Are Colorado shooter’s left wing beliefs being ignored?

The 18-year-old who allegedly intended to kill a teacher at his Denver-area high school on Friday was reportedly a devout left-wing socialist, and KTTH host David Boze is wondering whether news reports are ignoring that fact.

According to news reports, Karl Pierson walked into his Centennial, Colo., high school on Friday with a shotgun, intending to shoot a teacher. Pierson fired several shots, critically wounding a 17-year-old student. Pierson then used the gun to kill himself.

In subsequent news reports, some of Pierson’s classmates have indicated that he was either a socialist or communist, and was not a fan of conservatives.

“He was friendly enough; very proud of being a socialist,” one classmate said. “He was very outspoken on his political views.”

On his Facebook page, Pierson mocked Republicans, posting an image with text that read, “The Republican Party: Health Care: Let ‘em Die, Climate Change: Let ‘em Die, Gun Violence: Let ‘em Die, Women’s Rights: Let ‘em Die, More War: Let ‘em Die. Is this really the side you want to be on?”

Boze pointed out that Pierson’s political views likely had nothing to do with the shooting, but that the media might’ve highlighted those views if they leaned conservative.

“If this young man was a libertarian or a Tea Party enthusiast – can you imagine what the coverage would be?” Boze said.

If Pierson held conservative views, Boze said, the media would’ve dissected right-wing commentary to find motives for the shooting. Essentially, Boze said, some pundits would blame right-leaning rhetoric for the shooting.

“Over and over again, we’re seeing this every time there’s some kind of violence there’s a suspicion of a right wing thing. You’ll look at it and see ties with left wing those don’t matter at all.”

“Let’s play ball fairly here,” he said.