A shooting took place in a Buffalo supermarket last weekend that left 10 dead and several other wounded. As the suspect, 18-year old Payton Gendron, faces criminal proceedings for the mass shooting, some are questioning whether something could have been done beforehand.
Shortly before the shooting took place, a 600 page chat log appeared online, with Payton identifying himself by name and detailing what was to come across six months of planning. It leaves many wondering why this wasn’t spotted beforehand – and what could’ve been done to prevent it.
However, a new editorial suggests that the manifesto could have others relate to what Gendron was feeling – and possibly act upon it. “They might read the words of a young man who reminds them of themselves,” said Emerson Brooking, a senior at the Digital Forensic Research Lab of the Atlantic Council. “And it is that personal element of these documents which I think may be one of their darkest legacy in the years to come.”
As the lab and police officers look deeper into the manifesto – and the effects it could have – we’ve invited Michael Letts to join us today. He serves as founder and CEO for InVest USA, an organization that provides bulletproof vests to officers across the country, using various sponsorship-based programs and charitable groups.
Q & A
- What is the usual police procedure when it comes to manifestos? Are they taken seriously, or does it depend on the severity of the content?
- Some people believe the police could’ve done more with the manifesto when it appeared online. Do you believe this could’ve been prevented, or would the shooter have “found a way” to hurt someone anyway?
- Do you think the manifesto would help officers with dealing with mass shooters? Get an idea of what motivates them and maybe try to talk them out of committing these crimes?
- Is there anything the police can do to improve detection of online threats, such as through a manifesto or an online chat group? Or is there simply too much ground to cover online?
- What do you think the government can do in regards to assisting police with trying to prevent mass shootings like this in the future?
- Where can we learn more about In-Vest USA?
- You can visit the official website at http://www.investusa.org.
About Michael Letts:
Michael Letts is the Founder, President, and CEO of In-Vest USA, a national grassroots non-profit organization that is helping hundreds of communities provide thousands of bulletproof vests for their police forces through educational, public relations, sponsorship, and fundraising programs. Those interested in learning more about Letts can visit his official website here.
CONTACT: Gerald McGlothlin at: jerry.specialguests@gmail.com
