After massacre at shisha bars in Germany, critics decry media double standard in covering attacks by far-right suspects.
A deadly shooting in the German city of Hanau on Wednesday by a far-right gunman has sent shock waves around the world.
At least nine people were killed in two attacks targeting customers at shisha bars, many of whom had migrant backgrounds.
The suspect, identified as Tobias R, a 43-year-old white male, was found dead at his apartment along with his mother, according to officials.
Germany's federal prosecutor said the suspected perpetrator's 24-page manifesto and video messages pointed to "deeply racist views".
Despite strong reactions from world leaders, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel, some social media users pointed out that the response to the story was somewhat muted - suggesting it would have gained more traction had the attacker been a Muslim.
Another white supremacist terrorist murders at least 10 in Germany, yet people won't flinch because he didn't shout Allahu Akbar https://t.co/EDbKyf48Zm
— Omar Suleiman (@omarsuleiman504) February 20, 2020
Others questioned why some news outlets had chosen to simply refer to the assailant as a "deranged gunman" and not a "terrorist" - or refused to describe the incident as a case of "Islamophobia".
[...]
Try imagine an attack in Germany on the Jewish community and the BBC not mention the faith of the victims or "antisemitism"?
A far right gunman (terrorist) has just attacked Shisha bars popular with Muslims. This is islamophobia and terrorism. Don't be shy BBC.
— Steve Brookstein (@stevebrookstein) February 20, 2020
Hello @DailyMailUK - I can't think why this individual has been described as a gunman not a terrorist.... I just can't put my brown finger on it? pic.twitter.com/IbuNIDzAH4
— Vikas Shah MBE (@MrVikas) February 20, 2020
United States President Donald Trump, who is quick to condemn attacks by people of Muslim background, was yet to comment on the incident at the time of publication.
'Hated non-whites'
Peter R Neumann, a professor at King's College London, analysed the suspect's 24-page manifesto in which he revealed that "he hated foreigners and non-whites".
"Although he doesn't emphasise Islam, he calls for the extermination of various countries in North Africa, Middle East and Central Asia (which all happen to be majority Muslim)."
Re: 'This would be a top news story if the shooter was Muslim'
It was a terrorist act and he also had a racist manifesto which all of these terrorists have with them. Oh well he chose shaytan as his lord so he can deal with that now in his grave.
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