without paywall, but also without archives https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/24/opinion/state-terror-has-...

> Confronted with a list like this — a deluge like this — we look for details that might explain why these people were subjected to this treatment, details that might reassure us that we, by contrast, are not in danger.

These people were absolutely murdered unnecessarily. At the same time, it’s not that simple. Neither Renée nor Alex were simply standing safely out of the way filming or protesting off a sidewalk when they were killed. Both encounters unfolded in the middle of active, chaotic confrontations involving federal agents. The details matter because we’re talking about how decisions are made in split-second, violent moments and about how we ensure that law enforcement is trained and held accountable.