Denver: Muslim carrying “Islamic writings” shoots, kills transit security officer, “motive unknown”

A Muslim suspected of shooting and killing an armed RTD transit security officer had Islamic writings in his possession when he was arrested, according to sources with knowledge of the investigation.

The Islamic element will insure this gets no coverage.

Denver Police Chief Robert White said local authorities had no prior contact with [the killer] and that his only criminal history was a misdemeanor charge in another state.

“We’re not 100 percent sure what motivated this particular individual to shoot the victim,” White said.

White said investigators were trying to determine if the security officer was shot because of his dark blue uniform, which resembles the one worn by DPD.

Barb Archer, the commander of the Denver Police Department’s Major Crimes Division, called the attack “completely unprovoked.”

Sources describe suspect in shooting death of RTD officer as ‘radical Muslim’

KVDR, February 1, 2017 (thanks to Craig Silverman)

DENVER — The man suspected of shooting and killing a uniformed RTD contract security officer in Lower Downtown late Tuesday night has been described as a “radical Muslim,” law enforcement sources told FOX31 Denver.

The suspect was identified as 37-year-old Joshua Cummings.

Two sources told FOX31 Denver that investigators found jihadist materials in Cummings’ backpack and those materials are now being investigated.

Scott Von Lanken, 56, was shot and killed, the Denver Office of the Medical Examiner confirmed.

The shooting happened about 11 p.m. at 16th and Wynkoop streets on Union Station Plaza, one block from Union Station, police said.

“This is an incredibly sad day for us, and on behalf of the entire RTD family I extend my prayers and express my sincere condolences to the officer’s family, friends and loved ones,” RTD general manager and CEO Dave Genova said in a statement.

Police said at a news conference Wednesday morning that two women were asking the armed security officer about light rail routes when a man approached from behind, pointed a gun at the officer’s neck and fired.

Cummings was found hiding in the 1600 block of 14th Street about 20 minutes later and was arrested without incident, police said. A gun was also recovered.

The shooting is being investigated as a homicide and police are looking into whether it had to do with the victim wearing a uniform.

“It’s really disheartening when anyone loses their life, but especially when we have someone out there providing safety to the community at large,” police chief Robert White said.

Police said Cummings lives in the area and police have not had contact with him. He had an out-of-state misdemeanor arrest more than five years ago. White said the motivation for the shooting is not known.

Lanken was employed by Allied Universal, which provides security services under contract for RTD.

“Our entire team is deeply saddened by this loss,” RTD assistant general manager of safety and security Mike Meader said. “RTD and Allied Universal have been in contact with the officer’s family and will continue to offer our support during this sad time.”

Wynkoop was closed between 15th and 17th streets on Wednesday morning as police investigated the shooting. It reopened about 5:50 a.m.

Officers later set up a makeshift memorial at the scene with flowers and signs for the man. One sign said, “Prayers from the downtown motorcycle unit.”

RTD has 250 uniformed Allied Barton security officers who patrol 24 hours a day, and about 265 contracted extra-duty police officers from Lakewood, Aurora and Denver. There are also eight internal transit police officers.

A memorial fund to help support Scott Van Lanken’s wife and two children has been established through the Rocky Mountain Law Enforcement Credit Union. It’s under Scott Van Lanken’s name. You can get the credit union’s contact information on its website or by calling 303-458-6660.