Reflections of the Minneapolis Bridge Collapse Disaster

In the tragic aftermath of the I-35 bridge collapse in Minneapolis, where several vehicles and numerous people were lost in the Mississippi river, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security took the unusual step of immediately announcing through several media outlets and a press release that there was no indication that terrorism was involved in the disaster. Reuters, Fox News and the Drudge Report were all reporting the Homeland Security Department's conclusion before many of the dead or injured victims of the collapse were even pulled from the water or the scene of the accident. This rapid conclusion by a federal agency, announced before any real investigation had been concluded at the disaster scene, left many people (and I am one of them) both puzzled and curious as to why and how such a determination could have been made.

Merely mentioning the word terrorism at this juncture, when the public shock and sorrow are in ready supply, adds a level of suspicion and heightened tension regardless of whether or not it initially appears that terrorism is probably not involved in this incident. And while suspicions of terrorism will always be entertained by some in this post 9-11 society, it is far too early to conclude with any level of certainty that terrorism is, or is not, involved. Indeed, I would argue that it is irresponsible to suggest either assertion at this point. It is even worse to cloak it in the imprimatur of a governmental agency.

Not surprisingly, at least one ex-government agent from the FBI has appeared on Fox News Network last night and opined that it is far too early to in any way determine whether terrorism is behind the collapse of the bridge. Investigations need to take place, people interviewed, materials examined, and now is not the time to assure the public one way or another about the issue of terrorism. This was my initial reaction as well. The incident is tragic and horrible in and of itself. At the very least, rescue efforts need to continue and then investigations need to be concluded.