A recent case highlights the tragic outcomes of violence in our society. Irina Zaltoska’s story underscores the dangers faced by individuals escaping war. Left-leaning media suggests that the focus should not only be on crime itself but rather on who notices the crime—often conservatives. In a southern state, another instance of random violence resulted in the tragic death of a woman over the weekend.
Protect Our Communities
Dr. Julie Schnuel, a 59-year-old retired veterinary professor, regularly visited Kiesel Park in Auburn, Alabama, every Saturday morning to walk her dog along the park’s 2.25-mile trail. It was something friends and family noted she enjoyed deeply. Kiesel Park is known for its lush green spaces, historic homes, and scenic ponds, making it a popular spot, especially for events like weddings, just a short drive from Auburn University.
However, that day, Schnuel didn’t return from her walk. Police later discovered her body in a wooded area around 2:07 PM. The following morning, a call led the police to suspect Harold Rashad Dabney III, who is now charged with capital murder in her death. Interestingly, he had prior run-ins with the police, including a misdemeanor obstruction charge.
Two years back, Dabney was found in a suspicious vehicle. Officers discovered an illegal firearm during that encounter, which led to charges including possession of a sawed-off shotgun and illegal carriage of a concealed weapon. His prior record is not particularly severe, yet it evokes the memory of Irina Zaltoska, who was randomly attacked on a train in Charlotte. Footage of that incident circulated widely on social media. The individual accused, DeCarlos Brown, had a lengthy criminal record and a diagnosis of schizophrenia.
Both women were victims of violent acts that disrupted their ordinary lives. Similar stories of random shootings and attacks abound, making headlines for all the wrong reasons. From Rachel Morin’s tragic murder while hiking to Eric Tarpinian’s death from stray gunfire and Larisha Challel Thompson’s fatal carjacking—violence seems to lurk closer than ever. Recent incidents in Manhattan involved disturbed individuals with significant criminal backgrounds.
Once upon a time, random acts of violence felt out of the ordinary. After the era of serial killers in the 70s and 80s, society adjusted to the reality that most threats come from familiar faces. We developed strategies to avoid becoming a victim of strangers, like steering clear of risky situations or avoiding late-night walks alone. Yet today, something as mundane as commuting or taking a dog for a stroll can carry life-threatening consequences.
Public sentiment about crime transcends mere statistics. It’s about whether individuals feel safe in their daily lives. When a horrific news story arises, people often see reflections of their own experiences, prompting thoughts of “that could happen to me.” The depth of concern is real, especially when searching for solutions to prevent such tragedies.
This is where many political leaders seem disconnected. It’s not acceptable to dismiss being stabbed as a routine aspect of urban living. People desire assurance from their leaders that they are working actively to protect communities from becoming the next victims, like Dr. Julie Schnuel or Irina Zaltoska.
What’s On My Mind?
Trump stands out among politicians by claiming he genuinely listens to Americans’ concerns. Recently, he commented on the stabbing of Ukrainian refugees on a Charlotte subway.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bescent is back in the spotlight, suggesting his combative style will continue in private dinners with the Trump administration.
The generational divide between Gen Z voters supporting Trump and those backing Harris underscores the current political polarization. Yet, it’s worth noting that not all Gen Z trends are negative; there are pockets of young people enjoying simple pleasures like card games while also expressing a desire for families.
