Burqa bandits in Philly

David Rusin at Pajamas Media writes about the disturbing wave of robbers, murderers and other criminals dressing in burqas in Philadelphia:

The latest wave [3] of burqa banditry to target Philadelphia began at a branch of More Bank in the East Oak Lane neighborhood two days before Christmas. Following similar heists on January 6, March 14, March 20, and April 4, the Philadelphia Police Department and FBI issued a wanted flier [4] for a pair of black males [3] in “Muslim-like clothing covering their heads and bodies.” Surveillance [5] images [6] indicate that the outfits include face veils (niqabs [7]) and “burqa-like robes,” to quote one news item [8], leaving just the eyes visible. The same Wells Fargo branch struck on April 4 was then hit again [9] on April 13, after which Muslim groups offered $20,000 [10] for information leading to the perpetrators. No arrests or further bank robberies have been reported.

The criminal applications of this attire also were on display during an April 18 homicide at a barbershop [11] in Upper Darby, a township bordering West Philadelphia. Police believe that a love triangle inspired Sharif Wynn to enter with a gun and demand money from the barber, Michael Turner. Wynn insists that he merely meant to scare the man, but officers say that he shot Turner intentionally [12] at point-blank range. The police superintendent has revealed [13] that the attacker was “dressed in Muslim female garb, was covered from head to toe. The only thing that was showing was his eyes.” Authorities identified [11] Wynn through interviews and his electronic trail.

Though assembling a complete history of niqab-aided crimes is hindered by the unknown consistency of media reporting, the seven incidents outlined above appear to be the most that the Philadelphia area has suffered in any four-month period to date. However, the city earned its reputation as a burqa banditry hot spot long before this recent spike.

If the police were smart, they'd call for a bill to make it illegal to wear such garb in public that conceals identities. Even ninja masks. This is just one of the reasons why such outfits are practically an abomination.