of a government drill.
— Yaakob Yisrael (@Genesis_Malachi) December 3, 2015
