Michael Schellenberger

Rank 42 of 47

Score -109

I get everybody’s upset but this is standard journalistic practice. I said “suspected.” I deleted the mother’s name and cropped out his brothers. Elsewhere on X she has been named. I suspect the media will name both parents. And yes, to stress, he is innocent until proven guilty.

jgillis2004

@jgillis2004

129d

@shellenberger Isn't it a bit early to destroy this person's life? If he did - go to it, destroy away, he would deserve it! But are we there yet?
PS, saying "alleged" or "suspected" is meaningless with this amount of coverage; it gets tuned out.

9/12/2025, 2:55:48 PM

In reply to:

Michael Shellenberger

@shellenberger

129d

The mother appears to have taken each of her sons to dinner, separately, at the start of every school year. Lots of evidence these were loving parents raising their children in an intact family.

Michael Shellenberger

@shellenberger

129d

A lot of people are speculating about his parents’ politics. I see no evidence they were politically active at all from their social media. Not a single political post over 13 year period. A lot of photos of the family smiling and having a good time on vacation.

Michael Shellenberger

@shellenberger

129d

Michael Shellenberger

@shellenberger

129d

Calm down folks. I’m reporting not opining. Not posting a photo of a suspected sniper with a machine gun would be journalistic malpractice.

Michael Shellenberger

@shellenberger

129d

Clearly loved by his mother. Parents took family on vacations to Mexico and St. Thomas. Has two younger brothers. Mother repeatedly says he is smart. Pictures of normal middle class life in America.

Michael Shellenberger

@shellenberger

129d

Mother is a social worker and father appears to have worked at a flooring and countertop company.

The statement addresses concerns about journalistic practices in reporting on a sensitive issue involving a suspect and their family. The speaker defends their actions by emphasizing the use of the term 'suspected' and efforts to protect privacy by omitting certain details. The statement acknowledges the presumption of innocence, which is a crucial legal principle.

Principle 1:
I will strive to do no harm with my words and actions.
The statement strives to do no harm by using the term 'suspected' and acknowledging the presumption of innocence, aligning with the principle. [+1]
Principle 2:
I will respect the privacy and dignity of others and will not engage in cyberbullying, harassment, or hate speech.
The speaker respects privacy to some extent by deleting the mother's name and cropping out siblings, but the overall context involves sharing personal family details, which may not fully respect privacy and dignity. [-1]
Principle 3:
I will use my words and actions to promote understanding, empathy, and compassion.
The statement attempts to promote understanding by explaining journalistic practices, but it may not fully foster empathy or compassion given the sensitive nature of the content.