Gabrielle Giffords meeting with Tucson seniors citizens on October 10th 2008 (Photo by Kevin Asher, Creative Commons)

A shooter allegedly approached a gathering at a Safeway Market with a semi-automatic handgun where Giffords was hosting a “Congress on Your Corner” event. 

A 22-year-old male suspect, identified as Jared Lee Loughner, is in custody.

The Internet trail left by the alleged shooter provides insight, albeit minimal, into the mind of a madman. Loughner’s YouTube channel is filled with anti-government and anti-religion ramblings in which he attacks U.S. currency and belief in God. On the YouTube channel, Loughner lists “Mein Kampf” and “The Communist Manifesto” among his favorite books.

In one of many paranoid rants on YouTube, the alleged shooter says:

"I know who’s listening: Government Officials, and the People. Nearly all the people, who don’t know this accurate information of a new currency, aren’t aware of mind control and brainwash methods. If I have my civil rights, then this message wouldn’t have happen."

In yet another video, he says:

“Every United States Military recruit at MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station) in Phoenix is receiving one mini bible before the tests. Jared Loughner is a United States Military recruit at MEPS in Phoenix. Therefore, Jared Loughner is receiving one mini bible before the tests.... I didn’t write a belief on my Army application, and the recruiter wrote on the application: None."

However, the U.S. Army released a statement which said Loughner never served in the military. According to the Army, the suspect attempted to enlist but was rejected for service. Due to the Privacy Act, the Army said it would not discuss why Loughner was rejected.

The shooter’s motives are still unknown despite wide speculation.

Unfortunately, before Loughner’s name was even released to the public, vitriolic messages appeared on news boards condemning everything from conservative politics to FOX News. The Huffington Post's updates also featured speculation suggesting the attack was perpetrated by a right-wing individual.

Considering the terrible tragedy, which culminated in the deaths of a nine-year-old child and Federal Judge John M. Roll, the groundless blame featured on boards is not only hasty but inappropriate. The shooting in Arizona was not a political, partisan event but a national tragedy apparently perpetrated by a deranged individual.