The masked gunman who prevented use of Freeway 101 in Santa Barbara yesterday has been arrested. After SWAT teams arrived Edward Van Tassel, an Iraq war vet with post-traumatic stress disorder, was arrested. He surrendered peacefully and though armed fired no shots.

The LA Times reports:

Edward Van Tassel, a 28-year-old Army veteran who served in Iraq, first surrendered his handgun to police, officials said. As part of the negotiation, Van Tassel asked authorities for a Barack Obama sign, which he posted on a chain-link fence on the overpass along with the flag he was holding, said Sgt. Lorenzo Duarte of the Santa Barbara Police Department…

Van Tassel served in the Army from 2003 to 2005, said Sgt. Jim Pfleging of the Santa Barbara police. Officials said Van Tassel appeared to be shouting statements against the war and comments on veterans' benefits during the standoff.

 

Van Tassel's younger sister Ginnie Myers, reached at the family's home in Santa Barbara, said her brother was a peaceful person that felt very strongly about the war and veterans' issues, and often said soldiers serving in the war were "mistreated and misunderstood."

He suffered from depression during the war and was honorably discharged from the military because he suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder, she said.

 

"What he wanted to do was to put up the flag and just show his pride and honor," said Myers, who added that Van Tassel's action was unexpected and startling to the family. "It's election time tomorrow, and making the right decision is a big deal to him."

Though perhaps his efforts were misguided, Van Tassel obviously loves his country. He inconvenienced and frightened many in Santa Barbara yesterday but has dedicated himself to the United States, and in his peaceful demonstration was attempting to express a desire for the country he loves to function optimally. His actions were ultimately a sign that this country must better serve the needs of war veterans who have served the United States, and like many others, Van Tassel has sacrificed much, including mental health, for the welfare of Americans. For his demonstration which physically harmed no one, he deserves clemency in whatever legal ramifications that ensue.
 

Photo Credit: LA Times