if you're not already, you should be following Rukmini Callimachi's twitter here: https://twitter.com/rcallimachi "Correspondent for The New York Times, focusing on al-Qaeda and ISIS. Previously, seven years in West Africa as bureau chief for The Associated Press" here's an article based on her tweets from yesterday: Was Orlando Shooter Really Acting for ISIS? For ISIS, It’s All the Same [rquoter]PARIS — The revelation that the 29-year-old man who opened fire on Sunday in a gay nightclub had dedicated the killing to the Islamic State has prompted a now-familiar question: Was the killer truly acting under orders from the Islamic State, or just seeking publicity and the group’s approval for a personal act of hate? For the terror planners of the Islamic State, the difference is mostly irrelevant. Influencing distant attackers to pledge allegiance to the Islamic State and then carry out mass murder has become a core part of the group’s propaganda over the past two years. It is a purposeful blurring of the line between operations that are planned and carried out by the terror group’s core fighters and those carried out by its sympathizers. The attacker, Omar Mateen, told a 911 operator that he was pledging allegiance to the Islamic State. In the group’s nomenclature, that pledge is a central part of the ISIS protocol. The Orlando killing was the third time the loyalty pledge was known to be invoked in the United States. In December when a couple in San Bernardino, Calif., left their home armed with assault rifles, they made sure to post their oath of allegiance on Facebook, where law enforcement agents later found it. And just minutes before he opened fire on a cartoon exhibit featuring images of the Prophet Muhammad in Texas in May 2015, Elton Simpson sent out a series of Twitter messages making clear where his allegiances lay. Latest Updates 17m Across U.S. and World, Monuments Light Up in Solidarity With Orlando 23m ISIS Claims Responsibility for Orlando Attack in Radio Statement 1h Owen Jones of the Guardian Walks Out of Segment on Orlando Shooting 4h Suspect’s Father Expresses Regret and Confusion in Facebook Video See All Updates This public oath is about the only requirement that the Islamic State imposes on followers who wish to carry out acts of terror in its name. In an annual speech, the terror group’s spokesman, Abu Muhammad al-Adnani, last month incited its supporters to carry out killings abroad during the holy month of Ramadan. No attack is too small, he advised, specifically naming the United States as a target. “The smallest action you do in the heart of their land is dearer to us than the largest action by us,” he said, “and more effective and more damaging to them.” As early as September 2014, Mr. Adnani made clear that anyone and everyone could, and should, carry out acts of terror in the group’s name. “Do not ask for anyone’s permission,” he said, and suggested that sympathizers who could not buy weapons should instead use rocks, knives or even cars to kill infidels. Since then, the group has worked hard to create a mechanism for inciting terror in situ. It floods the internet with gory propaganda, and employs an army of keyboard jihadists to push the deadly message on Twitter, Facebook and other social media. Photo Abu Muhammad al-Adnani, the Islamic State spokesman, called for killings abroad during the month of Ramadan. In this case, there was a stark resonance between Islamic State propaganda and the killer’s choice of target. The jihadist group has publicized its hatred of homosexuals, including releasing images of fighters killing people suspected of being gay by throwing them off tall buildings. Once the recruit is caught, or killed, law enforcement officials struggle to put the pieces back together. Yet the fact that there is often no direct link back to the core is intended to protect the organization in an age of surveillance. “I think what the Islamic State has done is very clever, and that is create a situation where someone can carry out an attack without any direct link to the organization,” said Charlie Winter, senior research associate at Georgia State University’s Transcultural Conflict and Violence Initiative. “They can pledge allegiance to Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi before or during, and that catapults them from being a self-starter jihadist guy, or girl, to someone who can be lionized as a soldier of the Islamic State and regarded as a warrior.” On Sunday, after it was known that Mr. Mateen had invoked ISIS, the group’s official news agency issued a bulletin quoting “a source” confirming that Mr. Mateen was acting on the Islamic State’s behalf. Jihadists erupted in celebration on the internet. They shared screenshots of Mr. Adnani’s speech calling for lone wolf attacks during Ramadan. And in an act of tribute, several changed their profile pictures on Twitter to a photograph of the Orlando attacker.[/rquoter] effectively, "you may not be at war with daesh, but daesh is at war with you. http://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/13/u...nytcore-iphone&smid=nytcore-iphone-share&_r=0
more from Rukmini Callimachi <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">1. Good morning everyone, I'm starting a new thread on the Orlando tragedy. The news is that ISIS' official radio station has claimed credit</p>— Rukmini Callimachi (@rcallimachi) <a href="https://twitter.com/rcallimachi/status/742317642795634688">June 13, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">2. The bulletin was issued at around 5 am EST June 13 by the al-Bayan radio station (meaning around 26 hours after the attack).</p>— Rukmini Callimachi (@rcallimachi) <a href="https://twitter.com/rcallimachi/status/742319440985985024">June 13, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">3. In the bulletin, ISIS describes the Orlando shooter as "a soldier of the Caliphate in America," acc to a translation by <a href="https://twitter.com/siteintelgroup">@siteintelgroup</a></p>— Rukmini Callimachi (@rcallimachi) <a href="https://twitter.com/rcallimachi/status/742319649048518658">June 13, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">4. Excerpt: "The brother Omar Mateen, one of the soldiers of the Caliphate in America, carried out a security raid in which he was able ..."</p>— Rukmini Callimachi (@rcallimachi) <a href="https://twitter.com/rcallimachi/status/742320131662024704">June 13, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">5. "... to enter enter into a gathering of Crusaders in a nightclub for followers of the people of Lot [homosexuals] in Orlando, Florida"</p>— Rukmini Callimachi (@rcallimachi) <a href="https://twitter.com/rcallimachi/status/742320278739550209">June 13, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">6. "Allah enabled him to subdue the impure Crusaders, killing & wounding more than 100 of them before he was killed - may Allah accept him."</p>— Rukmini Callimachi (@rcallimachi) <a href="https://twitter.com/rcallimachi/status/742320441625300992">June 13, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">7. ..."It should be pointed out that this invasion is the largest in America in terms of number killed." (End of al-Bayan excerpt)</p>— Rukmini Callimachi (@rcallimachi) <a href="https://twitter.com/rcallimachi/status/742320694160166912">June 13, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">8. What is of note here is that sequence of events in terms of claiming credit is in keeping with what ISIS has been doing 4 last few months</p>— Rukmini Callimachi (@rcallimachi) <a href="https://twitter.com/rcallimachi/status/742324758751117312">June 13, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">9. Less than a day after Orlando shooting, the 1st sign that ISIS was taking credit came via the Amaq News Agency, which is ISIS' news wire</p>— Rukmini Callimachi (@rcallimachi) <a href="https://twitter.com/rcallimachi/status/742325868865949696">June 13, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">12. This sequence is exactly what happened after S Bernardino, where couple was 1st acknowledged as being ISIS by Amaq followed by al-Bayan</p>— Rukmini Callimachi (@rcallimachi) <a href="https://twitter.com/rcallimachi/status/742328336219770880">June 13, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">13. Other important attacks also followed this pattern inc the Brussels bombing in March where Amaq was 1st, followed by official IS release</p>— Rukmini Callimachi (@rcallimachi) <a href="https://twitter.com/rcallimachi/status/742328777963909120">June 13, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">14. My pt is that ISIS has codified how it takes credit for attacks. There's a pattern & once you know what 2look4 you begin to recognize it</p>— Rukmini Callimachi (@rcallimachi) <a href="https://twitter.com/rcallimachi/status/742329187059535872">June 13, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">15. Other thing ISIS has codified is procedure thru which adherents claim attacks in their name. Rule is shooter needs 2pledge allegiance</p>— Rukmini Callimachi (@rcallimachi) <a href="https://twitter.com/rcallimachi/status/742330112037785600">June 13, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">18. What ppl are missing is that for 2 years, ISIS has been laying foundation of a system allowing attackers 2b inspired & act on their own</p>— Rukmini Callimachi (@rcallimachi) <a href="https://twitter.com/rcallimachi/status/742330801484861440">June 13, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">29. This hints at something inbetween directed attack & Lone Wolf. Basing this on language in releases &Orlando shooter's extremist contacts</p>— Rukmini Callimachi (@rcallimachi) <a href="https://twitter.com/rcallimachi/status/742335783877627905">June 13, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">30. Could be that Orlando has more in common with Thalys train shooting, where shooter was in touch with ISIS commander via intermediary</p>— Rukmini Callimachi (@rcallimachi) <a href="https://twitter.com/rcallimachi/status/742336111020756992">June 13, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Helping Basso out <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">31. Thalys shooting was initially classified as a "Lone Wolf." With time, French officials recalibrated and said he had contacts with Syria</p>— Rukmini Callimachi (@rcallimachi) <a href="https://twitter.com/rcallimachi/status/742336326826135552">June 13, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">32. Attack was not commanded per se by ISIS, but ISIS played a role in nudging the attacker and helping him shape the plan/choose target</p>— Rukmini Callimachi (@rcallimachi) <a href="https://twitter.com/rcallimachi/status/742336651800760320">June 13, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">33. To recap, I feel somewhat uncomfortable calling Orlando shooter a Lone Wolf, but am continuing to do so bc I don't know of a better term</p>— Rukmini Callimachi (@rcallimachi) <a href="https://twitter.com/rcallimachi/status/742338833698705408">June 13, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
correct me if i'm wrong but I read that he has a clean record and he also had a concealed carry license. the FBI also questioned him twice so maybe guys like that shouldn't be able to buy guns?
Mateen purchased the weapons legally under Florida law(s) and the FBI investigations were "inconclusive". He had no prior felony convictions, was a US citizen, over 18 years old, no active felony/misdemeanor warrants, no active protection/restraining orders, no misdemeanor domestic violence conviction, etc... Florida Dept of Law Enforcement - Requirements to Purchase a Firearm
Or those in charge of security are too lax on the bad guys and need to do a better job of profiling. The Russians also gave the FBI notice that the Tsarnaev brothers were into radical islam and the FBI didn't anything either.
So their body will break down quickly and they'll have a heart attack and die at a young age? I think you overestimate Trump.
He was right. second shooter to be arrested http://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/wftv-arrest-expected-in-orlando-nightclub-mass-shooting/340918422
Your own article describes the 2nd suspect as an "accomplice" who "may have helped" the shooter. Does not describe him as an active participant at the club.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Pulse clubgoers said they saw the gunman there before, perhaps as many as a dozen times. <a href="https://t.co/5qV3Zv9yWQ">https://t.co/5qV3Zv9yWQ</a> <a href="https://t.co/xkaAczplNX">pic.twitter.com/xkaAczplNX</a></p>— Matt Pearce (@mattdpearce) <a href="https://twitter.com/mattdpearce/status/742464224585093121">June 13, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Could it be that he help shut down the exit door. That would make much more sense on how he was able to shoot so many people.
