Britain Has an O.J. Moment

Brits are apparently glued to their televisions: A man suspected of being British fugitive Raoul Moat—accused of killing his ex-girlfriend, her new boyfriend, and a police officer—is cornered and negotiating with police officers, riveting Britain in a way similar to O.J. Simpson’s car chase years ago. Police have instructed people in the town of Rothbury to “go home and lock the door.” One eyewitness says, “There was a man down by the river with what appeared to be a sawn-off shotgun pointing at his own neck.” But not everyone thinks the live-broadcasting is a good thing. Charlie Brooker, a UK TV critic, took to his Twitter feed to criticize the BBC's coverage, writing, "This is really quite deeply unpleasant."