Since April is Workplace Violence Awareness Month and the alledged shooter at the dinner on Saturday is supposedly a teacher, I am going to address the issue that is catching the world’s attention.
It is only through news reports, podcasts, commentary, videos and lots of Monday morning quarterbacking that most of us can comment. So I am commenting based on second hand info, watching the live coverage on Saturday night, and news reports.
After having a wonderful day at the NFL Draft where security was very tight and law enforcement was everywhere, I settled in to watch a live podcaster who was covering the dinner. For the Draft, I had to go through security checkpoints, but it was expected . The event brought international coverage to Pittsburgh. It could have been a target. Tight security in downtown Pittsburgh did not stop the violent youths, who have been causing problems for months, attempt a take over of Market Square on Friday night. Mounted police prevented the violent behavior from taking control. These youths were dressed in black but are different from a typical Antifa mob, yet probably getting paid also. I have seen both mob offenders in Pittsburgh, including the ones who were gathering to cause trouble in my town on Friday night. Police were ready. People attending the Draft were not the problems at all. They came to have a great time.
Now for the dinner where people were gathered to have a great time. Security was high but maybe it was not locked down like a fortress because Trump is not a king and does not pretend to be one. He also was not afraid to go to an event that was held in a hotel, the scene of an assassin’s attempt on Ronald Reagan in 1981. I bet that fact was considered by the traveling shooter. Security is part of the problem., yes. Security has become such an issue because the violent extremes ruin lives and our freedoms, simple and more complex ones.
If Trump was the intended target per the manifesto, others were there. Could the shooter be charged with attempted murder of almost three thousand people? Come on media, press charges also.
Now, blaming Trump is a thing. That is like the school shooters blaming bullies. Is Trump arrogant at times, yes. Does he use bad language at times, yes. Raise your hand if you have never talked bad about anyone. I can not. Trump has not advocated for violence against his political opponents. If you think January 6 was from Trump, you are woefully misinformed. His adversaries can not say the same about stoking flames of violence. There are many videos out there in which Trump’s political opponents call for violence against him, his family, his employees, and followers.
The trial, and hopefully there will be one, will give this teacher due process, which he wanted to deny to Trump and anyone else who got in triggered hands way.
After any major event, there is a lot of discussion. Some will include MK Ultra, fake news, staged event, etc. There is a manifesto. Tred carefully. But know that in a nation that values our freedoms, this gunman took more of your rights away. People who have concerns have the right to address them but not holding people at the point of a gun or knife in any space. Anyone shouting for gun control in the left with this attempt? Probably not. Narratives are important. How about banning knifes?
And again. Monday morning quarterbacking will get answers. I want this gunman to get a trial by his peers. His coworkers, family, students, neighbors and former teachers may all be called to testify. Their insight will be telling on this shooter but will not prevent the next violent person. There maybe someone out there who can prevent the next attempt.
Regardless of what ever theories are out there, someone had a piece of the puzzle and may have hesitated. Violent people know that about people, and since they do not value life for themselves, they do not value your life and freedoms. If you have a piece of a violent puzzle, do not toss it aside. As we can see, the “Swat team” can only prevent further damage once the plan goes into action.
PS: This alledged shooter just gave a big FU to his profession, school, family and any friends he may have had.
Marian R Carlino
April 27, 2026
