Anders Behring BreivikAnders Behring Breivik has been arrested in the deadly Norway attacks.
He's reportedly a "Christian fundamentalist with right-wing tendencies."
Good news for the liberal media!
From Bloomberg:A 32-year-old Norwegian man was arrested on the island of Utoeya, about 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Oslo, and authorities have begun interrogating the suspect, police said at a press briefing today. The same person is likely behind the bombing and the shootings on the island, they said. The suspect’s name is Anders Behring Breivik, local media reported. Police declined to confirm the suspect’s name.
The man has been charged on two counts of “dangerous crime to society,” which means he could be sentenced to 21 years in prison, Norway’s toughest punishment, Roger Andresen, deputy Oslo police chief, told reporters today. The man is a Christian fundamentalist with right-wing tendencies, Andresen said.
From the Telegraph:The blond-haired 32-year-old appears to have set up accounts on the social networking sites Facebook and Twitter just a few days ago.
Although police have not officially named Breivik as the suspect, Norwegian media identified him as the gunman. Police say the suspect is talking to police and was keen to "explain himself".
Eyewitness reports from the island of Utoya, where the shootings took place, have also described a tall, blond haired, blue-eyed Norwegian man dressed as a police officer.
On the Facebook page attributed to him, Mr Breivik describes himself as a Christian and a conservative. It listed his interests as hunting, body building and freemasonry. His profile also listed him as single. The page has since been taken down.
Police chief Svinung Sponheim said that internet posting by Breivik suggested he has "some political traits directed toward the right, and anti-Muslim views".
Blond, blue eyes, Right-winger, with anti-Muslim views - Breivik is a dream come true for the lib media!
It just doesn't get better than this!...The Norwegian newspaper Verdens Gang quoted a friend as saying that the suspect turned to right-wing extremism when in his late 20s. The newspaper also said that he participated in online forums expressing strong nationalistic views.
A Twitter account attributed to the suspect has also emerged but it only has one post, which is a quote from the philosopher John Stuart Mill: "One person with a belief is equal to the force of 100,000 who have only interests."
More, from the New York Daily News:The killer behind Friday's bloodletting in Norway is a boyishly handsome, blond-haired anti-Islamic nationalist interested in politics, violent video games and the T.V. show "Dexter."
Anders Behring Breivik, a 32-year-old Norwegian national, claims to be a fan of Winston Churchill, classical music, and gory movies like, "300," and "Gladiator," on his Facebook page.
He also claims on the page to be a fan of the sappy HBO vampire drama, "True Blood," and the serial killer show, "Dexter."
Breivik, who was reportedly a Free Mason at one time, has been fingered for the dual attacks that claimed more than 7 lives in the capitol of Oslo, and 80 campers on the island youth retreat of Utoya.
...The shooter belongs to "right-wing circles" in Oslo, the city in which he resides, according to Norwegian TV2. Meanwhile, The Huffington Post cites the Swedish news site Expressen as saying that he is a "self-described nationalist who has also written a number of posts critical of Islam."
He studied at the Oslo Commerce School, an instituion devoted to business and financial management.
In published photos, the alleged killer is shown to don a half smile, preppy clothing, and piercing green eyes that stare into the camera.
...On his Facebook page, Breivik describes himself as a fan of shoot-em'-up video games like "Modern Warefare 2," as well as the fantasy epic, "World of Warcraft."
Perfect!
As more is learned about Breivik and his background, do you think American leaders and officials will bend over backwards to insist that Breivik's horrific rampage is not to be taken as a reflection on Christian fundamentalists or those with conservative views?
Will they warn against a backlash against conservatives?
Will their concern be with people lashing out violently against those with blond hair and blue eyes?
Will they say that the millions of "Modern Warfare" and "World of Warcraft" players should not be considered potential mass murderers?
My guess is no, not a chance.
No way.
Breivik is allegedly a mass murderer, a cold-blooded killer. He allegedly committed heinous acts.
My heart goes out to the families and friends of his victims, and all those affected by the rampage.
Without question, Breivik is to be condemned. This intentional slaughter of innocents is absolutely barbaric. The perpetrator is a monster.
And his profile is what it is.
I just hope that your Mayor Michael Bloomberg types and Leftists in the media emphasize how important it is not to paint blue-eyed (or green-eyed), blond, Christian, conservatives with a broad brush.
Anger over the massacre must not be directed toward blond, blue-eyed conservatives.
Where are the admonitions against profiling the blond and the blue-eyed, the Christian and conservative, the gamers and Winston Churchill admirers?____________________
Inevitable… “Far Left” Links “Right-Wing” Oslo Killer to Palin and Tea Party____________________
Watch Breivik's YouTube video.____________________
Read "An Interview with a Madman: Breivik Asks and Answers His Own Questions."____________________
New York Times Reader Kills Dozens in Norway
Doesn't this new emergency alert system discriminate against the poor and the elderly and anyone unlikely to have a cell phone, leaving them out of the loop?
Yes, it does.
If you don't have a cell phone, you're obviously out of luck when it comes to receiving potentially life-saving information via the new system.
From the New York Daily News:Emergency officials will soon be able to blast critical alerts to anyone with a cell phone in a certain section of the city.
If Times Square needs to be evacuated because of a bomb threat or if a hurricane is bearing down on Queens, warnings will be bounced from cell towers.
"Making sure that [people] get useful and life-saving information, quickly and easily, right on their mobile phones, will help more people get out of harm's way when a threat exists," said Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator W. Craig Fugate.
The system - called PLAN or Personal Localized Alerting Network - uses cell phone towers to send messages to everyone currently in a certain area, regardless of whether they're visiting from out of town or have a phone registered elsewhere. People won't have to register in advance to receive the alerts.
The messages, including urgent blasts from the President, information on imminent threats and Amber Alerts about missing children, will supercede all other phone traffic so they won't be stalled or delayed.
FEMA's Fugate and Federal Communications Commissioner Chair Julius Genachowski plan to announce the new system at the World Trade Center site Tuesday in a press conference with Mayor Bloomberg and top phone company execs.
They system is expected to be up and running in New York and Washington by the end of the year - months before the rest of the country.
The government is taking over your cell phone.The messages, including urgent blasts from the President, information on imminent threats and Amber Alerts about missing children, will supercede all other phone traffic so they won't be stalled or delayed.
I don't like the sound of that.
In sum, if you have a cell phone, the government will control it.
Forget about that very important call you're waiting for. Obama has an "urgent blast" that's more important. The government is in charge.
If you don't have a cell phone, good night and good luck when it comes to receiving emergency alerts.
PLAN doesn't care about the poor and the phoneless. Mayor Bloomberg called the alerts a "quantum leap forward in using technology to help keep people safe."
Some technological "quantum leaps" are better left not leapt.
At the very least, you should always look before you leap.
NBC News/MSNBC provides reaction to Osama bin Laden's death.President George W. Bush President Barack Obama called Bush in Dallas at 9:04 p.m. central time to inform him that bin Laden was dead and they spoke for four minutes, a Bush spokesman said.
The Sept. 11 attacks were a defining moment of Bush's presidency. He launched the war in Afghanistan and the hunt for bin Laden spanned the rest of his presidency. His statement:
"Earlier this evening, President Obama called to inform me that American forces killed Osama bin Laden, the leader of the al Qaeda network that attacked America on September 11, 2001. I congratulated him and the men and women of our military and intelligence communities who devoted their lives to this mission. They have our everlasting gratitude. This momentous achievement marks a victory for America, for people who seek peace around the world, and for all those who lost loved ones on September 11, 2001. The fight against terror goes on, but tonight America has sent an unmistakable message: No matter how long it takes, justice will be done."
Bonnie McEneaney, 57, wife of Eamon McEneaney, who died in the 9/11 attacks "It doesn't bring back all the wonderful people who were killed 10 years ago. It's long overdue."
"I'm completely numb. I'm stunned," she told msnbc.com.
Jack Lynch, 75, who lost his son, New York City firefighter Michael Francis Lynch "The first thought I had in my mind was that it didn't bring my son back. You cut the head off a snake, you'd think it would kill the snake. But someone will take his place. People like him still exist. The fact that he's gone is not going to stop terrorism."
"I understand that bin Laden was an evil person. He may have believed in what he was doing. I'm not going to judge him. I'm sure some people will look at this and they'll be gratified that he's dead, but me personally, I'm going to leave his fate in God's hands."
Lee Hanson, 78, of Easton, Conn., who lost his son, Peter, daughter-in-law, Sue, and 2 1/2 year-old granddaughter, Christine — the youngest victim of the 9/11 attacks. They were aboard the second plane that hit the World Trade Center
"It's taken a while to do it, but we've done it. It's a really good thing to get out there — if you fool around with the U.S., you will be caught."
"Many segments wil try to avenge this ... There's still a great danger there."
Still, he said: "There's no such thing as closure."
New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg "After September 11, 2001, we gave our word as Americans that we would stop at nothing to capture or kill Osama bin Laden. After the contribution of millions, including so many who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation, we have kept that word.
"The killing of Osama bin Laden does not lessen the suffering that New Yorkers and Americans experienced at his hands, but it is a critically important victory for our nation - and a tribute to the millions of men and women in our armed forces and elsewhere who have fought so hard for our nation.
"New Yorkers have waited nearly ten years for this news. It is my hope that it will bring some closure and comfort to all those who lost loved ones on September 11, 2001."
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo "The death of Osama Bin Laden is a historic moment that represents a major step in our country's efforts to defeat terrorism around the world and should bring a sense of justice to the victims of 9/11 and his other attacks.
"We will never forget those who were lost, their families and those who risked their lives to save others.
"New Yorkers endured Bin Laden's most devastating and destructive attack, and his death brings back the horrific images and emotions of that terrible day. However, his death also reminds us of our strength, courage, and unity as a people in our response to his actions.
"The Administration's vigilance and dedication to hunt down Osama Bin Laden has never wavered and I applaud their commitment to this cause. I also applaud our men and women in uniform who have fought tirelessly against terrorism and to defend freedom.
"The threat to our state and our nation unfortunately does not die with Osama Bin Laden. We must remain vigilant in preventing terror acts and continue to do everything to keep our state and nation safe and secure."
House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio "This is great news for the security of the American people and a victory in our continued fight against al Qaeda and radical extremism around the world. We continue to face a complex and evolving terrorist threat, and it is important that we remain vigilant in our efforts to confront and defeat the terrorist enemy and protect the American people. I want to congratulate — and thank — the hard-working men and women of our Armed Forces and intelligence community for their tireless efforts and perseverance that led to this success. I also want to commend President Obama and his team, as well as President Bush, for all of their efforts to bring Osama bin Laden to justice."
House Majority Leader Eric Cantor "Nearly a decade ago, in the days after 9/11, President Bush said, 'Whether we bring our enemies to justice or bring justice to our enemies, justice will be done.' Tonight, we've learned that justice has been done. The man with the blood of more than 3,000 Americans on his hands, the man who forced us to begin to think the unthinkable - is now dead.
"Families who lost loved ones at the hands of Bin Laden and his terrorist organization have grieved for far too long and this sends a signal that America will not tolerate terrorism in any form. The men and women of our armed forces and intelligence community have fought valiantly for the last decade and this is a major victory and testament to their dedication. I commend President Obama who has followed the vigilance of President Bush in bringing Bin Laden to justice. While this is no doubt a major event in our battle against terrorism, we will not relent in our fight against terror and our efforts to keep America safe and secure."
Rep. Peter T. King, R-N.Y., chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security "I commend President Obama on the announcement of the killing of Osama bin Laden.
"Today, the American people have seen justice. The leader of the United States' top enemy has gotten what he deserves for orchestrating the deaths of nearly 3,000 innocent Americans on September 11, 2001.
"In 2001, President Bush said 'we will not tire, we will not falter, and we will not fail.' President Bush deserves great credit for putting action behind those words. President Obama deserves equal credit for his resolve in this long war against al-Qaeda.
"This great success would not have been possible without the tireless work of countless brave men and women who have served around the world in this War on Terror."
Sen.Charles E. Schumer, D-N.Y. "This is a thunderous strike for justice for the thousands of my fellow New Yorkers — and citizens from all over the world — who were murdered on 9/11. It took close to ten years, but the world's most wanted terrorist has finally met his deserved fate. New York's heart is still broken from the tragedy of 9/11, but this at least brings some measure of closure and consolation to the victims and their families.
"This is a massive accomplishment for the countless military and intelligence personnel who have been urgently dedicated to this task for the past decade. Because Bin Laden's evil dogma has poisoned the minds of so many others, we cannot let up in the war on terror. This successful mission sends a definitive message to those who would test the resolve of the people of the United States of America: do not doubt our resolve; if you do us harm, we will find you, we will mete out justice, and we will prevail."
Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz. "I am overjoyed that we finally got the world's top terrorist. The world is a better and more just place now that Osama bin Laden is no longer in it. I hope the families of the victims of the September 11th attacks will sleep easier tonight and every night hence knowing that justice has been done. I commend the President and his team, as well as our men and women in uniform and our intelligence professionals, for this superb achievement.
"But while we take heart in the news that Osama bin Laden is dead, we must be mindful that al-Qaeda and its terrorist allies are still lethal and determined enemies, and we must remain vigilant to defeat them."
Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice (she was national security adviser on 9/11) "Absolutely thrilling. I am overwhelmed with gratitude and continue to be amazed at what our military has achieved."
British Prime Minister David Cameron "Osama bin Laden was responsible for the worst terrorist atrocities the world has seen — for 9/11 and for so many attacks, which have cost thousands of lives, many of them British. It is a great success that he has been found and will no longer be able to pursue his campaign of global terror.
"The news that Osama bin Laden is dead will bring great relief to people across the world.
"But above all today, we should think of the victims of the poisonous extremism that this man has been responsible for. Of course, nothing will bring back those loved ones that families have lost to terror. But at least they know the man who was responsible for these appalling acts is no more."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "This is a resounding triumph for justice, freedom and the values shared by all democratic nations fighting shoulder to shoulder in determination against terrorism."
