(no subject)

[conuly]

Minnesota House DFL leader Hortman, husband killed in apparent ‘politically motivated’ shooting; Sen. Hoffman, wife wounded

Authorities still searching for suspect in shooting of 2 Minnesota state lawmakers

Apparently he dressed up like a cop, because of course he did, and residents are advised not to open the door to police unless there are multiple officers present. I'd go one step further and say that you should never open the door to an unexpected official until you've confirmed that they're supposed to be there. If they are legit, they have an ID, and you have a phone number you can call - your local precinct, if they're cops, your gas company, whoever it is. (Uh. Maybe step out the back door to call if they say they're from the gas company. I mean, use your best judgment.)

Comments

[sabotabby]

"Come back with a warrant" has never been more justified.

[conuly]

Oh yeah.

[spiralsheep]

I have a pre-written response card by the door that, if strictly necessary, can be shoved out through the letterbox. It once prevented tazer-armed police from battering my door in (they'd been given the wrong address, obv).

[conuly]

What does the card say?

[spiralsheep]

It explains extremely simply and briefly why I'm not opening the door. I'd recommend differing wording for different people in various living situations in varying places. People who are definitely not expecting police contact, people at blacklisted addresses, and people who might actually be wanted for civil disobedience all need appropriate approaches. However, when I volunteered with people who had mental health issues I used to suggest they include a phone number for their "official" support contact, and anyone who has a similar contact phone number should make sure it's clearly on any contact card and prominently labelled. The main points are to know your legal rights, be calming, write legibly, and include a contact method if possible (also don't give them anything easy to fingerprint if that would be bad for you, obv).

[siliconshaman]

Well.. that's the opening shots in what could end up being a civil war.

Well ...

[ysabetwordsmith]

People always advise to confirm officials' identity. How many genuine police are going to wait patiently while that happens? My guess is few if any. Especially if the person inside the house is not white. That's begging to get in trouble for resisting arrest or whatever else they can cobble up. They don't tolerate anything but instant obedience, and in fact have killed a substantial number of people who were unable to obey instantly (e.g. physically or mentally disabled, tourists who don't speak English).

So I have to wonder if someone told all the local police that they're supposed to permit this confirmation, and if so, how long that lasts.

Re: Well ...

[conuly]

Yeah, as always you have to use your best judgment of the situation. And really, somebody shows up at the door with a gun, uniform or not, if they force the issue you don't have many good options.

Re: Well ...

[ysabetwordsmith]

Check the back exit. Real authorities will almost always have the whole place surrounded. Thugs rarely do -- an assassin customarily works alone, only a big powerful gang will have both the personnel and clout to surround. If the back route is open, run like hell.

[thewayne]

Absolutely insane. I hope they capture the guy alive and make him stand trial.

[minoanmiss]

Is it just me, or do they shoot at Republicans but actually shoot Democrats?
*makes a note to do some research*

[conuly]

To be fair, I kinda feel like gun nuts swing heavily far-right.

[silveradept]

There's probably a fair amount of something there about how it's been possible for a while for civilians to kit themselves and their vehicles out in such a way that they look indistinguishable from the agents of the State's violence.

It's a tragedy, and the reporting makes it sound like mass violence may have also been on the agenda for this person.

De-militarize the police would be a good start toward their abolition, if people can't get it in their heads about what the primary purpose of the police are.

[conuly]

Seriously. Why do cops need grenades, or tanks, or - fuck, even guns most of the time? Most of the time they do not need guns, even in heavily-armed USA.