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crazytown

(7,277 posts)
Mon Aug 5, 2019, 01:12 AM Aug 2019

Connor Betts, Dayton Shooter, described himself as a 'Leftist'

He said, 'I want Socialism' and would happily vote for Elizabeth Warren. He responded to a person’s tweet that read “if you nominate anyone other than sanders, you’re going to lose” by writing, “I think Warren has a decent shot, as well.”

On Nov. 2, 2018, he wrote: “Vote blue for gods sake.”
https://heavy.com/news/2019/08/connor-betts-twitter-politics-social-media/

129 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Connor Betts, Dayton Shooter, described himself as a 'Leftist' (Original Post) crazytown Aug 2019 OP
Nobody on the left expresses hatred for people out partying at clubs applegrove Aug 2019 #1
He was following the primaries crazytown Aug 2019 #2
Nobody was teaching him to hate the people he shot. applegrove Aug 2019 #5
No. crazytown Aug 2019 #6
How could someone like that get a gun and a huge magazine? applegrove Aug 2019 #7
A fellow student said he was arrested after making death threats crazytown Aug 2019 #9
Only way he got a gun without a background check DetroitLegalBeagle Aug 2019 #27
Yes, that is right. crazytown Aug 2019 #30
Its complicated. DetroitLegalBeagle Aug 2019 #33
Thank you crazytown Aug 2019 #34
My understanding he just got suspended from school for a while. LisaL Aug 2019 #57
Juvenile records are sealed. LisaL Aug 2019 #49
He was arrested and spent time in jail for violating probation "as an adult" BumRushDaShow Aug 2019 #65
Should that have resulted in him not been able to legally purchase guns, or was that considered LisaL Aug 2019 #66
One would think BumRushDaShow Aug 2019 #71
Relevance. Igel Aug 2019 #76
He had a criminal record as "an adult" BumRushDaShow Aug 2019 #84
He was arrested and convicted of a DUI SoCalNative Aug 2019 #102
Thank you and it was as an "adult" BumRushDaShow Aug 2019 #103
What?! he actually said Cha Aug 2019 #18
It doesn't appear to have been a hate crime. Chemisse Aug 2019 #26
We'll see, he went to a most black club and shot up mostly black people. There was also a caller int uponit7771 Aug 2019 #52
The caller was talking about a different victim, not Betts sister. LisaL Aug 2019 #59
His sister was the only 22-year-old killed, I think. nt tblue37 Aug 2019 #70
The guy that was with Betts and his sister has survived. He is a white male. LisaL Aug 2019 #117
It's a fact we know. Igel Aug 2019 #77
+1, on the other hand Donald Trump has called immigrants invaders and said they infest uponit7771 Aug 2019 #44
His Use Of The Word "Leftist" Outs Himself ChoppinBroccoli Aug 2019 #3
On the other hand... lame54 Aug 2019 #4
Are you under the impression that "leftist" is a slur for liberals? mathematic Aug 2019 #8
are Socialists generally hate mongers? stopdiggin Aug 2019 #10
This one was mathematic Aug 2019 #13
He was up to no good from the start. He pretended to be left. He clearly hated women rockfordfile Aug 2019 #123
They're as capable of it as anyone else. Codeine Aug 2019 #36
No more so than most people. Igel Aug 2019 #78
"Socialist" is what Republicans call Democrats torius Aug 2019 #11
He literally described himself as a socialist and a leftist mathematic Aug 2019 #12
Have you ever met anyone on the left who called themselves a 'leftist'? Kentonio Aug 2019 #16
Never! Meadowoak Aug 2019 #17
NO! It's utter bullshit! ElementaryPenguin Aug 2019 #20
Google "I am a leftist" and "we leftists" (include the quotes") JHB Aug 2019 #23
Yes. former9thward Aug 2019 #51
a lot Celerity Aug 2019 #60
Of course. Many people right here on DU Codeine Aug 2019 #96
I have. Lots of them... regnaD kciN Aug 2019 #101
Yes. It's typically those who consider themselves Marxists. Drunken Irishman Aug 2019 #128
Yes. Liberal is a basic personality and political personality type, Hortensis Aug 2019 #74
Exactly, he was an alt-left type, not a Dem or liberal. /nt radius777 Aug 2019 #113
Oh, I didn't know that.. Thanks, Cha Aug 2019 #19
I heard on CNN this morning octoberlib Aug 2019 #21
It seems he was shooting people in line for the bar entrance. Chemisse Aug 2019 #29
That's explicitly not true Loki Liesmith Aug 2019 #31
More like anarchists Roland99 Aug 2019 #95
Fair enough Loki Liesmith Aug 2019 #100
this all day long nt Baltimike Aug 2019 #58
there is something hinky going on mercuryblues Aug 2019 #62
Mylife profiles are hinky Niagara Aug 2019 #99
Somebody did pay to have it fixed mercuryblues Aug 2019 #118
It's imperative that you understand that Mylife is unreliable information and a scam webite Niagara Aug 2019 #121
I am aware mercuryblues Aug 2019 #122
It could have been anyone who paid for that info Niagara Aug 2019 #125
I see a lot of "I'm a liberal not a leftist" type statements JonLP24 Aug 2019 #127
Did he know his sister was there? Historic NY Aug 2019 #14
He kept 'hit lists' and 'rape lists' at school crazytown Aug 2019 #15
How would he not know, considering they drove together to the location. LisaL Aug 2019 #45
Wow, I didn't read that. Historic NY Aug 2019 #83
Him, his sister and another guy all drove there DeminPennswoods Aug 2019 #46
"He was way off his meds"... regnaD kciN Aug 2019 #104
No what I'm saying is someone kept it quiet Historic NY Aug 2019 #107
From what has been released on more reliable news outlets, he sounds like an incel wyldwolf Aug 2019 #22
True. But by the way, I like heavy.com. They seem Laura PourMeADrink Aug 2019 #25
I agree, he sounds like an incel. It also sounds like the sister was more successful than he was. LisaL Aug 2019 #39
+1 uponit7771 Aug 2019 #54
After reading this whole article, seems the guy was an enigma Laura PourMeADrink Aug 2019 #24
Good article. His gear in the trunk makes sense. Chemisse Aug 2019 #28
Yes. And was his sister in the bar? Like did she and Laura PourMeADrink Aug 2019 #35
No, his sister wasn't in the bar because he shot people on the street, not inside the bar. LisaL Aug 2019 #37
Wow..so that makes the whole thing even more curious. Laura PourMeADrink Aug 2019 #38
I thought I read somewhere that they found her body in the car. smirkymonkey Aug 2019 #90
I feel so badly for his parents too. Chemisse Aug 2019 #40
If you are talking about Betts parents, you are confusing his sister with somebody else. LisaL Aug 2019 #43
You're right! It was another victim of the same shooting. Chemisse Aug 2019 #53
That's what the LE guests on cable said, DeminPennswoods Aug 2019 #47
So what did they do? Shoot him in head? Laura PourMeADrink Aug 2019 #50
That would be my guess. LisaL Aug 2019 #56
Yes, Corgigal Aug 2019 #80
A vest wouldn't stop a rifle round NickB79 Aug 2019 #92
So it's completely naive to think, hell, when they kill Laura PourMeADrink Aug 2019 #93
Yeah, pretty much NickB79 Aug 2019 #94
:( Laura PourMeADrink Aug 2019 #111
People are people. Just voting Democratic or Liberal does not mean you are a saint. elocs Aug 2019 #32
Such true words. Chemisse Aug 2019 #41
Yes, and your political views may have very little Laura PourMeADrink Aug 2019 #42
Finding out why he killed his own sister will, imho, DeminPennswoods Aug 2019 #48
That's a good point. Her companion survived and Laura PourMeADrink Aug 2019 #64
Reportedly, he's already talked to the police DeminPennswoods Aug 2019 #75
Apparently the guy who survived is actually a friend of Betts himself. LisaL Aug 2019 #119
Fuck that noise! maxrandb Aug 2019 #55
THIS !!!! 6 of the 9 killed were black uponit7771 Aug 2019 #89
Perhaps the guy didn't know what he was. But the RW will run with the ''leftist'' crap. YOHABLO Aug 2019 #61
They already have... regnaD kciN Aug 2019 #105
So far this guy sounds like a powder-keg get the red out Aug 2019 #63
My guess the guy felt like a loser in personal and professional life and was jealous of people LisaL Aug 2019 #67
But so much more huh. Laura PourMeADrink Aug 2019 #69
Gun$- they are marketed to more than one type of political slant. He was a bully in HS +once lunasun Aug 2019 #68
A self proclaimed "leftist/socialist" Sunsky Aug 2019 #72
i'm inclined to think he was a "liar" 0rganism Aug 2019 #86
Yeah, something smells fishy about this to me as well. smirkymonkey Aug 2019 #91
Odd that such a misogynist would support Warren n/t TexasBushwhacker Aug 2019 #109
While there's a lot that seems questionable to me as well... regnaD kciN Aug 2019 #106
I did not draw any conclusions Sunsky Aug 2019 #110
Rec, agreed, nt. Mc Mike Aug 2019 #124
Psychopaths use politics for personal gain. Act_of_Reparation Aug 2019 #73
I seriously doubt this as being real... FarPoint Aug 2019 #79
I doubt it as well. I've seen no reliable source kcr Aug 2019 #88
I dont believe this. I think he was just trolling. He had been planning this for months and SweetieD Aug 2019 #81
Oh, great Bayard Aug 2019 #82
i'm really not interested in that murderous fuck's economic preferences 0rganism Aug 2019 #85
Yes, it's all clear in his manifesto claming his shooting was to draw awareness .... Tommy_Carcetti Aug 2019 #87
This doesn't appear to be politically motivated though Proud Liberal Dem Aug 2019 #97
Fine, he's a Leftist. maxsolomon Aug 2019 #98
"Both sides do it." CrispyQ Aug 2019 #108
I don't give a fuck who the psycho gunfucker supports politically. Iggo Aug 2019 #112
Many leftists are socially libertarian/conservative. radius777 Aug 2019 #114
Mixed up 24-year-old. moondust Aug 2019 #115
Ideology is not the focus, it's accessibility to militarized weapons by the wrong people. YOHABLO Aug 2019 #116
Yeah, and...? ConnorMarc Aug 2019 #120
No Democratic candidate has been inciting violence like Trump. backscatter712 Aug 2019 #126
The righties trying to tie the Dayton shooter to the left are pushing it. liberalmuse Aug 2019 #129

crazytown

(7,277 posts)
2. He was following the primaries
Mon Aug 5, 2019, 01:30 AM
Aug 2019

He would vote for Warren, but not Harris because she was a cop, and wished Joe Biden's generation would hurry up and die.

crazytown

(7,277 posts)
6. No.
Mon Aug 5, 2019, 01:43 AM
Aug 2019

Where ever his hatred came from, it did not come from progressive politics. At highschool he kept and hit list and rape list, and bragged about them to fellow students.

crazytown

(7,277 posts)
9. A fellow student said he was arrested after making death threats
Mon Aug 5, 2019, 01:49 AM
Aug 2019

and also told her she was on his rape list. He bought the gun and accessories online. No background check. No red flags

DetroitLegalBeagle

(1,904 posts)
27. Only way he got a gun without a background check
Mon Aug 5, 2019, 06:34 AM
Aug 2019

Was through a private sale. All commercial sales go through a background check, regardless of if its bought in the store, online, or at a gun show.

You can't just buy a gun online and have it shipped direct to your house(exception to this is C&R license holders who are legally FFL's). Well, technically you can "buy" the gun, as in pay for it. But it still has to be shipped to a gun dealer where you would have to pick it up from, during which that dealer would run the background check and fill out the usual paperwork. Direct sales and shipping to a person without a federal firearms license has been illegal since 1968.

crazytown

(7,277 posts)
30. Yes, that is right.
Mon Aug 5, 2019, 06:48 AM
Aug 2019

After a quick search

The guns had been legally purchased, police said, and there was nothing in Betts’s background that would have raised concerns — he had only traffic tickets, for speeding and failing to yield.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2019/08/04/nine-fatally-shot-dayton-including-suspect-day-after-mass-shooting-texas/

His history of death threats that lead to his arrest, and being expelled from school, would have been sealed as a juvenile?

DetroitLegalBeagle

(1,904 posts)
33. Its complicated.
Mon Aug 5, 2019, 07:01 AM
Aug 2019

Unless his earlier death threats resulted in legal action taken against him, there would be zero record of it. Background checks only work if records are entered into it. No legal action means no records entered. As far juvenile records go, like many things, it varies by state. Some states seal juvenile records upon completion of their sentence, others require the person to request they be sealed. Some states share sealed juvenile records with the feds, others have strict non disclosure laws and require court orders to unseal them.

LisaL

(44,962 posts)
49. Juvenile records are sealed.
Mon Aug 5, 2019, 07:49 AM
Aug 2019

So someone with a juvenile record could pass a background check. And I don't even think he had a record, sounds like he just got suspended for his "hit" list and "rape" list, not charged with anything.

BumRushDaShow

(127,270 posts)
65. He was arrested and spent time in jail for violating probation "as an adult"
Mon Aug 5, 2019, 08:26 AM
Aug 2019
Connor Stephen Betts, identified as Dayton suspected shooter, had 'hit list,' 'rape list,' classmates say

<...>

According to court records, Betts was arrested for a DUI in 2016. He plead guilty to a lesser charge, "physical control," which meant Betts was found in his vehicle with the key in the ignition, but not driving, the prosecuting attorney confirmed to ABC News. Betts was fined $515 and given probation but spent time in jail as a result of violating his probation.

https://6abc.com/dayton-suspected-shooter-had-hit-list-rape-list-classmates-say/5442328/


So the above happened 3 years ago when he would have theoretically been 20 or 21, easily no longer considered a "juvenile".

It's funny how the articles are jumping all over the place with the new information because they are intersperseing old info with new info in their articles as a "running commentary".

LisaL

(44,962 posts)
66. Should that have resulted in him not been able to legally purchase guns, or was that considered
Mon Aug 5, 2019, 08:27 AM
Aug 2019

too minor a violation?

BumRushDaShow

(127,270 posts)
71. One would think
Mon Aug 5, 2019, 09:13 AM
Aug 2019

but I as I gather as long as the infraction wasn't considered a felony, then they are good to go.

Gabby Giffords has her Center to Prevent Gun Violence website that lists summaries of each state's laws/polices and that is here

- h ttps://lawcenter.giffords.org/gun-laws/state-law/50-state-summaries/prohibited-people-state-by-state/.

The specific link to their Ohio info is here -

h ttps://lawcenter.giffords.org/prohibited-purchasers-generally-in-ohio/

^^^ due to how the message boxes are programmed, because Gabby's last name includes the letters "gif", it tries to display that part as an image when I use her name as it appears in the link, so just remove the space between the "h" and the "ttps:" to get to the sites.

Igel

(35,191 posts)
76. Relevance.
Mon Aug 5, 2019, 10:15 AM
Aug 2019

It's like saying, "He drank and drive, so of course he robbed the bank."

Two steps less plausible than, "He was caught with weed. So of course he became a crack dealer." And as plausible as, "He was caught with weed, so of course he robbed the bank."

BumRushDaShow

(127,270 posts)
84. He had a criminal record as "an adult"
Mon Aug 5, 2019, 11:33 AM
Aug 2019

which was the point I had originally responded to. The further details being that his "record" was a misdemeanor vs a felony, where a felony would have precluded his ability to "legally" purchase a gun in the state of Ohio.

However we know now that (at least according to reports) he had a juvenile record of having made threats against classmates via alleged "hit lists" and "rape lists", enough so that he was kicked out of school for it.

The link to the Gifford Center indicated this for Ohio -

Last updated October 16, 2018.

See our Prohibited Purchasers policy summary for a comprehensive discussion of this issue.

Federal law prohibits certain persons from purchasing or possessing firearms, such as felons, certain domestic abusers, and certain people with a history of mental illness.

Similarly, Ohio prohibits the following persons from purchasing or possessing firearms, unless they have obtained a “relief from disability”:1

• Fugitives from justice;

• Persons under indictment for or convicted of any violent felony offense, or who have been adjudicated a delinquent child for the commission of an offense that, if committed by an adult, would have been a violent felony offense;

• Persons under indictment for, or convicted of, a felony drug offense (or adjudicated a delinquent child for the commission of an offense that, if committed by an adult, would have been a felony drug offense);

• Persons who are “drug dependent, in danger of drug dependence” or chronic alcoholics; or

• Persons under adjudication for mental incompetence, adjudicated as a mental defective, committed to a mental institution, found to be mentally ill subject to hospitalization by court order, or involuntary mentally ill patients.2

Ohio also prohibits the “use” of a firearm by a career criminal.3


There is a further link that states that fire arms purchases are forbidden for anyone under 18 in the state and handgun purchases are forbidden for anyone under 21. So this suggests that he either bought that weapon "as an adult" or got it illegally as a juvenile under 18.

When you have someone that unhinged, chances are that allowing him access to a weapon of mass destruction is not a good idea. The law in Ohio mentions "delinquent juveniles adjudicated" for certain "crimes" and at this point in time, we don't know how his juvenile threats were handled.

Cha

(295,899 posts)
18. What?! he actually said
Mon Aug 5, 2019, 04:54 AM
Aug 2019

that about Biden's generation?

Asshole.. we'll die when we're ready.

And, "leftist.. "! My god.. that sounds so far from what anyone on the left would do. All those poor people Massacred!

Chemisse

(30,793 posts)
26. It doesn't appear to have been a hate crime.
Mon Aug 5, 2019, 06:16 AM
Aug 2019

It looks like he had fantasized about killing people for years, not for any reason.

uponit7771

(90,225 posts)
52. We'll see, he went to a most black club and shot up mostly black people. There was also a caller int
Mon Aug 5, 2019, 07:54 AM
Aug 2019

.. into MSNBC that claimed his friend was dating a 22 yr old girl that was killed at the club the caller was black IINM.

Igel

(35,191 posts)
77. It's a fact we know.
Mon Aug 5, 2019, 10:18 AM
Aug 2019

So we draw the conclusion from it. It's sort of a forced-choice test with one answer.

If we find that most of the victims are over 30, or male, or female, or had incomes over $50k or under $40k or wore ties or were drinking distilled spirits and not hoppy brew the conclusion wouldn't be as obvious. No less valid (and no more valid), of course.

ChoppinBroccoli

(3,764 posts)
3. His Use Of The Word "Leftist" Outs Himself
Mon Aug 5, 2019, 01:31 AM
Aug 2019

Only far-right hate websites use the word "leftist" to describe liberals. And he was specifically targeting blacks and minorities, and he loved guns. Yeah, I'm sure he was a screaming liberal. He's just another in a long line of Trump ballwashers who's trying to throw the media off the scent. I'm sure it's no coincidence that Trump was in Cincinnati just days before, and I'll bet you a shiny new dime that he was there.

mathematic

(1,429 posts)
8. Are you under the impression that "leftist" is a slur for liberals?
Mon Aug 5, 2019, 01:47 AM
Aug 2019

Cuz it's not.

This guy was a self-proclaimed socialist, according to his published tweets. Socialists aren't liberals. Socialists are leftists. This guy was not a liberal and was not using "leftist" to describe a liberal. He was a leftist and using leftist to describe a leftist. Pretty straightforward.

mathematic

(1,429 posts)
13. This one was
Mon Aug 5, 2019, 02:16 AM
Aug 2019

Looking at his history it's hate of women, not race hate. He got suspended in high school for having a "rape list" of students he wanted to sexually assault.




rockfordfile

(8,682 posts)
123. He was up to no good from the start. He pretended to be left. He clearly hated women
Fri Aug 9, 2019, 07:28 PM
Aug 2019

I think he was a typical right-wing racist. He seemed to be specifically targeting African Americans except his sister, who i think tried to stop him. .

He hated and pretended to like Warren. He was pretending the whole time.

Igel

(35,191 posts)
78. No more so than most people.
Mon Aug 5, 2019, 10:21 AM
Aug 2019

I think.

Meaning, of course, that my answer is actually, "Fairly often."

It's a question of who's hated, not who's hating. I find no group to be innocent of this, but also find that most groups claim innocence and, when outed, shriek "tu quoque!" in their language and style of choice.

torius

(1,652 posts)
11. "Socialist" is what Republicans call Democrats
Mon Aug 5, 2019, 02:02 AM
Aug 2019

Republicans use it as a slur. He also wrote anti-gun-violence posts.

mathematic

(1,429 posts)
12. He literally described himself as a socialist and a leftist
Mon Aug 5, 2019, 02:11 AM
Aug 2019

He posted a pro-communist meme with the old soviet flag on twitter.

He was not a liberal.

You remember how much dust was kicked up on DU a few months back over what the definition of "socialist" is? How the Nordic countries aren't socialist and so forth? The people insisting on pointing out the actual definition of socialism were doing so because actual socialists EXIST and they should not be confused for liberals, regardless of what republicans say. This guy was an actual socialist, not a liberal and everybody should know the difference.

 

Kentonio

(4,377 posts)
16. Have you ever met anyone on the left who called themselves a 'leftist'?
Mon Aug 5, 2019, 04:32 AM
Aug 2019

Genuinely curious, because I have never heard that used as a self-description.

JHB

(37,128 posts)
23. Google "I am a leftist" and "we leftists" (include the quotes")
Mon Aug 5, 2019, 05:46 AM
Aug 2019

There are people who do use that term when describing themselves.

It's not the most commonplace self-description, and I would think context matters as to when it is used, but there are enough cases where it cant't be taken as a "tell" of right-wingers pretending to be left.

Celerity

(42,636 posts)
60. a lot
Mon Aug 5, 2019, 08:11 AM
Aug 2019

left, leftist, leftish, etc

all self-labelled

it is not a RW smear, as much as they try to make it so, just like they try to do with liberal, progressive, etc

it is a losing game to let the RW define smears and what is acceptable

 

Codeine

(25,586 posts)
96. Of course. Many people right here on DU
Tue Aug 6, 2019, 04:56 PM
Aug 2019

describe themselves as such. I described myself thusly when I was younger.

Hortensis

(58,785 posts)
74. Yes. Liberal is a basic personality and political personality type,
Mon Aug 5, 2019, 09:53 AM
Aug 2019

while socialism is an ideology described as leftist due to its "universal" ideals, as opposed to hierarchical class-embracing ideologies described as right.

The personalities of radicals/extremists, left and right, have a great deal in common in spite of their differences. In fact, they often switch sides, and extremist organizations routinely try to woo each others' followers away. This racist creep who's also drawn to a socialism that would embrace all as equal is typical of those who may go both ways depending on influences.

In addition, we also currently have two populist movements, left wing and right wing, whose leaders know their populist rhetoric will appeal to the populist blocs in each others' followings. 12% of Sanders' voters, likely almost all given to populist antagonisms (lock her up!), in 2016 voted directly for Trump in the GE as their second choice. Bett's racism and intense antagonism (characteristic of many populists) suggest he'd lean to Trump, while the appeal of socialism would pull him to the leftist movement. So he seems to fit a very common pattern here also.

As for Bett's claim to admire Elizabeth Warren, he doesn't know who she is or he wouldn't. She's neither extremist in personality nor pushing populist resentments to get power that mainstream voters won't give her. She's essentially solidly establishment with big ideas and goals, and they might have taken a clue from the fact that she's always refused to endorse Sanders and the very serious consideration she and Hillary gave to running together. (I'd bet a lot that this one is not exactly a Hillary fan. )

octoberlib

(14,971 posts)
21. I heard on CNN this morning
Mon Aug 5, 2019, 05:15 AM
Aug 2019

that he got arrested, kicked out of high school then managed to turn his life around , got re- admitted to school and graduated. I’m just wondering if adopting a pro gun control , leftist persona was a way to throw the authorities off his trail and make them think he’d changed.

Chemisse

(30,793 posts)
29. It seems he was shooting people in line for the bar entrance.
Mon Aug 5, 2019, 06:40 AM
Aug 2019

And the bodies were all in one area (except the first). So he may not have been targeting minorities; it may have been just chance based on who was in line at the time.

Loki Liesmith

(4,602 posts)
31. That's explicitly not true
Mon Aug 5, 2019, 06:58 AM
Aug 2019

There’s a large contingent of twitter leftists who use the term to signal they are not “squishy” liberals.

mercuryblues

(14,489 posts)
62. there is something hinky going on
Mon Aug 5, 2019, 08:13 AM
Aug 2019

When I googled his name yesterday a Mylife profile came up.

Conner was listed under political affiliation as "Democrat Party" not Democratic Party. Today his profile is removed.

His Father's profile yesterday had no party affiliation, today he is listed as Progressive.

I wish I thought to get a screen shot of them.

Niagara

(7,403 posts)
99. Mylife profiles are hinky
Tue Aug 6, 2019, 05:25 PM
Aug 2019

It has me listed as unaffiliated/non affiliated and under views & opinions states that I'm a tea party supporter, which is highly inaccurate. It's actually embarrassing but I'm not paying them money to have them fix it.

Niagara

(7,403 posts)
121. It's imperative that you understand that Mylife is unreliable information and a scam webite
Thu Aug 8, 2019, 10:39 AM
Aug 2019

Mylife is unaccredited with the BBB and currently has 11,176 customer complaints. Mylife is also unaccredited with Consumer Affairs.


Someone can purchase a Mylife membership and "fix" all they want on Betts still available profile, it's still an unreliable scam website.




mercuryblues

(14,489 posts)
122. I am aware
Fri Aug 9, 2019, 06:30 PM
Aug 2019

but who paid to change the info on that site? It went from a popular term republicans use to disparage the DemocratIC party to being pulled, while his Father's site went from no affiliation to progressive, overnight. That is what I am asking. Pretty sure his Dad wasn't the one.

Niagara

(7,403 posts)
125. It could have been anyone who paid for that info
Fri Aug 9, 2019, 07:42 PM
Aug 2019

I didn't see the profiles before the changes. Whoever it was probably didn't use a disposable email address. The person who paid will try to cancel after a short time. Mylife will keep charging after the cancellation because that's the type of scam that Jeffrey Tinsley is running.

I don't like to make assumptions about people but my best guess is Jeffrey Tinsley is a republican. All information on his profile is locked since he is the Founder/CEO, and yet he gets to spread misinformation about other people through his website. I did some internet digging and found that he has multiple arrests, court surrenders and lawsuits against him. This might explain why other profiles read "Democrat" instead of "Democratic", it seems likely but I have no proof of that.

I apologize if I sounded too harsh earlier, I merely wanted you to know that Mylife is not to be trusted.

JonLP24

(29,322 posts)
127. I see a lot of "I'm a liberal not a leftist" type statements
Fri Aug 9, 2019, 08:11 PM
Aug 2019

I never seen anyone call themselves a leftist though.

crazytown

(7,277 posts)
15. He kept 'hit lists' and 'rape lists' at school
Mon Aug 5, 2019, 02:21 AM
Aug 2019

and was arrested for making death threats. He bought his gear online without any background checks.

Historic NY

(37,449 posts)
83. Wow, I didn't read that.
Mon Aug 5, 2019, 10:39 AM
Aug 2019

makes one wonder if he wanted to go out in a blaze of glory. He definitely was having issues.

DeminPennswoods

(15,246 posts)
46. Him, his sister and another guy all drove there
Mon Aug 5, 2019, 07:43 AM
Aug 2019

together. Presumably his sister and the other guy just thought they were going out on the town for Saturday night fun.

regnaD kciN

(26,035 posts)
104. "He was way off his meds"...
Tue Aug 6, 2019, 08:20 PM
Aug 2019

In other words, you're saying his politics had nothing to do with it, he was just "mentally ill"...? How often have I heard that after a right-winger shoots someplace up?

It seems to me that, if you insist that every mass shooting by an extremist conservative is "politically-motivated" just by the fact that they held a zealous political position, you can't duck the same charge when it's someone on the other side of the spectrum.

On the other hand, plenty of white nationalist shooters have left behind manifestos or other quotes making it clear that they were acting out of hatred for those they considered their political "enemies." There's no sign this guy did the same, or that he made an explicit connection between his violent urges and his politics as the gunmen in El Paso or Christchurch did.

Historic NY

(37,449 posts)
107. No what I'm saying is someone kept it quiet
Tue Aug 6, 2019, 09:44 PM
Aug 2019

family or otherwise. Who goes out with their sister and the kills her.

wyldwolf

(43,865 posts)
22. From what has been released on more reliable news outlets, he sounds like an incel
Mon Aug 5, 2019, 05:30 AM
Aug 2019

And incels aren't usually liberals. If you ever decide to troll comic book and video game groups and forums where incels hangout, you'll immediately recognize them by their anti-feminist (read: I can't get laid) diatribes. they're a bunch of women-hating vile virgins. The rhetoric isn't usually political, but they do latch on to the same type of hate speech right wingers do regarding multiculturalism.

 

Laura PourMeADrink

(42,770 posts)
25. True. But by the way, I like heavy.com. They seem
Mon Aug 5, 2019, 06:00 AM
Aug 2019

To be more of a news consolidator where you will see lots of detail about a subject...much more than other places.

LisaL

(44,962 posts)
39. I agree, he sounds like an incel. It also sounds like the sister was more successful than he was.
Mon Aug 5, 2019, 07:20 AM
Aug 2019

He was working at a fast food place, she was studying in a university. Was he jealous of his own sister?

 

Laura PourMeADrink

(42,770 posts)
24. After reading this whole article, seems the guy was an enigma
Mon Aug 5, 2019, 05:56 AM
Aug 2019
https://heavy.com/news/2019/08/connor-betts/amp/

Don't think it's fair at all to say this guy was motivated by politics. I think if you read everything...you will take that away too.

One thing I didn't get was that it said he rode to the bar with his sister and her companion. He wasn't allowed in the bar. His car was parked nearby. He had gun and armor there ? Like in trunk? So he drove?

Chemisse

(30,793 posts)
28. Good article. His gear in the trunk makes sense.
Mon Aug 5, 2019, 06:37 AM
Aug 2019

He could hardly be all dressed up in body armor, etc, without alarming his passengers, which is something I had wondered about.

That opens another question - was this a spontaneous shooting? Did he carry around his weapon in the trunk all the time and just that night decide to use it?

 

Laura PourMeADrink

(42,770 posts)
35. Yes. And was his sister in the bar? Like did she and
Mon Aug 5, 2019, 07:07 AM
Aug 2019

friends get in and not him and it made him snap? Why didn't they let him in? Bet his parents are beyond consolable and utterly guilt stricken - losing both their children in such a horrific act. And not to recognize and do enough to help him with his demons.

My husband said that people without evil intentions may have the gun...but never the armor. So the armor implies premeditation?

 

smirkymonkey

(63,221 posts)
90. I thought I read somewhere that they found her body in the car.
Mon Aug 5, 2019, 01:08 PM
Aug 2019

If so, that would have meant he shot her before he even started his spree.

Chemisse

(30,793 posts)
40. I feel so badly for his parents too.
Mon Aug 5, 2019, 07:30 AM
Aug 2019

To lose both their children at once in such a horrific way. (On edit - I mistakenly said their daughter was a nursing student and mother, but that was another victim of that shooting).

I can't imagine their pain right now.

LisaL

(44,962 posts)
43. If you are talking about Betts parents, you are confusing his sister with somebody else.
Mon Aug 5, 2019, 07:39 AM
Aug 2019

She wasn't a mother of 2 and she was not a nursing student.

Chemisse

(30,793 posts)
53. You're right! It was another victim of the same shooting.
Mon Aug 5, 2019, 07:54 AM
Aug 2019

Thank-you for the correction. I'm going to edit my post.

DeminPennswoods

(15,246 posts)
47. That's what the LE guests on cable said,
Mon Aug 5, 2019, 07:45 AM
Aug 2019

that you come in body armor, ear protectors, etc because you expect to be confronted by cops and want to stay alive as long as possible to kill as many as possible.

NickB79

(19,109 posts)
94. Yeah, pretty much
Tue Aug 6, 2019, 04:52 PM
Aug 2019

Most police are crap shots to start with, as range time is usually limited. Throw in a lot of adrenaline, a pounding heart, and a small, moving target like a leg, the fact you're taking cover from incoming shots from the criminal, and you're just wasting bullets.

Besides, a hit to the femoral artery in the thigh is pretty dam lethal in itself.

elocs

(22,474 posts)
32. People are people. Just voting Democratic or Liberal does not mean you are a saint.
Mon Aug 5, 2019, 06:58 AM
Aug 2019

Humans are capable of murder or rape or evil regardless who they vote for or support.
Which is why everyone makes the mistake when they think their tribe is on the side of the angels and the opposing tribe is evil.

Chemisse

(30,793 posts)
41. Such true words.
Mon Aug 5, 2019, 07:32 AM
Aug 2019

And it doesn't matter what this man's political inclinations were; his shootings were not related to his politics.

 

Laura PourMeADrink

(42,770 posts)
42. Yes, and your political views may have very little
Mon Aug 5, 2019, 07:38 AM
Aug 2019

to do with your life. Sure you may vote, but for many it's just a thing you do once a year or four.

Guess we are trying to make sense of people who have gone off the deep end. Nothing is simple.

DeminPennswoods

(15,246 posts)
48. Finding out why he killed his own sister will, imho,
Mon Aug 5, 2019, 07:48 AM
Aug 2019

be key to figuring out the motive. His sister might not have recognized him immediately because of the mask and outfit, but he surely knew her and the other guy who shot, but apparently survived.

DeminPennswoods

(15,246 posts)
75. Reportedly, he's already talked to the police
Mon Aug 5, 2019, 09:54 AM
Aug 2019

He'll likely be interviewed again later depending on the severity of his injuries.

maxrandb

(15,188 posts)
55. Fuck that noise!
Mon Aug 5, 2019, 07:59 AM
Aug 2019

Last edited Mon Aug 5, 2019, 09:14 AM - Edit history (1)

This guy, regardless of politics, was told that violence and hate allowed him the right to kill people by the rhetoric of Donnie Shit for Brains, Retrumplicans and Hate Radio.

The message from the "top" is clear. Hatred, violence and murder are sanctioned and encouraged by the president of the United States.

Have the media call me when ANY Democrat says he was; "just a good person on the other side".

Donnie Dollhands has given carte blanche to the evil that lies in everyone.

regnaD kciN

(26,035 posts)
105. They already have...
Tue Aug 6, 2019, 08:26 PM
Aug 2019

Sadly, this will serve to cancel out El Paso in the public consciousness. Why bother pointing to white nationalism when "both sides do it?" In truth, there's a huge difference between the two, in that the guy in Texas was consciously acting, by his own "manifesto," to carry out ethnic cleansing to fight off "invasion by Hispanics." But don't count on the average person being able to make such a distinction.

get the red out

(13,458 posts)
63. So far this guy sounds like a powder-keg
Mon Aug 5, 2019, 08:17 AM
Aug 2019

Poster boy for slipping through the mental health cracks. His history of kill and rape lists certainly paints this picture.

No doubt he will provide "what-about-ism" for the right to try to "both sides" these two mass murders though. Their guy killed a bunch of people, so what? YOUR guy did too. It's going to get sickening.

LisaL

(44,962 posts)
67. My guess the guy felt like a loser in personal and professional life and was jealous of people
Mon Aug 5, 2019, 08:29 AM
Aug 2019

who were more successful. Including his own sister. So I don't think his motive had anything to do with his political views.

lunasun

(21,646 posts)
68. Gun$- they are marketed to more than one type of political slant. He was a bully in HS +once
Mon Aug 5, 2019, 08:37 AM
Aug 2019

old enough , he could buy some bully accessories that kill . With this shooting +the racial massacre in El Paso +the shooter who killed two families n Wisconsin after harassing a women, Gilroy + all the single gun deaths occurring in the US last week , one common issue is guns.
Fighting against the profitable gun industry for change is not easy.
After MFOL there was disappointment at the lack of action

Sunsky

(1,737 posts)
72. A self proclaimed "leftist/socialist"
Mon Aug 5, 2019, 09:17 AM
Aug 2019

who exclaimed that he loved his guns, who had a 100 round drum magazine but claimed to be pro gun control. Who wanted action by Congress after Parkland and yet became a mass murderer himself. The person who chastised Trump for his anti immigrant hate speech, yet went on a shooting spree killing mostly African Americans hours after hate and white supremacy became the focus on the MSM. Something doesn't add up.
As the old phrase goes, actions speak louder than words. His actions make me question his words. It's just like Trump saying, he's the least racist person who exists, goes to show that anyone can proclaim to be anything. There's much more to learn about Connor Betts.

0rganism

(23,855 posts)
86. i'm inclined to think he was a "liar"
Mon Aug 5, 2019, 11:46 AM
Aug 2019

and really, lying about his politics is among the least of his crimes.

 

smirkymonkey

(63,221 posts)
91. Yeah, something smells fishy about this to me as well.
Mon Aug 5, 2019, 01:15 PM
Aug 2019

I'm just not buying it. It's very possible that someone could have politically motivated to alter his Facebook page, or he could have been trolling himself, to make it seem like this was a "leftist/antifa" motivated killing, but it just doesn't make sense. I do not know one single liberal/leftist/socialist that would fit this guy's profile.

I'm not saying all liberals/leftists are saints, but by his past actions and this shooting, does this guy sound like any liberal/leftist that you know (other than what was written on his facebook page)?

regnaD kciN

(26,035 posts)
106. While there's a lot that seems questionable to me as well...
Tue Aug 6, 2019, 08:29 PM
Aug 2019

...let's not go down the particular rabbit-hole where we start claiming "false flag" operations without solid proof. Enough people do that on the other side, and it thoroughly discredits them in the eyes of most people.

Sunsky

(1,737 posts)
110. I did not draw any conclusions
Tue Aug 6, 2019, 10:27 PM
Aug 2019

There are contradictions imo and I submitted the reasoning behind my doubt. I also wrote, there's a lot more to learn about him.

Act_of_Reparation

(9,116 posts)
73. Psychopaths use politics for personal gain.
Mon Aug 5, 2019, 09:31 AM
Aug 2019

John Wayne Gacey was an active Democrat. Ted Bundy was an active Republican. I don't think for a second either of them really gave a shit about a single issue. Political involvement gave them the opportunity to build a wholesome public image, to make themselves seem less suspicious or more trustworthy, and it put them in a position of power over others, which most psychopaths seem to find rather titillating.

FarPoint

(12,207 posts)
79. I seriously doubt this as being real...
Mon Aug 5, 2019, 10:22 AM
Aug 2019

Bellbrook is soooooo right wing tump-country....

I sense this is a right wing spin....

kcr

(15,300 posts)
88. I doubt it as well. I've seen no reliable source
Mon Aug 5, 2019, 12:48 PM
Aug 2019

No liberal or progressive I know refers to themselves as a leftist. That is a common term right wingers use, though.

SweetieD

(1,660 posts)
81. I dont believe this. I think he was just trolling. He had been planning this for months and
Mon Aug 5, 2019, 10:24 AM
Aug 2019

Was probably setting his public profile up so Trump didn't take the fall. These right wing psychos are so scared of trump getting blame.

The el paso shooter's manifesto begged ppl not to blame trump as did the Christchurch shooter.

I'd like to see his real internet history and what forums and other social media accounts he had.

Bayard

(21,801 posts)
82. Oh, great
Mon Aug 5, 2019, 10:28 AM
Aug 2019

So this guy will quickly be spun as a socialist (same as leftist, you know), violent Democrat, yada yada. A--See! We told you so! May even make it into tRump's little speech today.

0rganism

(23,855 posts)
85. i'm really not interested in that murderous fuck's economic preferences
Mon Aug 5, 2019, 11:43 AM
Aug 2019

not at all. his personal opinions and musings about fiscal policy and presidential politics will not be his legacy.

and as far as being "socially left", i think we can pretty much discount any self-evaluations he proffered in that regard as well. he showed us all what he really thinks of his fellow human beings on Saturday night.

all i know for certain is that man should have been far away from the triggers of all firearms and he wasn't and people paid for his excess with their lives and the lives of their loved ones.

Tommy_Carcetti

(43,079 posts)
87. Yes, it's all clear in his manifesto claming his shooting was to draw awareness ....
Mon Aug 5, 2019, 11:50 AM
Aug 2019

...to Senator Warren's plan for Universal Health Care.

, obvs.

Proud Liberal Dem

(24,353 posts)
97. This doesn't appear to be politically motivated though
Tue Aug 6, 2019, 05:00 PM
Aug 2019

I'm already hearing from some of my FB friends that we need to make sure to condemn violence from both the left and the right but I'm not seeing why we should think of it in these terms though?

maxsolomon

(32,975 posts)
98. Fine, he's a Leftist.
Tue Aug 6, 2019, 05:03 PM
Aug 2019

This Amoklauf shooting wasn't inspired by ideology.

He shot his best friend and sister. "Leftism" had shit to do with that.

Firearms and alienation did.

CrispyQ

(36,221 posts)
108. "Both sides do it."
Tue Aug 6, 2019, 09:48 PM
Aug 2019

This is what Kelly Ann Conway wants the media to report. And some probably will.

Iggo

(47,486 posts)
112. I don't give a fuck who the psycho gunfucker supports politically.
Tue Aug 6, 2019, 11:46 PM
Aug 2019

I also don't care what his favorite color is.

It's the psycho gunfucker's ability to get a gun that matters.

radius777

(3,624 posts)
114. Many leftists are socially libertarian/conservative.
Wed Aug 7, 2019, 12:18 AM
Aug 2019

The guy sounds like an alt-left populist, not a Dem or liberal.

The alt-left (like the alt-right) is mainly a white populist movement that sees social liberalism as having 'stolen' the 'FDR Dem party' from them.

So it would come as no surprise if this was indeed a hate crime of some sort.

It does seem odd that a white guy would go into mostly black club to carry out a mass shooting.

And he killed his sister, wonder if she was dating a black/brown dude.

Supposedly the shooter was also very mentally ill (schizophrenic, hearing voices).

We need more facts which have been slow to come out.

moondust

(19,917 posts)
115. Mixed up 24-year-old.
Wed Aug 7, 2019, 01:08 AM
Aug 2019

Nobody I've ever known on the "left" ever kept "hit lists" or "rape lists" or anything like that. That sounds more like the "Team Mitch" gang accosting a cardboard cutout of AOC.

At some point in high school or someplace he may have glommed onto some words and phrases he heard from friends or others he wanted to hang out with or impress, possibly not even knowing their meaning and implications.

Maybe he was a classic Jekyll and Hyde case.

 

YOHABLO

(7,358 posts)
116. Ideology is not the focus, it's accessibility to militarized weapons by the wrong people.
Wed Aug 7, 2019, 02:47 AM
Aug 2019

The only thing political about the situation is the money that the NRA pays to lobby congress, to keep them from regulating arms sales. That's the bottom line.

backscatter712

(26,355 posts)
126. No Democratic candidate has been inciting violence like Trump.
Fri Aug 9, 2019, 08:02 PM
Aug 2019

And there's no evidence saying that this shooting was politically motivated (this one looks like incel madness.) As opposed to the El Paso shooting, where the shooter provided a handy manifesto with his white supremacist beliefs.

liberalmuse

(18,670 posts)
129. The righties trying to tie the Dayton shooter to the left are pushing it.
Fri Aug 9, 2019, 08:43 PM
Aug 2019

But conservatives love false equivalencies. There is a difference between someone shooting people and writing a manifesto directly using words spoken by a racist president, and a person who says they would support a cause or candidate who in no way endorses violence, guns, rape or the many other things this guy was into. They're both murderers, but one of them was groomed and the other had a history of being fucked up in the head with thoughts of rape and violence.

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