It Could Happen Here

The Weaponization of Mass Shootings

19 snips
Oct 8, 2025
Delve into the manipulation of tragedies by politicians and media, revealing how partisan narratives often overshadow the true motivations behind mass shootings. Examine the phenomenon of copycat attacks fueled by online communities, and discover the unequal media coverage between high-fatality incidents and lesser-known ones. Unpack the alarming implications of using shootings as political tools, including the potential rise of authoritarian measures in response to perceived threats. This discussion highlights the complex relationship between violence and ideology.
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ANECDOTE

Mormon Church Attack And Shooter Background

  • A shooter attacked a Mormon church in Grand Blanc, killing four and injuring eight before police killed him. The attacker was later identified as a Christian Trump supporter with a long-standing grudge against Mormons.
INSIGHT

Weaponizing Shootings For Political Gain

  • Politicians and media often frame shooters by political orientation to weaponize events against opponents. This distorts understanding of motives and simplifies messy personal factors into partisan narratives.
ANECDOTE

Post-Assassination Media Framing

  • After Charlie Kirk's assassination, Stephen Crowder revived his 'Change My Mind' series with the prompt 'The Left is Violent.' This exemplifies how commentators collapse complex violence into simple partisan claims.
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