Burbank Says Evidence Does Not Support 'Personal Jihad' in Mall Shooting
None by Lara Jones
Police Chief Won't Allow Prejudice to Enter Investigation
(KCPW News) Some bloggers and at least one major news outlet are feeding the rumor that Sulejman Talovic was on a personal jihad when he went on a shooting rampage at Trolley Square killing five. They allege that videotape of the shooting shows the Bosnian national shouting the Arabic phrase Allahu Akbar, or God is Great, before dying in a firefight with police. Salt Lake City Police Chief Chris Burbank says none of the evidence supports such speculation:"You know, the only claims that we have heard of that are coming from Fox News, and we have had several other news stations look at the video and the audio from that, as well as some of our experts here in town have gone through that, and we don't see it - nor does anyone else but Fox News."
Burbank says such speculation verges on hate speech and is harmful to the community, especially other Bosnians and Muslims living in Salt Lake. It is an attitude the police chief says he will not allow into the investigation:
"In fact, if I find officers that are conducting investigations based on bias or prejudice, well, I'm going to fire them; I don't want them around," the chief says, adding, "as far as the community [goes], we just shouldn't support that [prejudice]. As we get information, we'll let you know."
Once a motive becomes clear, Burbank says he will share it with the public. To hear a longer conversation with the chief, download today's Midday Metro podcast.
Email to a friendPosted in KCPW Newsroom. Copyright 2007 KCPW
1. Mark said:
Burbank basically says he doesn't want to hear anything that might be considered biased or prejudicial. What if we find out that what happened did have to do with race of religion, will he inform us of such. I think it's clear the answer is no.Just give us the truth. That's why we have a free press. Shenanigans don't thrive in the light of day.With such a statement as the one he made, I sense we might have our selves a PC chief. There are a lot of Americans who are sick of this business. Burbank, do the job you were sent to do. If you can't think of a proper way to put into words what needs to be done without offending someone, then hire someone who can.
3. Seth said:
Political correctness is very definitely a one way street.
When a Muslim screams "infidels must die", he is merely utilizing his right to express his opinion. When a non-Islamic quotes him on it, it is hate speech.
Today, the First Amendment evidently applies only to those who use it to malign America, the American way of life or Bible based religions.
2. HOWARD F. HELMS said:
THE COUNTRY IS ROTTING WITHIN FROM POLITICAL CORRECTNESS. NO ONE IN AUTHORITY HAS THE GUTS TO FILE FACTUAL REPORTS ON CONTROVERSIAL CRIMES. WE ARE ON A SLIPPERY SLOPE- FOR SURE.