Staff Reports
In a shocking turn of events straight out of a dystopian novel, an incident occurred that has left many Americans shaken. In El Paso, a 45-year-old man decided that protesting didn’t quite pack the punch he was looking for and allegedly took matters into his own hands with a homemade flamethrower. This suspect, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, reportedly attacked a group of people who were peacefully marching in support of the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza, shouting pro-Palestinian sentiments as he set his sights on unsuspecting victims. Sadly, eight individuals, aged 52 to 88, found themselves caught in this inferno of hatred.
Authorities have good reason to believe that this wasn’t just any crime but an act of terrorism. It’s a fiery reminder of just how deep the roots of anti-Semitism and violent extremism can grow when left unchecked. The fact that the suspect was in the U.S. on an expired visa is raising more than a few eyebrows. It’s only natural to wonder why Soliman, who, according to the Department of Homeland Security and ICE, should have left the country in March, was still living in the country. Such oversights are exactly the kind of things that seem to slip through the cracks of a porous immigration system, and certainly give ground to those who criticize current immigration policies.
The reaction across the political spectrum has been swift and fierce. Colorado Governor Jared Polis didn’t mince words, making it explicit that such hatred is vehemently condemned. Meanwhile, House Speaker Mike Johnson chimed in, railing against terrorist sympathizers and pledging not to let fear silence Jewish communities. New York’s Chuck Schumer emphasized that anti-Semitism has no place in America and is closely monitoring the FBI’s investigation. Abroad, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu decried the attack as blood libel and a noxious spread of anti-Semitism. Clearly, this act has lit a fuse of concern domestically and globally about the safety and security of Jewish communities.
In response to this egregious act, New York City’s police department has increased security, especially around religious sites. This might be just what is needed to ensure that no further acts of terror target innocent civilians in their everyday lives. While condolences and security measures are extended to soothe those affected directly, it doesn’t erase the pressing unease that such incidents could spark similar attacks. It’s an unfortunate shame that parents may now have to have uncomfortable conversations with their kids about not just stranger danger, but also extremist danger.
Looking at the bigger picture, it’s a stark reminder that freedom of speech doesn’t mean freedom to incite violence. The narrative playing out on some college campuses with rhetoric bordering on or crossing into the realm of hate speech meshes unsettlingly with the ideology behind this attack. Those supporting harmful ideologies must not find fertile ground to spread their messages unchallenged. If it is left unchecked, anti-Semitism, and other hateful ideologies, can grow tentacle-like across communities, affecting not only those directly targeted but society at large. Thus, it is crucial for all civilians to stand united against hate, ensuring safety and peace for everyone.
If there’s anything this scenario illustrates, it’s that the prevention of such attacks begins with recognizing the dangers of radical ideologies long before they reach the point of violence. A little scrutiny on visas might help too. Surely, the U.S. can agree that granting entry to individuals who harbor ill sentiments towards the country and its diverse communities shouldn’t be part of the bargain. Perhaps, in these troubled times, we should all remember the words of an old proverb – an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
