For some time now, most of us have realized that a war of ideology has been raging in our world. Yet, maybe we have duped ourselves into thinking that we in the United States could avoid it. Maybe we are still thinking that the Atlantic and Pacific oceans protect us from having the war come to our shores.
Nell MohneyBut this is a different kind of war, and at 11 a.m. on July 16, we saw that clearly. What has appeared to be a lone gunman, Muhammad Youssef Abdulazeez, opened fire on a U.S. Military Recruitment Center on Lee Highway, then sped to the U.S. Naval and Marine Reserve Center on Amnicola Highway. Though pursued by police, Abdulazeez left four U.S. Marines dead, and three other persons wounded, one of whom has since died.
We were incredulous that something that horrific could happen in our city. The 24-year-old killer was armed with two rifles and at least one handgun. Though he was not wearing full body armor, he carried additional ammunition magazines in the vest he was wearing. He was taken down in the firefight that followed.
Now, a week and a half later, and having discussed the incident with a number of friends, I have recorded my own reactions.
First, I have a great feeling of sadness that such an incident happened in the city I love.