Tiller murder may re-spark DHS debate

Will the murder of George Tiller may renew the fiery debate over the recent DHS report on domestic right-wing extremism?

At least some bloggers are claiming that the report’s findings are vindicated by the most recent act of violence against an abortion provider.

“[T]he general intent of the report, which was chock full of warnings about ‘lone wolf extremists’ capable of violence, now looks perfectly defensible, even reasonable,” Greg Sargent wrote this morning.

The National Organization for Women (NOW) issued a statement labeling the murder “terrorism” and demanding that the federal government to respond in kind.

“We call on the new attorney general Eric Holder and head of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano to treat these murders in the same way they would treat politically-motivated domestic terrorism of any other kind and put the full resources of their two departments behind that effort,” NOW President Kim Gandy said.

Conservatives and pro-life activists argue that the murder was the act of a single, deranged individual and not indicative of a larger threat.

The National Right to Life Committee (NRLC) issued a statement condemning the killing and labeling it antithetical to the pro-life movement’s philosophy.

“National Right to Life Committee unequivocally condemns any such acts of violence regardless of motivation,” said NRLC Executive Director David O’Steen. “The pro-life movement works to protect the right to life and increase respect for human life. The unlawful use of violence is directly contrary to that goal.”

Meanwhile, Michelle Malkin, one of the fiercest critics of the report, is pre-emptively warning that backlash is imminent.

“Prepare for DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano’s defenders to gloat about vindication,” she wrote last night.

This debate will undoubtedly rage on the blogosphere, but what will really be interesting to watch is whether any members of Congress, including some who had been critical of the DHS report, will change their stance. Stay tuned.