Editorial: Massacre in San Bernardino 

A new tragedy has shaken the nation. The murder of 14  people at a holiday lunch for San Bernardino County employees seems like a reprise of a sadly familiar event. The possibility that the main suspects ‒ a U.S. citizen and his wife ‒ may have acted with a destructive terrorist agenda adds yet another concern to the massacre.

Among the peculiarities of the case is the chance that perpetrator Syed Farook may have killed his fellow coworkers as part of a terrorist act, judging by the type of weapons and explosives found in his possession. Some reports indicate that Farook, a devout Muslim, may have been radicalized recently and kept in contact with people linked to Islamic extremism. It is crucial to conduct an exhaustive investigation to learn the motives that set off this slaughter.

This tragedy happens at a delicate political moment, influenced by the brutal attacks in Paris. The national debate on whether to accept Syrian refugees into the country has taken a bitter and often repugnant tone against immigrants and Muslims. This new incident confirms what has been long-feared: that the danger is not limited to foreigners but that there are several radicalized U.S. residents who identify with Islamic extremism and are willing to take arms.

On the other hand, it is important not to generalize. A Muslim is not a potential terrorist, just like someone who disagrees with Planned Parenthood’s mission is not a latent murderer. The authorities, politicians and candidates have the responsibility to avoid adding fuel to the fire for their own benefit at a moment when calm is what is called for.

Access to guns is another issue that cannot be overlooked. The powerful, destructive arsenal the killers possessed was purchased legally and used against people known to them. This is a recognizable pattern that has nothing to do with Islamism and everything to do with the lax gun control laws that turn U.S. streets and homes into crime scenes on a daily basis.

The global phenomenon of terrorism has apparently shown its face in San Bernardino. Our reaction should be level-headed to avoid confusing the innocents with the sinners.