Gov Brewer on Shooting of AZ Rep Gabrielle Giffords – FBI Search Shooter Jared Loughner’s MySpace Page, His Favorite Books Include “Communist Manifesto,” “Mein Kampf” (video)
Posted By Vicki McClure Davidson on January 8, 2011
Unhinged gunman Jared Lee Loughner killed innocent people today in Tucson when he attempted to assassinate Rep. Gabrielle Giffords - this photo was from his MySpace page
The sickening pain in my gut is still there — this has been a nightmare. I’ve been glued to the Arizona news much of the day for updates on the tragic, horrific shooting that happened this morning outside a Tucson Safeway grocery store, where Democrat Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords was holding what she called “Congress on Your Corner.” It was an open townhall meeting for her to reach out to her constituents, as was her custom. And then, everything changed when a deranged young man, Jared Loughner (various spellings have been posted, so it could be “Laughner”), who left a good-bye message and other strange ramblings to friends on his MySpace page, went on a murderous shooting spree with what has been reported to be a Glock handgun.
He killed at least five, perhaps six people, including a 9-year-old girl, an aide to the congresswoman, and Federal Judge John Roll. At least 18 people at the event were shot, and some remain in critical condition.
Details are trickling in about the shooting and the shooter — earlier reports were boomeranging with misinformation. It was reported by several news sources that Rep. Gifford had died after being shot by Loughner point-blank in the head. That was eventually corrected to report that the congresswoman had survived the bullet through her brain, was in critical condition, and was undergoing surgery. A local press conference later revealed that doctors were surprisingly optimistic about Rep. Gifford recovering from the assassination attempt.
The FBI has been rapidly reviewing the shooter’s YouTube and MySpace pages, the latter of which has been taken down. Text gleaned from Laughner’s social network page was read aloud on local AZ news broadcasts, revealing a terribly unhinged young man who burned flags, hated God, wanted the US to return to the gold standard, and listed “The Communist Manifesto” and “Mein Kampf” as his favorite books — but, strangely, also “The Wizard of Oz” and “Animal Farm.” He seems more psychotic than political, but his political leanings, if he has any, are definitely that of the left.
Local AZ FOX 10 News Miriam Garcia reported that those who know the gunman said he was teased in high school, wasn’t very popular, usually wore black, was very quiet, and was a bit strange, but no one expected him to become a mass murderer. His home and the surrounding area have been blocked off during the investigation.
Pres. Barack Obama addressed the tragedy earlier today, and delivered a surprisingly nice statement, devoid of partisanship or politicking. He said that he had told Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer that he would be giving the state all the federal resources necessary to investigate this shooting.
Gov. Jan Brewer also held a short press conference in Phoenix just after lunch. She was visibly shaken by the shooting, as she and Rep. Giffords are friends, despite their different political affiliations. She described Rep. Giffords in glowing terms, commending her for her spirit and energy and upbeat attitude as an elected official. Gov. Brewer reached out to the victims’ families and the state of Arizona on this sad day in the state. Gov. Brewer has requested that the flags at the Capitol Building be flown at half-mast in honor of those who died in Tucson.
All day, interviews on local Arizona television have included Sen. John McCain’s wife Cindy McCain, Sec. of State Ken Bennett, Rep. Raul Grijalva, former congressmen Harry Mitchell and J.D. Hayworth, and many others involved in Arizona government and law enforcement who are horrified and stunned by the shooting. Rep. Giffords, affectionately called “Gabby” by everyone who spoke about her, is well-liked and highly admired and respected among her colleagues, regardless of their political affiliation.
Midweek Politics: Breaking News Report: Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ) Shot in Head
Sen. John McCain made this statement while out of the country:
“I am horrified by the violent attack on Representative Gabrielle Giffords and many other innocent people by a wicked person who has no sense of justice or compassion. I pray for Gabby and the other victims, and for the repose of the souls of the dead and comfort for their families.” He added: “Whoever did this; whatever their reason, they are a disgrace to Arizona, this country and the human race, and they deserve and will receive the contempt of all decent people and the strongest punishment of the law.”
Associated Press: Sen. McCain “Saddened and Shocked” by Ariz. Shootings
OOPS. Former “Barberella” ingenue — but now an aging, irrelevant leftist — Jane Fonda blamed the tea party movement, Glenn Beck, and Sarah Palin for the shooting without having any facts about the suspect (but she didn’t blame Bush, so woo hoo). Likewise, left-wing radical hack Markos Moulitsas at Daily Kos got his “facts” wrong… wait, he didn’t even WAIT for any information to be released before blaming Sarah Palin on Twitter for the shooting of Giffords — photo capture of his tawdry tweet (his damning post has been removed):
Left-wing nutjob at Daily Kos, Markos Moulitsas, blamed Sarah Palin before any information was released about Rep. Giffords' shooter
Leftist news source The New York Times also implicated former Gov. Palin in the shooting. BIG OOPS.
Atlas Shrugs has a damning screenshot of a despicable Daily Kos article that has now disappeared — but not before a number of conservatives grabbed it as a graphic.
From Legal Insurrection:
The left-blogosphere already is blaming the shooting on Sarah Palin and the Tea Party. I’ll have more on that later.
[...]
For what it’s worth, as several commenters note, a women who claims to have known the shooter claims that he was fairly left-wing as of a few years ago…
From Dakota Voice, AZ Shooter of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords a Wack Job:
Though Leftist blogs and commentators wasted absolutely no time in declaring the gunman who shot Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ) was a Tea Party conservative (before anyone even knew his name), I held off on making any comments until a little more was known.
Now details are starting to trickle in.
Fox News reports his name is Jared Loughner, though some other accounts now say it is Jared Laughner.
Business Insider reports he is an Arizona native and an Afghanistan war vet.
Some of the information coming out about him could fit in the profile of a conservative, but most of it fits the profile of a liberal…if not an outright wackjob that defies political categorization.
Business Insider also reports that his YouTube profile lists some of his favorite books including Animal Farm, Fahrenheit 451, Communist Manifesto, and Mein Kampf. (Though I’ve read all those, I don’t think I’d call ANY of them my favorite).
Another report says one of his videos contains railing about a “second United States Constitution,” and something about currency. He says he won’t pay debts with a currency not backed by gold or silver, and that he does not trust in God.
Another video below shows him in what appears to be Islamic garb and burning an American flag. That same video also contains an obnoxious heavy metal song that says something about “bodies.”
Still another of his videos talks about mind control and also says that religion is a form of mind control. The video has background music that sounds like a hip-hop version of some sort of Islamic beat.
This guy seems to be thoroughly nuts. I don’t know of any remotely sane liberal or conservative who would approve of shooting innocent people as he has done. So blaming people who had nothing to do with the crime as Leftists have rushed to do is of limited, at best, genuine value.
UPDATE: Even one left-wing member of law enforcement, Pima County Sheriff Clarence Dupnik — who should know better than to spout off to the press before any concrete evidence has been affirmed — blames bigotry and hatred, saying that he believes that Arizona is the “Mecca for prejudice and bigotry.” What an appalling ass. The shooter and victims were WHITE (although the shooter loved reading Hitler’s book “Mein Kampf” and Rep. Giffords is Jewish, so Loughner is likely anti-Semitic). This slaughter had nothing to do with Arizona’s illegal immigration problem nor race issues — Dupnik, BTW, spoke out against Arizona SB 1070 and told the press months ago that he would NOT enforce it. Fire this jerk, Pima County.
FOX News: Eyewitness to Giffords Shooting: ‘Heard About 15 Shots’
From Big Government, Ariz. Rep. Giffords, Others Shot; Several Dead; Giffords’ Outlook ‘Optimistic’:
TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) – Rep. Gabrielle Giffords of Arizona was shot in the head Saturday when an assailant opened fire outside a grocery store during a meeting with constituents, killing at least five people and wounding several others in a rampage that rattled the nation.
Giffords was among at least 10 people wounded, and the hospital said her outlook was “optimistic” and that she was responding to commands from doctors. The hospital said a 9-year-old child was among the killed, and a U.S. Marshal said a federal judge was also fatally shot in the attack.
Giffords spokesman C.J. Karamargin said an unspecified number of her staff members were injured in the shooting. Congressional officials said an aide to the Democrat was killed, and President Barack Obama said five people died in all.
Police say the shooter was in custody, and was identified by people familiar with the investigation as Jared Loughner, 22. Pima County Sheriff’s officials said he used a pistol to carry out the shooting spree. U.S. officials who provided his name to the AP spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to release it publicly.
The shooting prompted an outpouring of sympathy from politicians and people around the country. President Barack Obama called the shooting “an unspeakable tragedy” and that such “a senseless and terrible act of violence has no place in a free society.” Obama sent his FBI director to oversee the investigation.
“It’s not surprising that today Gabby was doing what she always does, listening to the hopes and concerns of her neighbors,” Obama said in a nationally televised news conference. “That is the essence of what our democracy is about.”
From The Daily Caller:
Jared Lee Loughner, the man believed responsible for the shooting of Arizona Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and the murder of at least five others Saturday, left his MySpace friends a “goodbye” before his page was apparently taken down.
His YouTube page, in which he lists both The Communist Manifesto and Mein Kampf among his favorite books, is still operational. Incidentally, Congresswoman Giffords is Jewish.
All the info on the page is listed in the past tense.
Loughner posted several confusing videos on his page, some of which deal with a “Mind Controller” and references to residents of Arizona Congressional District 8, Gifford’s district, as “illiterate”.
“I am able to control every belief and religion by being the mind controller,” Loughner wrote in one video post. “No! I won’t play debt with a currency that’s not backed by gold and silver! No! I won’t trust in God,” he said in another.
From The Hill, Alleged shooter raged about ‘illiteracy’ in 8th District:
Jared Lee Lougher, the alleged shooter of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, appears to have a YouTube page he established in October where he posted his thoughts about various government organizations and problems with illiteracy in Arizona.
He says his favorite activity is “conscience dreaming” that is the “greatest inspiration for my political business information. Some of you don’t dream — sadly.”
When released earlier Saturday, Lougher’s name was spelled “Laughner.”
He raged against “illiteracy” in Arizona and called actions by the U.S. Department of Education “unconstitutional.”
He talks about his greatest hope is “for you to be literate.”
“The majority of people who reside in District 8 are illiterate — hilarious.”
In a video posted Dec. 15, he posted the words, “In a few days, you’ll know I’m conscience dreaming.”
He accuses the government of “implying mind control and brainwash on the people by controlling grammar.”
At the end of one of his videos he writes:
“No! I won’t pay debt with a currency that’s not backed by gold and silver!
“No! I won’t trust in God!
“What’s government if words don’t have meaning?”
In a post from his MySpace page, which was down this afternoon, Loughner wrote about eight hours ago: Goodbye friends. Dear friends,….Please don’t be mad at me. The literacy rate is below 5%. I haven’t talked to one person who is literate.
He also uploaded a video entitled: America: Your Last Memory in a Terrorist.
Among his favorite books listed were Animal Farm, The Communist Manifesto and Mein Kampf.
Popular Democrat Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords riding a horse in Bisbee, Arizona
Michelle Malkin reports on Rep. John Boehner’s statement:
Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) issued the following statement condemning the attack on Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ) and members of her staff today in Tucson, AZ:
“I am horrified by the senseless attack on Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and members of her staff. An attack on one who serves is an attack on all who serve. Acts and threats of violence against public officials have no place in our society. Our prayers are with Congresswoman Giffords, her staff, all who were injured, and their families. This is a sad day for our country.”
WNY politicians react to Tuscon attack
From AZ Central:
“Goodbye,” Loughner posted on his MySpace account at approximately 5 a.m. Saturday. “Dear friends . . . Please don’t be mad at me.”
Photos on MySpace show a close-up picture of an automatic handgun sitting atop a book or paper titled “United States History.” This picture is accompanied by several videos posted to Loughner’s Youtube account, including one of a masked man burning a U.S. flag and another with the words, “Don’t trust the current government, listener!”
It is unclear if Loughner is the person burning the flag in the video.
Additional pictures show a coded message, Loughner on the street and a close-up of his face.
On both the MySpace and YouTube web pages, Loughner mentions his concern over literacy rates and the fact that few people speak English. He also talks about his distrust of the government and suggests that anyone can call anyone a terrorist.
“I can’t trust the current government because of fabrications,” Loughner wrote in a YouTube slide presentation. “The government is implying mind control and brainwash on the people by controlling grammar.”
According to property records, Loughner lives with his mother, Amy Loughner, in a north Tucson subdivision. She could not be reached for comment.
The scene around Loughner’s modest ranch house was chaotic Saturday afternoon, with sheriff’s deputies and FBI blocking access to the street and standing guard outside.
Officers wrapped caution tape to prevent anyone from getting near the house.
Neighbors said they were shocked by the shooting. They described Loughner as a loner and outcast with a tendency to dress in all-black “goth-type clothes.”
About the author
Rep Gabrielle Giffords was shot by Jared Loughner, not Sarah Palin. Last I checked, Palin isnt big on Mein Kampf, Flag burning, & Hated God.
Rep John Lewis blaming the right for creating a climate resp for today’s shooting. Surprised he has not figured a way to play the race card.
[...] Frugal Cafe.com: ”Even one left-wing member of law enforcement, Pima County Sheriff Clarence Dupnik — who should know better than to spout off to the press before any concrete evidence has been affirmed — blames bigotry and hatred, saying that he believes that Arizona is the “Mecca for prejudice and bigotry.”What an appalling ass. The shooter and victims were WHITE (although the shooter loved reading Hitler’s book “Mein Kampf” and Rep. Giffords is Jewish, so Loughner is likely anti-Semitic). This slaughter had nothing to do with Arizona’s illegal immigration problem nor race issues — Dupnik, BTW, spoke out against Arizona SB 1070 and told the press months ago that he would NOT enforce it. Fire this jerk, Pima County.” [...]
We must pray 4 Congresswoman Giffords & all involved… but also for mankind to love – not hate, to share – not take, to heal – not harm.
This is so horrible.
Pima County Sheriff Clarence Dupnik says shooter may not have acted alone. Prayers to their victims and families.
Glenn Beck warned against this very scenario incessantly during the campaign season, now it has happened.
This nutjob would have targeted any politician regardless of their views IMO.
She just happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time.
I can’t belive the bogus crap the media is spewing!!!!!!!! the lamestream media (like New york times) and others on the left-wing news shows want America to think that the murderer is a tea partier or somehow linked to Sarah Palin and her map with targets on it. HE IS A LIBERAL WHO PROBABLY NEVER EVEN SAW PALIN’S MAP, YOU MORONS.
What cowardly liars!!!! This man has had mental problems for years, hated Giffords for over 4 years, friends say he was very LEFT-WING but may not even be a political person. SHAME on the liberal media for exploiting this murder and Lying to pin blame on rightwing groups before any of the facts were in. FBI has found documents at his home that he planned this attempt to kill Giffords for a long time. He has hated her since 2007. That leftist sheriff in AZ wants people to believe this has to do with growing hate in the state – no, this has to do with one weird man who was a nutbar and listed Hitler’s book adn Communist Manifesto as his favorites. He was kicked out of school & the military didn’t want him. He had almost no friends and spent a lot of time on the net posting weird posts and videos. He may even be part of a Nazi wacko group that hates Jews and minotirties. Giffords is JEWISH. Connect the dots leftists. If he had been muslim it would be treated tottally different by MSNBC & Olbermann & the other lying weasels guaranteed.
No wonder people don’t trust MSM anymore. Even when theyre lies are exposed they continue to lie to make conservatives look like they had anything to do with something this evil.
did the leftist media specualte like this when Pres. Reagan was nearly assassinated? Or JFK and MLK and RFK were? Was there ever a time that news sources actually supported their blaming claims with a shred of TRUTH & FACTS????
Palin had NOTHING to do with this, tea party had NOTHING to do with this, conservatives had NOTHING to do with this. If anything it is the man’s leftwing hate and political views against Giffords that did this, but i’m not going to play the same crappy game the lefties are. Crazy people do crazy things and this Jared guy is CRAZY.
The leftist lemmings are plugging their childish fingers in their ears and still blaming Rush Limbaugh, Sarah Palin, Glenn Beck, and the tea party for the tragic shootings in Tucson.
STOP THE IDIOT HATE, YOU JERKS. Maybe take your heads out of your southern regions and read some of the information about this guy. HE’S A LEFTIE LIKE YOU. Sarah Palin had NOTHING to do with this crazy psycho shooting innocent people in AZ.
As a recovering liberal, I’m disgusted by the leftwing media politicizing this horrible tragedy and for its ugly attacks on Sarah Palin. Good lord a map with target sights on it caused someone to go on a shooting rampage? In what alternate universe is that happening?
Blame Palin’s map? Not the maniac’s violent video games, or his shrine to the devil? Or his obvious mental illness? Or his hatred of Rep. Giffords?
Where in the heck is the parents in all this? Why was Palin the first to be blamed by the media, but NOT THE MURDERDER’s PARENTS? Or even the murderer himself? Baby the criminal and blame the conservative. Yellow journalism sucks but we see through it now.
Wonder why FOX News is Number 1? Wonder no longer, wonder no longer.
Liberal idiots booed at the memorial for the victims when Brewer’s name was mentioned. They turned a tribute that was meant to help the community heal into something ugly and political. Gov. Brewer had NOTHING to do with that crazy leftwinger murdering innocent people, but to leftists, everything bad in Arizona should be blamed on that woman. Because she’s not a liberal. Same for Sarah Palin.