Tragic

Police Pulled Over Loughner Before Shooting

Two-and-a-half hours before he opened fire.

This makes it easy to think the whole tragedy could have been avoided, although really it sounds like it was just a routine traffic stop: Police pulled Jared Loughner over for running a red light just two-and-a-half hours before he shot Gabrielle Giffords and 19 others. His license and registration revealed no warrants, so he was allowed to leave with just a warning. “The contact was very cordial,” said a law official. “Mr. Loughner was very forthcoming with his license and registration and insurance. The officer did a visual examination of the vehicle. He had no probable cause to search the vehicle or detain the subject.” Loughner took a cab to the supermarket where he opened fire.