# British MP shot, stabbed (update: died from wounds) **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [June 16, 2016, 3:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/british-mp-shot-stabbed-update-died-from-wounds/757533 "2016-06-16T15:21:45Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Martini\_Enfield](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/martini_enfield/32/11123_2.png) [@Martini\_Enfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Martini_Enfield)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2016, 8:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/british-mp-shot-stabbed-update-died-from-wounds/757533/41 "2016-06-17T08:00:30Z")
> [@up\_the\_junction](#): > > The question for me is where did he get the gun from. I’ve seen reports saying it was homemade - which then invites the question “Where did he get the ammunition from?” Ammunition is really tightly controlled in the UK; licenced gun owners are only allowed to have small quantities (not sure if that applies to shotguns but I’m reliably informed it does for rifles). Needless to say this is a tragedy and I cannot imagine how awful it is for the woman’s family - and it sounds like she was exactly the sort of MP everyone wishes they had representing them as well. ---
**Author:** ![Stanislaus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stanislaus/32/3391_2.png) [@Stanislaus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stanislaus)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2016, 8:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/british-mp-shot-stabbed-update-died-from-wounds/757533/42 "2016-06-17T08:23:23Z")
As well as an apparent history of mental illness (which could mean anything from paranoid schizophrenia to mild depression), Thomas Mair also has a history of involvement with neo-Nazi and far-right groups. [From the Southern Poverty Law Centre](https://www.splcenter.org/hatewatch/2016/06/16/alleged-killer-british-mp-was-longtime-supporter-neo-nazi-national-alliance): > [@](#): > > According to records obtained by the Southern Poverty Law Center Mair was a dedicated supporter of the National Alliance (NA), the once premier neo-Nazi organization in the United States, for decades. Mair purchased a manual from the NA in 1999 that included instructions on how to build a pistol. > > Mair, who resides in what is described as a semi-detached house on the Fieldhead Estate in Birstall, sent just over $620 to the NA, according to invoices for goods purchased from National Vanguard Books, the NA’s printing imprint. Mair purchased subscriptions for periodicals published by the imprint and he bought works that instruct readers on the “Chemistry of Powder & Explosives,” “Incendiaries,” and a work called “Improvised Munitions Handbook." Under “Section III, No. 9” (page 125) of that handbook, there are detailed instructions for constructing a “Pipe Pistol For .38 Caliber Ammunition” from components that can be purchased from nearly any hardware store. > [@](#): > > The Daily Telegraph also reported that Mair was a subscriber to S. A. Patriot, a South African magazine published by White Rhino Club, a pro-apartheid group. The club describes that magazine’s editorial stance as opposed to “multi-cultural societies” and “expansionist Islam.” According to the Daily Telegraph, a January 2006 blog post attributed to the group described Mair as “one of the earliest subscribers and supporters of S. A. Patriot.” ---
**Author:** ![up\_the\_junction](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/f1d935/32.png) [@up\_the\_junction](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/up_the_junction)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2016, 8:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/british-mp-shot-stabbed-update-died-from-wounds/757533/43 "2016-06-17T08:37:01Z")
So it took him almost 20 years to finally explode. Dickhead. ---
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2016, 9:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/british-mp-shot-stabbed-update-died-from-wounds/757533/44 "2016-06-17T09:31:29Z")
> [@Quartz](#): > > Actually, no it isn’t. The Leavers want to control immigration, not to stop it. It’s a point easily twisted. I have no wish to hijack my own thread, so I will merely politely but firmly disagree. Perhaps later I’ll address this in the Brexit thread. ---
**Author:** ![Staggerlee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/staggerlee/32/3134_2.png) [@Staggerlee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Staggerlee)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2016, 1:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/british-mp-shot-stabbed-update-died-from-wounds/757533/45 "2016-06-17T13:15:22Z")
> [@Rick\_Kitchen](#): > > Will this have any effect on the Brexit vote? I think that if anything, this will play in the Remain side’s favour. Though I expect both sides’ spin-doctors are crapping themselves at the prospect of one of their mouthpieces making explicit mileage from the killing. That would be a PR disaster. ---
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2016, 2:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/british-mp-shot-stabbed-update-died-from-wounds/757533/46 "2016-06-17T14:34:07Z")
The “It was a false flag operation! The Remain campaign did this!” nutters are on the job, of course. Can’t have a tragedy without someone on the Internet claiming it was all a conspiracy. ---
**Author:** ![mascaroni](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/dc4da7/32.png) [@mascaroni](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mascaroni)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2016, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/british-mp-shot-stabbed-update-died-from-wounds/757533/47 "2016-06-17T17:36:58Z")
> [@Peremensoe](#): > > Of course he was ill. It’s not a rational political move. That doesn’t mean that his illness, his impulses, were _not_ shaped by racism, and triggered by Brexit rhetoric. Don’t you think it might be respectful to wait until her body is in the ground before using her murder to promote your political views? ---
**Author:** ![Peremensoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ce7236/32.png) [@Peremensoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peremensoe)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2016, 6:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/british-mp-shot-stabbed-update-died-from-wounds/757533/48 "2016-06-17T18:18:58Z")
> [@mascaroni](#): > > Don’t you think it might be respectful to wait until her body is in the ground before using her murder to promote your political views? I have no particularly strong views on Brexit, not being European. As to the racism, Jo Cox’s husband had already called for ‘using’ her death to “fight against the hatred that killed her.” It would be disrespectful to pretend that her assassination was not a political act. ---
**Author:** ![mascaroni](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/dc4da7/32.png) [@mascaroni](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mascaroni)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2016, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/british-mp-shot-stabbed-update-died-from-wounds/757533/49 "2016-06-17T18:50:25Z")
> [@Peremensoe](#): > > I have no particularly strong views on Brexit, not being European. As to the racism, Jo Cox’s husband had already called for ‘using’ her death to “fight against the hatred that killed her.” > > It would be disrespectful to pretend that her assassination was not a political act. “triggered by Brexit rhetoric.” was the phrase you used. Have you got any evidence for that? Mind you, that said, it’s not just you in this thread; **Gyrate** , **Baron Greenback** and **Monty** have all been trying to make political points concerning this. Maybe they would also like to explain why they think her murder was a consequence of the referendum. ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Drake](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ad7895/32.png) [@Dr.Drake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Drake)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2016, 6:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/british-mp-shot-stabbed-update-died-from-wounds/757533/50 "2016-06-17T18:52:03Z")
> [@mascaroni](#): > > “triggered by Brexit rhetoric.” was the phrase you used. Have you got any evidence for that? > > Mind you, that said, it’s not just you in this thread; **Gyrate** , **Baron Greenback** and **Monty** have all been trying to make political points concerning this. Maybe they would also like to explain why they think her murder was a consequence of the referendum. The timing is deeply suspicious, for one thing. The suspect’s connection to various right-wing groups is another. ---
**Author:** ![mascaroni](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/dc4da7/32.png) [@mascaroni](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mascaroni)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2016, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/british-mp-shot-stabbed-update-died-from-wounds/757533/51 "2016-06-17T18:58:52Z")
I forgot **Stanislaus** from the list. Sorry about that, old chap. You’re welcome to join in. ---
**Author:** ![Baron\_Greenback](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/baron_greenback/32/48_2.png) [@Baron\_Greenback](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baron_Greenback)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2016, 7:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/british-mp-shot-stabbed-update-died-from-wounds/757533/52 "2016-06-17T19:08:05Z")
> [@mascaroni](#): > > Mind you, that said, it’s not just you in this thread; **Gyrate** , **Baron Greenback** and **Monty** have all been trying to make political points concerning this. **Maybe they would also like to explain why they think her murder was a consequence of the referendum.** Bolding mine. I didn’t imply that at all, thanks. I only responded to the specific point Quartz raised. Perhaps you should start a thread where we can discuss this properly. ---
**Author:** ![Monty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/monty/32/47_2.png) [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2016, 7:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/british-mp-shot-stabbed-update-died-from-wounds/757533/53 "2016-06-17T19:21:50Z")
> [@mascaroni](#): > > “triggered by Brexit rhetoric.” was the phrase you used. Have you got any evidence for that? > > Mind you, that said, it’s not just you in this thread; **Gyrate** , **Baron Greenback** and **Monty** have all been trying to make political points concerning this. Maybe they would also like to explain why they think her murder was a consequence of the referendum. Maybe you’d like to explain what political point I was trying to make? ---
**Author:** ![mascaroni](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/dc4da7/32.png) [@mascaroni](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mascaroni)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2016, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/british-mp-shot-stabbed-update-died-from-wounds/757533/54 "2016-06-17T19:24:07Z")
> [@Dr.Drake](#): > > The timing is deeply suspicious, for one thing. > > The suspect’s connection to various right-wing groups is another. The right wing groups he was connected with were ones I’ve never heard of; I have heard of Britain First, but as yet there is no evidence that he has any connection with them. I don’t know the correct clinical term for it but it seems like he was a bit of nutter. Maybe I should start reading _The Lancet_… ---
**Author:** ![Peremensoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ce7236/32.png) [@Peremensoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peremensoe)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2016, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/british-mp-shot-stabbed-update-died-from-wounds/757533/55 "2016-06-17T19:41:37Z")
> [@Dr.Drake](#): > > The timing is deeply suspicious, for one thing. And the _choice of target,_ for godsake. When an active political figure, outspoken on a particular issue, is targeted during a period of great media interest on that exact issue, the logical interpretation is that there is a connection. That’s even before the identity, slogans, or associations of the killer are taken into account, which in the case of the Cox assassin AIUI only support the natural assumption. ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2016, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/british-mp-shot-stabbed-update-died-from-wounds/757533/56 "2016-06-17T19:53:53Z")
Very sorry to hear of the MP’s death. She was killed in the line of duty and the United Kingdom is diminished by her loss. My best wishes and prayers are with her husband and children. ---
**Author:** ![mascaroni](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/dc4da7/32.png) [@mascaroni](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mascaroni)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2016, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/british-mp-shot-stabbed-update-died-from-wounds/757533/57 "2016-06-17T20:23:53Z")
> [@Peremensoe](#): > > And the _choice of target,_ for godsake. When an active political figure, outspoken on a particular issue, is targeted during a period of great media interest on that exact issue, the logical interpretation is that there is a connection. That’s even before the identity, slogans, or associations of the killer are taken into account, which in the case of the Cox assassin AIUI only support the natural assumption. Was she outspoken on the EU referendum? Any more outspoken than any of the other people on both sides that have been slinging shit for the past few months? Making political capital out of this appalling event whether it be by Remainers or Brexiters is shameful. BTW, I couldn’t give a toss what the outcome of the referendum is, and I won’t be voting. ---
**Author:** ![Stanislaus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stanislaus/32/3391_2.png) [@Stanislaus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stanislaus)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2016, 8:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/british-mp-shot-stabbed-update-died-from-wounds/757533/58 "2016-06-17T20:25:39Z")
Oh, go and read the news mate. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2016, 8:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/british-mp-shot-stabbed-update-died-from-wounds/757533/59 "2016-06-17T20:26:53Z")
> [@mascaroni](#): > > “triggered by Brexit rhetoric.” was the phrase you used. Have you got any evidence for that? > > Mind you, that said, it’s not just you in this thread; **Gyrate** , **Baron Greenback** and **Monty** have all been trying to make political points concerning this. Maybe they would also like to explain why they think her murder was a consequence of the referendum. > [@mascaroni](#): > > The right wing groups he was connected with were ones I’ve never heard of; I have heard of Britain First, but as yet there is no evidence that he has any connection with them. Well, let’s see… 1. Witnesses saying he was yelling “Britain first!” during the murder. That doesn’t mean he was a member, but it does seem an indication he might hold similar sentiments to a group called Britain First 2. Association with the Springbok club. I had never heard of them before but my spouse, who lived in Devon about 28 years ago, said he had heard about them while over there so presumably that crowd isn’t new. 3. The target of his crime was not someone he was personally connected to, but yet did not seem random. One of the alternatives to “random” or “personal grudge” is “politics”. Not the only one, but add it to the list. 4. A house containing extremist far-right literature. 5. Manual on constructing home made weapons. 6. Apparently, a home made gun, which indicates this is a premeditated crime as you don’t whip those up in three minutes with some gum, string, and a bit of tinfoil. Even if he had mental illness issues, there seems to be evidence of far-right ideological beliefs as well as some serious planning. Gee, let’s look at far right extremist British Groups. Look! “Britain First”. Among others. Maybe he’s not an official member but he seems live in the same neighborhood. And what’s coming up soon? A vote where the far right has taken a side opposite the murdered MP. Coincidence? Possibly… but honestly, questioning whether it’s possible or not? A little whack. ---
**Author:** ![mascaroni](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/dc4da7/32.png) [@mascaroni](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mascaroni)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2016, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/british-mp-shot-stabbed-update-died-from-wounds/757533/60 "2016-06-17T20:32:59Z")
> [@Baron\_Greenback](#): > > Bolding mine. > > I didn’t imply that at all, thanks. I only responded to the specific point Quartz raised. Perhaps you should start a thread where we can discuss this properly. \*“That’s a more generous interpretation of the current campaigns than most objective people would venture. Did you see Nigel’s new poster campaign, unveiled this morning?” \* So what current campaigns were you referring to? Maybe you Scots, unlike the other nations in The British Isles have got too much time on your hands at the moment. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/british-mp-shot-stabbed-update-died-from-wounds/757533.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/british-mp-shot-stabbed-update-died-from-wounds/757533.md?page=4)