Here’s the news analysis:
This tragedy should never have happened. An Islamic State sympathizer, released early from prison, obtained a gun and murdered an American hero.
- Key Takeaways:
- Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, a former IS sympathizer, killed Lt. Col. Brandon Shah at Old Dominion University.
- Jalloh was released early from prison despite his terrorism-related conviction.
- Kenya Chapman is charged with selling Jalloh the stolen gun.
- The shooting has sparked outrage and questions about early release programs and national security.
Convicted Terrorist Gets a Gun?
Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, a man with a past steeped in radical Islamic extremism, should never have been on the streets, let alone holding a firearm. He spent eight years in prison for trying to help the Islamic State group. But get this – he was let out early. Now, a decorated veteran, Lt. Col. Brandon Shah, is dead.
How did Jalloh, who was already a known threat, get his hands on a gun? Kenya Chapman, a man who stole the gun and sold it to Jalloh, is now facing charges. Chapman claims he didn’t know about Jalloh’s prior felony conviction.
The gun’s serial number was messed with, making it hard to trace. But the authorities tracked down Chapman through phone records. Turns out, the feds had looked into Chapman for straw purchases before but didn’t prosecute.
The Deadly Cost of Early Release
Jalloh was set free nearly two and a half years ahead of schedule after completing a drug treatment program. A program that inmates serving time for terrorism offenses are usually not even allowed to join. This is a slap in the face to every law-abiding American.
It’s time to ask serious questions about these early release programs. Are we putting woke social justice initiatives ahead of the safety of our citizens? We need to know how Jalloh even qualified for this program in the first place.
While incarcerated, did Jalloh truly reject his terroristic goals? Or did he deceive those who released him? In these times, it would be naive to give this Islamic terrorist the benefit of the doubt.
A Nation Mourns a Hero
Lt. Col. Brandon Shah was not just a soldier; he was a husband, a father, and a leader. He served our country with distinction, flying helicopters in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Eastern Europe. He returned to Old Dominion University to guide the next generation of military officers.
Before the shooting, Jalloh made sure the class was ROTC before shooting. Think of the courage shown by those ROTC students who stopped Jalloh. They acted heroically and prevented even more carnage.
The loss of Lt. Col. Shah is a devastating blow to his family, the university, and our nation. He represents the very best of America.
This tragedy highlights the dangers of a soft-on-crime approach and a broken immigration system. How many more heroes must we lose before we wake up and prioritize national security above all else?
