Opinion: No evidence of targeted killings

On Aug. 8, headlines across the country reported things like: “Police: 4th Muslim man Killed in Albuquerque over Past 9 Months”

The media proclaimed:

“Shock and disbelief enveloped Albuquerque as it grappled with the fact that a city with a reputation for welcoming and embracing immigrants from around the world and that celebrates ethnic and cultural diversity like few others has given rise to a possible serial killer or killers targeting Muslims.

“As the weekend closed the death toll climbed to four men, arousing panic and fear among Albuquerque Muslims and generating outrage in the city, state, nation and world as word of the murders rippled across the globe.”

Response was immediate.

From the president: “I am angered and saddened by the horrific killings of four Muslim men in Albuquerque. While we await a full investigation, my prayers are with the victims’ families, and my administration stands strongly with the Muslim community. These hateful attacks have no place in America.”

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham delivered the following: “The targeted killings of Muslim residents of Albuquerque is deeply angering and wholly intolerable. I am sending additional State Police officers to Albuquerque to work in close coordination with (Albuquerque PD) and the FBI to bring the killer or killers to justice – and they WILL be found. I am incredibly angry about this situation. We will provide justice to the families who have lost everything. My administration stands strongly with the Muslim community.”

The next day, police in New Mexico had arrested an Afghan immigrant with a history of violence.

After 9-11, the Muslim community readied itself for violent reaction from the rest of America. No blowback occurred. After the Washington D.C. sniper attacks occurred, the Muslim community readied itself for violent reaction from the rest of America. No blowback occurred. After the Miami nightclub shootings happened, the Muslim community readied itself for violent reaction from the rest of America. No blowback occurred. After the San Bernadino Christmas shootings occurred, the Muslim community readied itself for violent reaction from the rest of America. No blowback occurred.

There is no evidence of targeted killings of Muslim residents by other Americans. The press and political leaders should realize that and stop fomenting hate with public statements.

Now if only the police in Albuquerque could act this quickly in the rest of their open murder cases.

Rube Render is a former Clovis city commissioner and former chair of the Curry County Republican Party. Contact him:

[email protected]