Playing devils advocate here. Would the SUV driver been in his rights to pull out a weapon and shoot the rider who initially slowed in front of him? My opnion on this entire event is still mixed, I am certain that the actions at the end were wrong, a vigilante act without doubt. I am also convinced that the SUV driver played a large part in what happened. I am also confused as to how the ride itself was illegal, I would make a large wager the group committed illegal acts during the ride and I believe the driver was indeed in fear-after he ran over the rider who slowed in front of him, I also believe he committed an assault (first rider he hit, second time he was indeed and rightly so in fear of his safety) with a deadly weapon, no differant than the act the riders did once he was stopped. The only innocents involved are the wife and baby in the SUV. 2 things happened, mob menatallity and a drivers false sense of security. I apologize for the run on sentence, kinda rambling. I just have a hard time pinning the blame on one side. If we removed the child and wife from the scenario how would the collective "we" feel? Remove the emotional response and please consider each act in the order committed.
If I were the driver of the SUV I would have NOT HIT the rider. If the driver had NOT HIT the rider we have no idea would would have happened after. I do know that if a rider took his helmet off and bashed in the window he would require medical attention or funeral home care. Why oh why is the intitial action (as recorded) being ignored by the masses? I am certain this wasn't the first vehicle this group passed or the first vehicle slowed down as these groups will do a rolling slowdaown so they can stunt on a clear road. Illegal as all get out, but as has been said, who made either party judge, jury, and executioner. IMHO I truly believe if the driver or his wife had made a call (after stopping) this never would have happened. To restate, what occured at the end is wrong and the perps must be help accountable. I also believe the driver should be held accountable for his actions as well.
So, what can we as riders do? Become a mentor to younger riders, discuss these types of events openly and without bias. If these younger riders want speed, encourage time at the track, if stunting is the goal locate a place free of cars, secure permission, and do it in a controlled manner. I for one find dirt to be the best place for stunt type riding, maybe encourage more riders to the dirt where these acts are OK.
FWIW, I am kinda tired of all the attention this is getting in the media, yet so very little on the recent terrorist takedowns in Somalia and Syria.
