December 2, 2015: Open Lines - San Bernardino Shooting
Dec 2, 2015
2h 23m
0:00 / 0:00
Art Bell cancels his scheduled guest to open the phone lines following the mass shooting in San Bernardino, California, where 14 people were killed at the Inland Regional Center. As details emerge identifying suspect Syed Farouk and linking the attack to possible Islamic extremism, Art reads the latest reporting and shares his belief that this represents a new kind of terrorism on American soil.
Callers from across the country and around the world weigh in on what should be done. Many advocate for armed citizens and increased security measures, while others urge caution against military overreaction that could serve as a recruiting tool for ISIS. A retired NYPD officer who worked with the FBI Anti-Terrorist Task Force after September 11 describes the psychological toll of sustained threat levels and argues that Americans must prepare for a permanent increase in security.
Forensic psychiatrist Dr. John Liebert joins the broadcast to offer his professional analysis, comparing this event to the hundreds of suicidal mass murder cases he has studied. He notes that coordinated husband-and-wife attacks are extremely rare and discusses cultural factors that may explain why mass violence is more prevalent in the United States than in other nations.
Callers from across the country and around the world weigh in on what should be done. Many advocate for armed citizens and increased security measures, while others urge caution against military overreaction that could serve as a recruiting tool for ISIS. A retired NYPD officer who worked with the FBI Anti-Terrorist Task Force after September 11 describes the psychological toll of sustained threat levels and argues that Americans must prepare for a permanent increase in security.
Forensic psychiatrist Dr. John Liebert joins the broadcast to offer his professional analysis, comparing this event to the hundreds of suicidal mass murder cases he has studied. He notes that coordinated husband-and-wife attacks are extremely rare and discusses cultural factors that may explain why mass violence is more prevalent in the United States than in other nations.
Key Moments
Heavily armed attack at social-services center: Art reads early reporting that heavily armed attackers opened fire at a social-services center for the disabled.
Syed Farouk identified: Art reads the Associated Press report identifying Syed Farouk as one of the suspects.
Overreaction can aid recruitment: A caller warns that making the world visibly fight ISIS can boost terrorist recruitment.
Former NYPD anti-terror task-force caller: A retired police caller describes working with the FBI Anti-Terrorist Task Force after 9/11.
Forensic psychiatrist joins: Art brings on John Liebert, a forensic psychiatrist who studies suicidal mass murderers and terrorist attacks.