Kill-ya-delphia.

Dang, I'd better get rid of my dreadlock wig and surgical mask...

Rest in eternal peace, Sgt. Steven Liczbinski.

Obama supporter.

Are they sure it was two men and a woman? Could be three men....

re: #3 David IV of Georgia

Rest in eternal peace, Sgt. Steven Liczbinski.

.

One of these days we are going to have to outlaw the wearing of burqas. Then watch the fur fly!

The men fled, and Liczbinski confronted them at Almond and Schiller streets about 15 minutes later. was shot multiple times with a high-powered rifle, police said.

Seems the burka would be ideal for concealing a rifle in public.

That's near Lancaster County. Perhaps one of the notorious Amish criminal syndicates pulled this job.

They confronted the two men, but where's the "woman"?

what a versatile piece of clothing!

" Ramsey said one of those suspects had been killed, but he did not know which one."

Straight to the gates of hell, you bastard. And may your accomplice meet you there soon ~!

this is really vile. we need to ban these "disguises" in all places where a concealed face can allow some criminal to get aware w/ murder.
time to stop letting phony religious belly aching trump our laws and the rights of our citizens.

re: #2 macintush

Dang, I'd better get rid of my dreadlock wig and surgical mask...

thats not even remotely funny. A law officer has been killed just for doing his job

Too bad the suspect wasn't captured alive so he/she could be waterboarded to reveal the whereabouts of the cop-killer...

Authorities said Liczbinski was married with two sons and a daughter.

How sad for this officer's family. Makes me glad I took the time to thank a police office just last night for his service to my community. I hope Sergeant Liczbinski knew his service was appreciated too. May he rest in peace, and his family find comfort now and justice soon.

lets see CAIIIIIIIIIIIIIR's eulogy to a brave officer lost huh.

new lizard here, thank you Charles ... best wishes to the family and soul of the Sarge.
mark

Well they'd better figure out who the suspects are, France has got streets that need naming.

I put this in the links about an hour ago.. does that get me a hat tip?

re: #16 Sharmuta

Uh- police officer. Pimf!

Dreadlocks and Muslim garb?
Maybe a Jamaican like Richard Reid.

I'm in the Philly 'burbs and I only saw my first burka in a grocery store a month or so ago. A versatile solution for modern living shoplifting.

IF he is muslim, he'll get to meet his 72 virgins, right?

re: #23 David IV of Georgia

IF he is muslim, he'll get to meet his 72 virgins, right?

and justice says HE'LL meet 72 MALE virgines

re: #14 sattv4u2

thats not even remotely funny. A law officer has been killed just for doing his job

Yup, you're right. I apologize.

I do own a collection of wigs, including dreadlocks, and I have a box of surgical masks as well.

But I agree, my comment was thoughtless, and I do apologize.

re: #22 EC Marm

I'm in the Philly 'burbs and I only saw my first burka in a grocery store a month or so ago. A versatile solution for modern living shoplifting.

you can't even imagine what they can put up under there.

re: #15 spudmomof6

?

I hear they smuggle women under those garments.

re: #25 macintush

Yup, you're right. I apologize.

I do own a collection of wigs, including dreadlocks, and I have a box of surgical masks as well.

But I agree, my comment was thoughtless, and I do apologize.

all is forgiven. We've all said something crass, stupid or just plain uncalled for at one time or another. It takes a big person to admit they're wrong...

I hope all the comments here can be respectful of all police. I am all for the police. If I want to read disparaging cop comments, all I have to do is go over to SFGATE and there they abound. RIP, good officer. A good man just doing his job, maybe trying to provide for his family.

re: #28 buster bunny

I hear they smuggle women under those garments.

that's runnin' fast and loose with the tertm, "women", ain't it?

:-D

re: #28 buster bunny

I hear they smuggle hide the bruises they inflict on their women under those garments.

my version

re: #30 rawmuse

It's like the officer told me last night- "People are always down on us until it's their house getting broken into."

re: #19 Andopolis

Well they'd better figure out who the suspects are, France has got streets that need naming.

It's a shame they don't have the electric chair here in Pennsylvania. Then the day after "Mumia Abu-Jamal aka Wesley Cook" got fried the French could re-name the street "Wesley Cooked Street."

I am surprised they even described the garb as Muslim, I thought their was a law against doing that in our politically correct media...

Wondering when the State Department will contact the Philadelphia Police Department to advise "burka" is simply not an acceptable word?
"Religiously required total body cover" sounds about right to Condi and her crowd, wouldn't it?

At least the police department didn't call it "bank jihad" or Condi would have blown a fuse. But perhaps she is too busy forcing the sorry Olmert government to take down some of those roadblocks that they have the temerity to use to keep suicide bombers out of their population centers. Don't they know that the Palestinians are like the '60s civil rights activists to Rice's way of thinking?

Shame about the officer, condolences to his family.

"I ask that we rally around his family and wrap our arms around them," Mayor Michael Nutter said. "He has obviously paid the ultimate sacrifice in serving his fellow Philadelphians."

The mayor declared 30 days of mourning in Philly and also asked that we pray for Sgt. Liczbinski and his family.

Will do, Mr. Mayor.

There was a time in American culture where respect for the law just went out the door, in movies and 'counterculture'. I have no specific date as to exactly when it began, but i think the Terminator series is a good guideline. In the first movie the cops were the 'good guys' who got their asses whipped by the machine, and in the second .. they were the 'bad guys' who had their asses whipped by the machine.

Ok its a singular reference, but it defines what happened in American culture. Somehow BETWEEN THAT PERIOD ... someone in hollywood decided that law, justice and respect should be tossed out the window in favour of .. a bad portrayal.

And America has been hurting ever since.

My thought go out to that poor cops family.

Philly lost a cop last year at a Dunkin Donuts thanks to some no good slime. Thank God our rap "artists" openly glorify the murder of law enforcement.

re: #38 Buster Bunny

I think it goes back further than that- back when the hippies were calling cops "pigs", and "student" groups were planting bombs under cop cars... back to the days of the counter culture.

re: #38 Buster Bunny
Sadly, it was well before that, Buster.

I "came of age" in the late 60's/ early 70's. The hippie Dippies of my era were already into disrespected law enforcement, and treated a cop as the enemy! I am not proud of my generation. Thank God most of us "grew up". Sadly, many are still there !

Charles, I just want to say a few things:

A: you are not sort of some super-programmer. Your site attracts a lot people because of the ideas; 99% percent of what you do technically could be done by any competent programmer (opposite of your music skills);

B: the McIntosh computer is not vastly better than the (Windows XP) based computers owned by 95% of your readers. Not only is the Mac not much better, bust people cannot afford a Lexus. Doesn't mean that you and other "Mac-holes" have to make people feel bad about their Dell or HP purchase.

That's it. That's the list of things have against Charles Johnson.

re: #40 Sharmuta

You beat me ,,, GMTA (you're just a faster typer ! )

re: #40 Sharmuta

I was thinking Chicago, 1968, but then on second thought there has been a complicated relationship between law enforcement and citizens for a long time.
Most of the citizens still aren't fans of the criminals, I hope.

re: #42 Pro-Bush Canuck

WTF?!

re: #42 Pro-Bush Canuck

Was there a point in there? Anywhere? Oh man..

PBC

Such arrogance I had thought was beneath you.

Ed Asner, Danny Glover, the Beastie Boys and Rage Against The Machine will be along any day now to assure us the killing was justified.

RIP Danny Faulkner.

re: #40 Sharmuta

I think it goes back further than that- back when the hippies were calling cops "pigs", and "student" groups were planting bombs under cop cars... back to the days of the counter culture.

and so many of those bums are now 50 or 60 yrs. old, doing the same thing.

re: #45 Sharmuta

WTF?!

Sharm, Pro-bush is having a really tough few days here. His sister may have lymphoma and he hasn't slept more than a few hours in the last three days. Probably the best thing we can do for him right now besides prayer is to ignore this.

A prayer for the fallen officer.

And people who bitch about cops are the same people who yell at the cashier for things over which they have no power.
Policeman have to do their jobs with the severe handicap of working for politicians and future politicians (Prosecutors and Chiefs). Yet in the worst cities those that bitch the loudest keep voting in the same.

re: #42 Pro-Bush Canuck

Is it Iron Fist Rule time?

re: #45 Sharmuta

That was my initial reaction too. Perhaps someone is forgetting the 'iron fist' rule.

re: #49 nyc redneck

that was my point in #41

I dunno, I am pretty darned impressed with Charles. It is no small thing that he made happen here.

re: #42 Pro-Bush Canuck
Iron Fist time guy. You'll feel differently tomorrow.

re: #42 Pro-Bush Canuck

I understand your life is in turmoil right now. Many hearts here go out to you. Perhaps you might want to back off the comments for a while. Just my suggestion.

As I understand it, the fleeing men were wearing the face-covering garb. I'm curious about details of their entrance into the bank. Did the burqa get worn into the bank? I can't see how the surgical mask could be worn around as normal, but I can see someone in a burqa doing so. Remember a month or two ago a Muslim woman sued a bank for stopping her from wearing a burqa into their bank?

I saw a Muslim lady with her family a while back, shopping for school supplies at Office Depot. She was wearing a khimar, which does not cover the face. That's it for me seeing anything approaching a burqa. It is much more common for me to see women dressed for tznius. They are usually stylish, but modest, and of course you can absolutely see their faces.

re: #42 Pro-Bush Canuck

you need to go for a long run. maybe a 100 mile marathon.

Godspeed Sgt. Liczbinski. Deepest sympathies to the family.

re: #40 Sharmuta

I think it goes back further than that- back when the hippies were calling cops "pigs", and "student" groups were planting bombs under cop cars... back to the days of the counter culture.

You are absolutely right! I was there (but not a participant in that insanity — it scared the shit outa' me!). Total disrespect for any authority whatsoever was suddenly "the norm." It was and is sickening!

re: #50 galloping granny

Sharm, Pro-bush is having a really tough few days here. His sister may have lymphoma and he hasn't slept more than a few hours in the last three days. Probably the best thing we can do for him right now besides prayer is to ignore this.

I agree with granny.... this does not seem typical of our Canadian brother. Let's try to stick with him in this dark hour and cut him some slack.

/and prayers for both he and his sister, of course!

re: #42 Pro-Bush Canuck

How you doing today, hon?

The police, in all cities, have a job that the biggest part of us wouldn't do. They have to uphold the law with their hands tied behind their backs, and almost all do the job admirably.

I took the written exam for SFPD a month ago. I figured, what the heck, it could be a good job. Not boring. My wife could kick back. Besides, on my present "job" I am being pushed to the edge of the herd, no doubt about it. Income and opportunities are trending downward. A lot more doors are closing than opening.

So, if any of you who think cops are dumb, (and I don't think anyone here does) let me assure you that the exam I took was easily the hardest one I have ever had. It took 3.5 hours, and the first hour drill was just on how to take the exam.

I got a good score. I am being considered. I have to pass a pretty tough physical coming up. I need to drop about 15 pounds and run 2 miles in 15 minutes. And then the background check.

Wish me luck. I'll keep you all posted.

How Islamophobic of the police to try to accurately describe the appearance of these suspects. If the suspects are caught, they should be immediately released and apologized to for being victims of a 'hate crime'.

/need I?

Sorry folks, PBC was just as rude on the previous thread. He has my sympathies but not my excuses for his behavior.

re: #42 Pro-Bush Canuck

Charles, I just want to say a few things:

A: you are not sort of some super-programmer. Your site attracts a lot people because of the ideas; 99% percent of what you do technically could be done by any competent programmer (opposite of your music skills);

B: the McIntosh computer is not vastly better than the (Windows XP) based computers owned by 95% of your readers. Not only is the Mac not much better, bust people cannot afford a Lexus. Doesn't mean that you and other "Mac-holes" have to make people feel bad about their Dell or HP purchase.

That's it. That's the list of things have against Charles Johnson.

What the FUCK are you sittin' on, PBC?!?!? That's the second or third time you've come right out and trashed our brilliant host!

You smokin' some bad stash or something!?

re: #53 MrArchieBunker

That was my initial reaction too. Perhaps someone is forgetting the 'iron fist' rule.

Or maybe someone is so frustrated with personal issues they feel Charles would be a safe punching bag on which to take out their frustrations. Not a good idea, IMO.

re: #65 rawmuse

I took the written exam for SFPD a month ago. I figured, what the heck, it could be a good job. Not boring. My wife could kick back. Besides, on my present "job" I am being pushed to the edge of the herd, no doubt about it. Income and opportunities are trending downward. A lot more doors are closing than opening.

So, if any of you who think cops are dumb, (and I don't think anyone here does) let me assure you that the exam I took was easily the hardest one I have ever had. It took 3.5 hours, and the first hour drill was just on how to take the exam.

I got a good score. I am being considered. I have to pass a pretty tough physical coming up. I need to drop about 15 pounds and run 2 miles in 15 minutes. And then the background check.

Wish me luck. I'll keep you all posted.

God bless, RawMuse! That you would even consider taking on such a responsibility speaks volumes about your character! Break a leg....

re: #67 snowcrash

Sorry folks, PBC was just as rude on the previous thread. He has my sympathies but not my excuses for his behavior.

That was not days ago - it was minutes. He doesn't have my "excuses" either - he has my understanding. Click his football and read his posts about his situation over the last few days, then find a little empathy in your heart. It could, after all, be you. And since one in four has cancer these days, it might very well be you in his shoes one day.

re: #65 rawmuse
Best of luck to you. My advice would be to get some really good running shoes, start running and weight lifting asap. That's what our daughter did. Made everything much easier in the academy.

re: #68 LeePro

What the FUCK are you sittin' on, PBC?!?!? That's the second or third time you've come right out and trashed our brilliant host!

You smokin' some bad stash or something!?

Check your email.

re: #72 Pvt Bin Jammin

Doin' it to death, baby. 'til it hurts. And it does, yes.
Did I mention I am 52?
Don't laugh, another guy my age just got in.

re: #50 galloping granny

Sharm, Pro-bush is having a really tough few days here. His sister may have lymphoma and he hasn't slept more than a few hours in the last three days. Probably the best thing we can do for him right now besides prayer is to ignore this.

I understand and completely sympathize with what he's going through with his sister. But there is absolutely no connection between that and trashing Charles. Misfortune in one's life IS NOT and SHOULD NEVER BE an excuse for insulting attacks on another!

re: #75 LeePro

I understand and completely sympathize with what he's going through with his sister. But there is absolutely no connection between that and trashing Charles. Misfortune in one's life IS NOT and SHOULD NEVER BE an excuse for insulting attacks on another!

I agree - but like I said, check your mail.

re: #66 Bacchus's daddy

How Islamophobic of the police to try to accurately describe the appearance of these suspects. If the suspects are caught, they should be immediately released and apologized to for being victims of a 'hate crime'.

/need I?

you are absolutely correct. and after the apology they get, these perps should go to the hrc and sue the city for millions for their suffering at having been disrespected for their "disguises" (sacred holy religious garb)

re: #75 LeePro

I understand and completely sympathize with what he's going through with his sister. But there is absolutely no connection between that and trashing Charles. Misfortune in one's life IS NOT and SHOULD NEVER BE an excuse for insulting attacks on another!

I don't understand the recent attacks on Charles, either, but they ARE out of character from what I've seen. I hope we can all chalk it up to sleep deprivation and let it go for now.

I think PBC's girlfriend is due in soon - does anyone else remember? That should help ease his mind.

re: #55 rawmuse

I dunno, I am pretty darned impressed with Charles. It is no small thing that he made happen here.

I confess that I've often wished he worked for the folks who program stuff for our use where I work - or that I could clone him.

re: #61 LeePro

You are absolutely right! I was there (but not a participant in that insanity — it scared the shit outa' me!). Total disrespect for any authority whatsoever was suddenly "the norm." It was and is sickening!

It's the whole "question authority" mentality they had. Now we have a generation of kids raised on this philosophy, and we wonder why people are so rude these days.

re: #78 Grammy Cracker

I don't understand the recent attacks on Charles, either, but they ARE out of character from what I've seen. I hope we can all chalk it up to sleep deprivation and let it go for now.

I think PBC's girlfriend is due in soon - does anyone else remember? That should help ease his mind.

I think she is there Grammy. He mentioned an argument with her earlier today.

re: #74 rawmuse
LAPD wasn't letting people in past forty something when she was there (she was 27) but certain things were tough on the older ones and some of them coming from the military. I think the craziest thing that happened to the older ones was that the paintball pellets break your skin, even through your clothing. Remember that, LOL, maybe you can wear an extra layer on those days. Background can take a year. Again, best of luck.

re: #74 rawmuse

Doin' it to death, baby. 'til it hurts. And it does, yes.
Did I mention I am 52?
Don't laugh, another guy my age just got in.

I loathe running. They made me run in ROTC, and I hated every step.

Did I mention I loathe running?

re: #41 sattv4u2

Sadly, it was well before that, Buster.

I "came of age" in the late 60's/ early 70's. The hippie Dippies of my era were already into disrespected law enforcement, and treated a cop as the enemy! I am not proud of my generation. Thank God most of us "grew up". Sadly, many are still there !

yes, it's a long list of the fools still there. and they have learned nothing.

re: #81 galloping granny

I think she is there Grammy. He mentioned an argument with her earlier today.

Damn! That's not going to help, either, is it? Poor guy's having a really rough weekend.

/prayers, Lizards...please.

re: #85 Grammy Cracker

Damn! That's not going to help, either, is it? Poor guy's having a really rough weekend.

/prayers, Lizards...please.

Definitely one of those "never rains but it pours" times for him I think. Tornado weather even.

Prayers going up.

re: #76 galloping granny

I agree - but like I said, check your mail.

Got your email. Thank you.

re: #85 Grammy Cracker
I am definately praying here.

re: #86 galloping granny

Definitely one of those "never rains but it pours" times for him I think. Tornado weather even.

Prayers going up.

From here, too, granny!

Galloping granny and Grammy Cracker I will defer to your judgement in this matter. You guys are very compassionate people. It is good.

As a Philadelphia Police Detective, I can say with surety that I am sick of wearing mourning crepes. We have had three officers assassinated in the line of duty in two years. The first of the three was Gary Skerski on May 9, 2006. The second was a good friend of mine, Chuck Cassidy, who was murdered on October 31, 2007, and now Sgt. Liczbinski's assassination today.

It is a terrible time in our department, and I would appreciate it if you could keep Sergeant Liczbinski's family in your prayers. Thank you.

re: #80 Sharmuta

There you just nailed it. When we were kids if you fought with authority, you got your butt kicked, and when they took you home well two butt kickings in one day taught a valuable lesson. Dad just always said the law is your friend respect them.

re: #80 Sharmuta

It's the whole "question authority" mentality they had. Now we have a generation of kids raised on this philosophy, and we wonder why people are so rude these days.

Yeah, but the whole "question authority" went straight to "defy authority" without any philosophical or intellectual stops in between.

Mob mentality.

Scary.

re: #90 snowcrash

Galloping granny and Grammy Cracker I will defer to your judgement in this matter. You guys are very compassionate people. It is good.

I think we both are just pretty familiar with PBC and this is WAY out of character for him.

His sister's name is Hilary by the way and she has a couple of kids - 15 & 12 I think he said.

re: #91 Wyatt Earp
God Bless them all.
Will certainly be keeping Sgt. Liczbinski's family in my prayers.

May G-d rest his soul and grant comfort to the mourners.

A sad day in Philadelphia, my city.

Help us.

re: #91 Wyatt Earp

As a Philadelphia Police Detective, I can say with surety that I am sick of wearing mourning crepes. We have had three officers assassinated in the line of duty in two years. The first of the three was Gary Skerski on May 9, 2006. The second was a good friend of mine, Chuck Cassidy, who was murdered on October 31, 2007, and now Sgt. Liczbinski's assassination today.

It is a terrible time in our department, and I would appreciate it if you could keep Sergeant Liczbinski's family in your prayers. Thank you.

There is no 'thank you' that is adequate for what you do, and prayers for the family and the department are sent to God.

This is fast becoming the Saturday Night Crying Thread in the Cracker household....so much sadness, bravery and sacrifice!

he needs a reality check. he's acting like an assh*le. why attack charles? i can't imagine doing that if i had a close relative w/ a bad cancer scare. it's unacceptable. it's inexcusable.

re: #98 nyc redneck

he needs a reality check. he's acting like an assh*le. why attack charles? i can't imagine doing that if i had a close relative w/ a bad cancer scare. it's unacceptable. it's inexcusable.

Redneck, never forget that you will someday be judged by the standard you use to judge others. Until you've walked in his shoes you have no clue what you might do.

re: #94 galloping granny

I think we both are just pretty familiar with PBC and this is WAY out of character for him.

His sister's name is Hilary by the way and she has a couple of kids - 15 & 12 I think he said.

That is exactly my point, granny! I suspect Stinky might have banned him by now if *he* didn't know it, too...

re: #100 Grammy Cracker

That is exactly my point, granny! I suspect Stinky might have banned him by now if *he* didn't know it, too...

I agree with you. Almost just typed that myself.

If all you're going to do is be rude to your host than you should just keep your mouth shut. IMO, Charles puts up with enough shit from jihadis to neo-nazis. Where's the compassion for him? We all have problems, but I don't use my problems as excuses to crap on others. Charles has allowed PBC to vent about his personal difficulties and this is the thanks he gets. Nice.

re: #98 nyc redneck

he needs a reality check. he's acting like an assh*le. why attack charles? i can't imagine doing that if i had a close relative w/ a bad cancer scare. it's unacceptable. it's inexcusable.

Exactly. A good example is realwest (bless him!). He has cancer, but is one of the kindest souls on these threads!

I have emphysema. Not knockin' at the door yet, but...

~ no excuse.

Well, I have better things to do with my time than beat up on the guy. Go for it if that is how you get your jollies.

re: #100 Grammy Cracker

I suspect Stinky might have banned him by now if *he* didn't know it, too...

Charles doesn't always ban people for things like talking negatively about him.

re: #105 Sharmuta

Charles doesn't always ban people for things like talking negatively about him.

In fact- he's quite gracious.

re: #98 nyc redneck

he needs a reality check. he's acting like an assh*le. why attack charles? i can't imagine doing that if i had a close relative w/ a bad cancer scare. it's unacceptable. it's inexcusable.

About five years ago, Grandpa Cracker had a heart attack. I came home from a business meeting at 9 p.m. and found him on the couch.....called 911....went to hospital....surgery in the middle of the night....exhausted and scared beyond words....I may have lashed out or said something I otherwise would not have.

I'm not saying its okay to dump on Charles - he certainly doesn't deserve it. I'm just saying that in extreme situations, otherwise nice and reasonable people sometimes do not-so-nice and unreasonable things.

re: #99 galloping granny

Redneck, never forget that you will someday be judged by the standard you use to judge others. Until you've walked in his shoes you have no clue what you might do.

that's the standard i want to be judged by. i would never show my ass like he has under these circumstances. that's my judgment call.

re: #107 Grammy Cracker

About five years ago, Grandpa Cracker had a heart attack. I came home from a business meeting at 9 p.m. and found him on the couch.....called 911....went to hospital....surgery in the middle of the night....exhausted and scared beyond words....I may have lashed out or said something I otherwise would not have.

I'm not saying its okay to dump on Charles - he certainly doesn't deserve it. I'm just saying that in extreme situations, otherwise nice and reasonable people sometimes do not-so-nice and unreasonable things.

Sorry, but that wasn't a spur-of-the-moment "lashing out" at someone. It was a planned, well thought -out, "Point 1"/"Point 2" multiple paragraph trashing.

We should enlist the hookers of America in the war on terror. They should all agree to wear hijab when "working". We can turn the culture around and make it something like "in America, a woman wearing a hajib in public means she is a working street walker".

re: #107 Grammy Cracker

you are so understanding. i really admire that. i just disagree given the facts of this situation. this kind of reprehensible behavior needs to be called at some point. it's beyond the pale. and we could be enablers. not good for anyone.

re: #109 LeePro

Sorry, but that wasn't a spur-of-the-moment "lashing out" at someone. It was a planned, well thought -out, "Point 1"/"Point 2" multiple paragraph trashing.

I'll repeat - Charles does not deserve the attacks he has received tonight. Fear, exhaustion and sorrow can do strange things to the mind, though.

If PBC was a typical moby or troll, this would be expected. Some of us are worried about him precisely because this IS NOT typical of him. He has respect for Charles.

re: #111 nyc redneck

you are so understanding. i really admire that. i just disagree given the facts of this situation. this kind of reprehensible behavior needs to be called at some point. it's beyond the pale. and we could be enablers. not good for anyone.

I understand completely! I was aghast when I read some of the posts...

If I had never read any of his other comments, I would be calling for the ban stick myself. I just know what kind of stress he's under and am willing to give him the benefit of the doubt for now. If this continues, Charles will have no choice.

This is the FOURTH such incident to happen in Philadelphia the last year and a half:

Philadelphia bank: The report in the Philadelphia Inquirer is not explicit, so it's not clear if a niqab is involved, but one suspects so, for how else would "Muslim clothing" and eyeglasses disguise a successful bank robber:

A woman robbed a Center City bank yesterday and fled with an undisclosed amount of cash, police said. The robber, dressed in Muslim clothing and wearing a pair of silver eyeglasses, walked into the Wachovia Bank branch at Broad and Walnut Streets about 2:10 p.m. and gave a teller a demand note, police said. The robber escaped after receiving the cash, police said.

(January 6, 2007)

------------------------

Another Philadelphia bank: Five months later, a Wachovia Bank branch in Philadelphia is again held up by a woman in Muslim garb, though this time in the Juniata Park part of town.

A robber dressed in Muslim female clothing stole $700 from a bank yesterday in North Philadelphia. ... police said they were looking for a woman wearing gold-rim glasses in this case. The thief passed a note to a teller at the Wachovia Bank branch on the 1200 block of East Hunting Park Avenue in the Juniata Park section about 11:35 a.m. and fled on foot

(June 5, 2007)

-----------------------

Philadelphia real estate leasing office: Two men, dressed like Muslim women, pulled off an armed robbery today of a real estate leasing office in southwest Philadelphia, carjacked a van, and escaped in the van, only to abandon it and flee on foot. But an employee of the real estate company both pursued them and alerted the police. When the police caught up with the robbers, one of them, a 20-year-old, pointed a gun at Police Lt. Frank Vanore who shot him in the arm. The robber is listed in stable condition. (May 1, 2008)

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Philadelphia bank, police officer killed: What is it about Philadelphia, burqas, and robberies? Here is the fourth incidence I am aware of, more than any other city:

Two men robbed the Bank of American branch inside the ShopRite in the Port Richmond section in the late morning today, then fled. When Police Sergeant Steven Liczbinski, 40, confronted them about 15 minutes later, they shot him three times with an AK-47 and he died soon after. Other police officers chased the two men and killed one of them. The police also searched a wooded area for another man and a woman connected to the bank robbery. According to an Associated Press report, "The man was described as black, stocky and wearing a white hospital mask. He had shoulder-length dreadlocks, but Little said officers cautioned that that could be wig. The woman, whose race was not known, was dressed in a head-to-toe light brown robe." Another report described the woman wearing "Muslim-type garb."

re: #113 Grammy Cracker

I understand completely! I was aghast when I read some of the posts...

If I had never read any of his other comments, I would be calling for the ban stick myself. I just know what kind of stress he's under and am willing to give him the benefit of the doubt for now. If this continues, Charles will have no choice.

i never called for is banning. i called for him to be confronted w/ his unacceptable behavior. and really it's not even abt. charles per se. it's abt. bullying and aggression and just thinking you can turn on any one and say anything because you're having problems. we all have problems.

re: #75 LeePro
re: #98 nyc redneck

he needs a reality check. he's acting like an assh*le. why attack charles? i can't imagine doing that if i had a close relative w/ a bad cancer scare. it's unacceptable. it's inexcusable.

What attack??? (Yes, I've read comment #42, and the last PBC comment on the previous thread.) He expressed 2 opinions. (3 if you count his comment on the last thread.)

How do any of these statements rise to the level of an "insulting attack", "trashing Charles", "using our host as a punching bag" ?

re: #115 nyc redneck

i never called for is banning. i called for him to be confronted w/ his unacceptable behavior. and really it's not even abt. charles per se. it's abt. bullying and aggression and just thinking you can turn on any one and say anything because you're having problems. we all have problems.

Praise be to a merciful God, I don't have his kind of problems.

There is a difference between accepting bad behavior and understanding what I will call 'temporary insanity'. Grief and fear are powerful things. I will pray that he finds peace and comfort.

Let's agree to disagree and leave it at that. There are no *winners* in this one.....

re: #7 galloping granny

Islamists seek to take away our rights by abusing them. Their weapon storage facilities mosques threaten the freedom of all legitimate houses of worship.

It would be poetic justice to see all thugs, thieves, gangs, and criminals adopt the burka until it is banished from the land.

One thing I realized a while back - I don't have to put up with people sneering at me, at my own web site.

re: #42 Pro-Bush Canuck

Obviously, Canuck's feeling somewhat the gripemonger this evening.

Masks and such concealing "religious" costumes, in public, need to be tightly controlled.

And they should be forbidden indoors, except for children's parties at restaurants, and ONLY on children. (Or for Halloween, etc.)

Ban the burqa, save the nation.

re: #119 Charles

One thing I realized a while back - I don't have to put up with people sneering at me, at my own web site.

This is your house, Charles, and we all visit at your pleasure. That is not forgotten, and disrespect is not excused. I hope you understand that.

re: #1 EC Marm

Kill-ya-delphia.

If ya want to be first -- come up with something a little less insensitive to those of us who call Philly Home. Ass.

re: #117 Grammy Cracker

Praise be to a merciful God, I don't have his kind of problems.

There is a difference between accepting bad behavior and understanding what I will call 'temporary insanity'. Grief and fear are powerful things. I will pray that he finds peace and comfort.

Let's agree to disagree and leave it at that. There are no *winners* in this one.....

great idea, let's agree to disagree.
i understand where you're coming from.
i think he's acting out on and challenging charles in a way that is just beyond strange,

Sorry, but the perp's description sounds like the gobs muslims who hang out everyday walking back and forth in Islamic garb but never buy anything inside the Galleria mall in center city Philly.

re: #119 Charles

One thing I realized a while back - I don't have to put up with people sneering at me, at my own web site.

I hear ya, Charles. Everyone should remember that you're basically volunteering thousands of hours a year to keep this country safe by running this blog, and you shouldn't have to deal with any stupid shit while you sacrifice so much.

re: #119 Charles

Charles, It's easy for people to sit back and look at other people's accomplishments and pass judgment after the fact. Sure, there are better programmers out there. There is always someone better. What separates greatness from mediocrity is concretion. Millions of dreamers come up with great Ideas every day they seam to, without fail, aways claim they thought of it first or, say that the achievement could have been done by others easily. This completely ignores the fact that one did but you.

True Greatness is 10% inspiration, 90% perspiration. The critics are angry because they have the skills and maybe had the ideas but were not willing to sweat. Canuck seems bitter, he's clinging to his XP, and Slashdot.

re: #115 nyc redneck

i never called for is banning. i called for him to be confronted w/ his unacceptable behavior. and really it's not even abt. charles per se. it's abt. bullying and aggression and just thinking you can turn on any one and say anything because you're having problems. we all have problems.

I didn't call for his banning either. Apparently Charles feels differently, as he should — this is his house!

I agree with this decision, with the reserved hope that he will be allowed back in, if or when PBC chooses to behave like an adult.

And I still hope that God will come to him in his pain and comfort him.

re: #123 soccerdad

If ya want to be first -- come up with something a little less insensitive to those of us who call Philly Home. Ass.

Lighten up, soccerdad. You should here what they call my home town, Memphis.

re: #128 LeePro

I didn't call for his banning either. Apparently Charles feels differently, as he should — this is his house!

I agree with this decision, with the reserved hope that he will be allowed back in, if or when PBC chooses to behave like an adult.

And I still hope that God will come to him in his pain and comfort him.

yes, i wish him comfort from his pain. and i respect charles' right to his decisions, as well.

re: #130 nyc redneck

Please join us upstairs — top floor!

re: #35 LoFlyer

I am surprised they even described the garb as Muslim, I thought their was a law against doing that in our politically correct media...

I noticed that and that's why I alerted LGF to this particular Philly news station website earlier this afternoon. I'm glad this story was posted. I assume the "Muslim garb" description was written by a young web writer on the news station's weekend skeleton staff. He probably heard that description on the police scanner. For instance, the "female," if that's what she was, was covered from head to toe in a brown robe.

re: #91 Wyatt Earp

As a Philadelphia Police Detective, I can say with surety that I am sick of wearing mourning crepes. We have had three officers assassinated in the line of duty in two years. The first of the three was Gary Skerski on May 9, 2006. The second was a good friend of mine, Chuck Cassidy, who was murdered on October 31, 2007, and now Sgt. Liczbinski's assassination today.

It is a terrible time in our department, and I would appreciate it if you could keep Sergeant Liczbinski's family in your prayers. Thank you.

An attack on a police officer is an attack on our civlized society. God bless the PPD.

The right to wear a burqa in public ends at a bank teller or cop's right to be safe. The urge to wear it is cultural and not religious from what I understand, so let the Superme Court decide. The KKK practically needs a police permit to wear their coverings...

re: #114 SeafoodGumbo

Coming in way, wa-a-ay late on this thread, but my fiancee was just three blocks away shopping when the shooting went down. In trying to find more info online, I found what SeafoodGumbo reports here.

Do we see a pattern here? Nah. Must just be coincidence.

re: #134 Droplet

The right to wear a burqa in public ends at a bank teller or cop's right to be safe. The urge to wear it is cultural and not religious from what I understand, so let the Supreme Court decide.

Nobody should have the right to wear a burka in public. Period. A covered face is the refuge of scoundrels. Muslims should bow to our customs or leave.

The "cultural but not religious" meme is a fraud. Ban it from your mind. Islam makes no distinction between culture and religion.

re: #42 Pro-Bush Canuck

How long do you expect to be able to use Win XP?

Microsoft is on the way down.

Good comparison though... Mac = Lexus. One of the best cars on the market.

re: #136 jenv

I understand and agree with what you're saying. In America, a covered face represents a threat (except at Halloween or Mardi Gras).

re: #123 soccerdad

If ya want to be first -- come up with something a little less insensitive to those of us who call Philly Home. Ass.

It may have been the first comment but it wasn't very original. From your own hometown newspaper:

CALL IT 'KILLADELPHIA'?
Despite progress, the city's murder rate is No. 1 among big cities. Figures tell the story, but don't nail the solution.
By DAVE DAVIES
Philadelphia Daily News
AS Philadelphia approaches the new year and a new mayor, the murder rate remains an appalling blight on the city's reputation and a threat to our quality of life.
'
While shootings and other violent crimes are down from last year, there's only slight improvement from the 406 homicides recorded in 2006. As of last night, the city had suffered 391 murders in 2007, the highest rate per 100,000 residents among the nation's 10 largest cities.

It hasn't always been this bad. [Link: www.philly.com...]

Personally, I'd be a little less outraged over my 'insensitivity' and more outraged over the murder and mayhem which occurs daily on the streets of your home town. Maybe being tagged with a nic like that will do something about the problem. I have family that lives in that city that have had their mail taken from their mailbox and their identity stolen, and their homes broken into and guns and other property stolen. And now this, a police officer, doing his duty to protect the citizens which includes my family members, is executed; his gun still in the holster.
So fuck you very much.

In Norwalk CT they had a string of bank robberies back in the summer of 2007. I couldn't go into a Bank of America without taking off my sun glasses, and was told so by the armed guard....

It is this sort of crap that really makes me pissed off at Muslims, although there is every chance that the perps weren't muslims at all. If muslims want to come here, fine, but only if they leave their stupid shit behind, which is what they are fleeing in the first place.

Philly Mayor and Bradyite call for an "Assault Weapon Ban" in 3...2...1...

Not like they'd ban burquas in banks or anything. That'd be insensitive.

"After a shooting spree, they always want to take the guns away from the people who didn't do it." - William S. Burroughs

re: #140 thgrant

It's Philly. Nobody is going to blame Muslims. There was no robber involved.

The assault weapon went into the bank and killed people by itself. It was an evil gun.

Don't you know how liberals think?

PHILADELPHIA - May 4, 2008 (WPVI) -- Philadelphia police announced just before 8 a.m. Sunday that one person was arrested for the killing of a Philadelphia officer during a robbery, and they have the warrant to arrest another person.

Police are trying to find 34-year-old Eric DeShawn Floyd. Investigators say he recently escaped from a halfway house in Reading, Pa.
[Link: abclocal.go.com...]

Philadelphia needs a Melvin Horace Purvis

Purvis led the manhunts that tracked such outlaws as Baby Face Nelson and Pretty Boy Floyd, but he is best remembered for leading the manhunt for John Dillinger, which ended in Chicago on July 22, 1934

-Wikipedia

As EC Marm confirmed, we got one and have an arrest warrant for the other - in only 24 hours. Good job to all involved.

re: #145 Wyatt Earp

As EC Marm confirmed, we got one and have an arrest warrant for the other - in only 24 hours. Good job to all involved.

Do you mean two of the three? One was killed in a shootout with Police last night.

re: #10 Sharmuta
driver, probably.

EC Marm - Yes, sorry. Work has been exhausting. Howard King was shot and killed after an armed confrontation with police yesterday afternoon. Levon Warner was arrested early today. The active warrant is for Eric Floyd, who recently escaped from a halfway house in Reading.

I read somewhere that Howard King was shot and killed by a K-9 officer. A remarkable job on his part.

I used to live in that area and since the last name of the fallen officer (Liczbinski) is the same as my brother-in-law and nephew, it seemed very possible that it was a relative of theirs. Sure enough, I received and email today. The officer was my brother-in-law's brother.

Holy cow! Now I see they arrested a man for the murder and his name is Warner. How weird is that?

Police are trying to find 34-year-old Eric DeShawn Floyd
AKA "Hashim"

re: #152 mac

Police are trying to find 34-year-old Eric DeShawn Floyd
AKA "Hashim"

Here's a picture of the lone outstanding "suspect" in the Philadelphia burka murder case. Full article, here.

And already, Floyd's relatives are coming out of the woodwork to be character witnesses. They claim they "can't believe" he would do something like this.

Uh-huh.

The high-powered rifle turned out to be a Chinese made assault rifle.

I wonder where you can get one from which corner store.