I woke up about 4:15 a.m. to the sound of a police helicopter circling overhead. Normally when that happens, it is temporary and may last five or ten minutes but not this morning. It seemed to go on and on and it was so close, it was getting really irritating.

When I turned on the news, I discovered that there was a massive manhunt being conducted for a man who “ambushed” two police officers about two blocks from my home. One of the officers died at the hospital and the other one is in surgery at this writing. Reports are sketchy but one of the officers on the scene claimed that the suspect vowed to be back so they have cordoned off and barricaded the streets nearby and are on high alert searching for this man.

This could turn out to be a protracted drama. It seems the shooter is an ex-police officer who was fired from the Los Angeles Police Department in 2009 and has vowed revenge. He has implicated himself in the murder of a couple over the weekend and, in a written report authorities found online and are calling a “manifesto,” the shooter is warning authorities that he plans on killing more policemen and their families.

I live in Riverside County — about sixty miles east of Los Angeles — so what drew this killer to Riverside to avenge his firing in L.A. County remains a mystery.

It was kind of creepy when one of the reporters claimed the police were calling this man a “domestic terrorist.” Terrorist? That is a strange choice of words. Hopefully, he will be caught soon. If not, this guy could do some serious damage before he is done.

My scripture this morning reflects some of my sentiments about RedState. When I first stumbled upon this website, I was so relieved to find a place where I could openly discuss the role the Lord plays in my life and my world view as it relates to politics. There is so much hostility toward believers in the public square and since Obama has been in office, he has fueled that hostility. It makes me angry and defiant. I refuse to shut up and so should the rest of you who are Christians. But, here’s the scripture.

Then they that feared the Lord spoke often one to another: and the Lord harkened and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord and that thought upon His name. Malachi 3:16

Have a great day.

The Watercooler is an open thread.

Update: My local newspaper put together this story on the shooting.