Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Cops Nab Gunman Hunting Beck Foes

Intended target was group lambasted by Beck

By Mary Papenfuss,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 22, 2010 3:03 AM CDT | Updated Jul 22, 2010 5:10 AM CDT

(Newser) – The man charged with firing on Oakland cops in a highway shootout was on a rampage against liberals and hunting down Glenn Beck enemies. Unemployed carpenter Byron Williams was after the ACLU and the Tides Foundation, a particular favorite villain of Glenn Beck, who has repeatedly lambasted the organization as part of President Obama's "liberal cabal." Williams opened fire on cops earlier this week while on his way to "start a revolution" because he was upset about Congress' "left-wing agenda," according to his mom.

It's too early to know if Beck's attacks were the inspiration for Williams, but the relatively obscure Tides Foundation isn't likely viewed as much of an enemy beyond Glenn Beck's fan base. The group, which describes itself as a promoter of economic justice, robust democracy and a healthy environment, has been ripped repeatedly by Beck as an "army of thugs" behind Obama's agenda, and the "nasty of the nastiest," reports Talking Points Memo.

Glenn Beck is incensed by the Tides Foundation, a key target of unemployed carpenter Byron Williams, who has been charged with opening fire on Oakland cops on his way to get the group, say police.
Glenn Beck is incensed by the Tides Foundation, a key target of unemployed carpenter Byron Williams, who has been charged with opening fire on Oakland cops on his way to get the group, say police.   (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
Byron Williams. Williams, known for his anger over left-leaning politics, told cops he was on his way to get the ACLU and the Tides Foundation when he opened fire on Oakland police, say authorities.
Byron Williams. Williams, known for his anger over left-leaning politics, told cops he was on his way to get the ACLU and the Tides Foundation when he opened fire on Oakland police, say authorities.   (AP Photo/Alameda County Sheriffs Dept. via the Oakland tribune)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
My TakeCLICK BELOW TO VOTE
7%
1%
6%
5%
70%
11%
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 109 comments
minki
Jul 25, 2010 10:46 PM CDT
Right wingers that listen to Beck and Limbaugh on a daily bases, should under go mental evaluations on a regular bases. They are the same people who claim; that they're heroes for speaking "the truth" which of course leads to things like this or shooting guns in a church full of people who do not agree with the extreme right's views.
lauriec
Jul 23, 2010 1:04 PM CDT
do the nuts that listen to GB know that he's actually paid REALLY REALLY WELL to espouse this silliness? do you even think he'd do it for free?!!!please..grow up...here's my motto..dont do anything except for monetary gain, then the right wont be able to tell us from Santa, or satan.
robert891
Jul 23, 2010 9:49 AM CDT
Beck's job is to profit from the minds of the ignorant. Its nothing new.
 

NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Timelines   |   POPSUGAR Tech   |   Business Insider   |   HuffPost Entertainment   |   NewsOne