Reportedly, Thursday, May 18, 2017, Richard Rojas drove right down Times Square in New York and killed an older teen and injured several adults. After exiting his vehicle, he was seen waving his arms and looking deranged. At this time, there is no indication that terrorism is a factor, but several naysayers pose the question: "If he were Muslim would the headlines be different?" He tested negative for blood alcohol levels, but officials are still waiting on test results for an illegal substance if there is one.
The teen that is deceased was described as happy and smart; she was barely out of high school.
She will be missed by family and by loved ones, says her high school principal. Several adults that were injured indicated that they were not prepared for the attack and there was very little time to react. Reportedly, barriers stopped Rojas' vehicle after he traveled three blocks causing mass destruction. The barriers were set up a few years back to help with tragic events that could have taken place during New Year's Eve celebrations.
Not enough information about his service before the crash
The Navy did not identify which charges Rojas faced that put him in the brig—a prison for military personnel once they are prosecuted for violating the Uniform Code of Military Justice—but he reportedly spent almost a year behind bars.
Military members can be imprisoned for a multitude of violations ranging from fraternization to rape and murder, so there is not telling what his offense was since his military records can not be accessed at this time. Reports stated that his career was short-lived and he spent quite a bit of time in trouble; there were no indications of whether or not he spent time in combat.
Rojas told officials that in the past, he had heard voices. A few weeks ago, he was arrested for pointing a knife at a notary and threatening violence; he thought the attorney was trying to "steal his identity." He received a harassment violation. Additionally, in 2008 and 2015 he pleads guilty to DUIs.
Was this veteran getting help?
Many folks are wondering if Rojas was received help or even qualified to receive help from the Veteran’s Affairs (VA) if he was honorably discharged from the Navy. When tragedy strikes, the public wants to point fingers. Rojas had several charges and seemed to struggle with mental illness. Why did he not get the help that he needed? There are still many unanswered questions that will undoubtedly unfold as the incident is investigated further.