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| 3.22.18

Can A White, Evangelical, Homeschooled Guy Be A Terrorist?

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What’s the story?

Mark Anthony Conditt detonated a series of bombs across Austin, TX, killing two and injuring four. Conditt was a white, conservative, evangelical man who had been homeschooled. The media has focused primarily on his mental health, rather than referring to him as a domestic terrorist. Many have questioned that, asserting that if a young person of color or Muslim had done what Conditt had done he or she would have instantly been labeled a terrorist.

Following his apprehension and subsequent death when he detonated a bomb in his car, Conditt has been characterized as a "challenged young man", and a “quiet, very polite, respectful young man”. The picture of Conditt being widely circulated is from 2013.

Here is a more recent photo.

Conditt attended a program, along with his sister, for homeschooled kids in Pflugerville, TX called the Righteous Invasion of Truth, a Bible study and outdoors group for homeschooled kids that included monthly activities such as archery, gun skills, and water balloon fights. Conditt, in a 2012 blog, espoused strictly conservative views about homosexuality, abortion, and counterterrorism.

Police announced Wednesday that they had recovered a 25-minute video confession recorded by Conditt prior to his death explaining what he had done, but with no explanation of why. The Austin Police Chief Brian Manley, in a press conference, stated that Conditt had made no "terror or hate-related references" in his confession, reports CNN:

"It [was] the outcry of a very challenged young man talking about challenges in his life that led him to this point. I know everybody is interested in a motive and understanding why. And we're never going to be able to put a (rationale) behind these acts."

White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders also distanced Conditt from the designation of terrorist.

The internet has exploded with condemnation of what many see as a double-standard when it comes to the characterization of criminals like Conditt in comparison to those who are black, brown, or Muslim.

Since Conditt killed himself with a suicide bomb, there will be no legal proceedings against him. Whether or not, from a legal perspective, he would be considered a domestic terrorist is a moot point. But how he, and other criminals with a similar profile, are depicted in the media affects both public perception, law, and law enforcement.

What do you think?

Should Conditt be called a domestic terrorist? Why or why not?

Tell us in the comments what you think, then use the Take Action button to tell your reps!

— Asha Sanaker

(Photo Credit: GetWisdom via Twitter )