This story bears watching. The Pakistani reaction to the US consular employee’s killing of two “gunmen” who attempted to attack and possibly rob him, and the subsequent death of a civilian struck by another consular vehicle coming to his rescue, has the potential to spark violent protests against US and other Western nations in Pakistan, and will serve as fodder for anti-US propaganda for the Taliban and al Qaeda. From Reuters:
The American was stopped at a traffic light when two men riding a motorbike stopped near his car.
“The American told us that he opened fire in self-defense after one of the men pulled out pistol,” Lahore police chief Aslam Tarin told Reuters.
The two gunmen sustained injuries and both later died in hospital.Tarin said a consulate car that came to the scene later struck and killed a pedestrian. He did not give details.
“The foreigner is in our custody at the police station and we are investigating the matter.” Another police official, Omar Saeed, said they were investigating whether it was a “robbery attempt”.
Geo News identified the employee as Raymond David. His car had bullet holes in the windshield. According to AFP he may be tried for “murder.”
Lahore police chief Aslam Tareen said the American was being questioned by the police and may be charged with both murder and illegally carrying a weapon: a Beretta pistol. The American shot both men after they pointed guns at him at an intersection, Tareen said.
“Diplomatic staff usually enjoy a certain type of immunity, but I am not sure about murder,” he said. “We will consult the Foreign Office and legal advisers in this regard.”
