Somali man linked to al Qaeda tries to kill Danish cartoonist

In the United States of America, we revere the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.  But the sad truth is, thanks to the sacrifice of blood and treasure by generations of Americans, we probably take it mostly for granted.  Here it is, in all of its simplicity and power:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

One brave cartoonist in Denmark almost lost his life (and likely his grandson's life) tonight in his home at the hand of a 28-year old man linked to al Shabaab and al Qaeda.  From Sky News:

Danish police say they have shot an al Qaeda-linked man armed with an axe who broke into the home of a controversial cartoonist.



Police attend scene of break-in at home of the Danish cartoonist Kurt Westergaard


Police say the 28-year-old Somali man was trying to kill Kurt Westergaard, who triggered worldwide protests after drawing cartoons of Islam's Prophet Mohammed.


The intruder was linked to Somali terror organisation al Shabaab and al Qaeda leaders in east Africa, the Danish Security and Intelligence Service PET said in a statement.


The intruder was shot twice and is being held in custody.


Lotte Mejlhede, of TV2, told Sky News Mr Westergaard, 74, fled to a safe room at his Aarhus home after spotting the would-be attacker.


Ms Mejlhede, who spoke to Mr Westergaard, said: "He pressed his panic alarm button because a 28-year-old Somalian was trying to to break into his house and actually got into the house.


"He had a knife and axe and was trying to attack him.


"Mr Westergaard went to a safe room in his house."


She added: "This man tried to escape and attacked the police."


Mr Westergaard's five-year-old grandson was also with him.


Chief Supt Morten Jensen, from East Jutland police, said: "A personal alarm was received from Mr Westergaard's house.


Officers found the man "armed with an axe and a knife in either hand".


The security service said the man, who will be charged with attempting to kill Mr Westergaard and the police officer, had been involved in a "terror-related network" that had long been under investigation in connection with threats to Westergaard.

This brings to mind the murder of another artist, Dutch filmmaker Theo van Gogh, in 2004 at the hands of a Dutch born Muslim, Mohamed Bouyeri.  Van Gogh had made a film documenting the cruel treatment of women under Islam. You can watch part of the film here.

The Somali group al Shabaab was a prominent player in November's special feature on Fox News:  Pirates of the 21st Century which was replayed today.  The documentary suggests that these Somali terrorists are well funded by the huge ransoms of this outbreak of piracy in and around the Gulf of Aden.

I am thankful that Mr. Westergaard and his grandson are safe tonight, and that he had the foresight to construct a safe room in his home.