Tom Jackman has written a follow-up story about the shooting of Ian Smith in Herndon. You can read here.
Even though I normally don’t write on Thursdays and am out of town, I wanted to post it.
It is important for our community to get a full explanation about what happened the night Ian was shot. We need to know so that we can, hopefully, prevent future shootings. Obviously, my heart goes out to the entire Smith family. This is horrible. It is every family’s nightmare – calling for help and ending up having a loved one shot. The family is hurting and demanding answers. I am praying that Ian recovers. Please join me.
According to Jackman’s story, Major Tom Ryan was at the scene. While I have no inside knowledge about what happened that night, I can tell you that there is no one on the Fairfax County Police Department who has worked harder for persons with mental illness than Major Ryan. He is personally responsible for getting CIT training here. He has been its biggest booster. He cares about persons with mental illness.
And that makes this shooting incident especially tragic.
My heart goes out to the Smith family. My heart also goes out to Tom Ryan. This is a sad day for our entire Northern Virginia mental health community.
Let’s hope Ian recovers.
About the author:
Yes, the shooting should be investigated, but for heaven's sake – if he did, in fact, pull a realistic looking handgun point blank at a couple of cops what do you expect them to do? They are trained to shoot and they are going to shoot regardless of whether or not the individual is known to be mentally ill. Mentally ill people have guns and kill cops as well as non-mentally ill people.
It's tragic, but it's life.
Mr. Pete Early
I came to your page because you are hands down my favorite author. I am Hayley, Ian's sister. I read your book Crazy a while ago and it was the first book in a long time that I just couldn't put down. I am honored that you have noticed and read and recognized Ian's story. It is a tragic, confusing, unanswered story with lots of holes and gaps that we just can't seem to fill. Thankyou so much for the kind words about Ians recovery. I can't wait to read more of your books!!!!
Mr. Pete Early
I came to your page because you are hands down my favorite author. I am Hayley, Ian's sister. I read your book Crazy a while ago and it was the first book in a long time that I just couldn't put down. I am honored that you have noticed and read and recognized Ian's story. It is a tragic, confusing, unanswered story with lots of holes and gaps that we just can't seem to fill. Thankyou so much for the kind words about Ians recovery. I can't wait to read more of your books!!!!