13-06-2025, 09:29 PM
First Minister Merridan shot; Merridan survives but is confirmed to be in immediate care.
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August 4th, 5649
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Chaos. Panic. Horror. These are the words that defined Johnston today. First Minister Aiden Merridan was supposed to hold an event regarding the possibility of a referendum on monarchism. Because the Royal People's Party continued to push for monarchism, and the strong performance they had in last year's elections, the monarchy question was put at the forefront, and First Minister Merridan was set to cooperate with the RPP and resolve the issue.
The keyword is, supposed to. Instead of a peaceful event, the First Minister was shot. In Johnston Public Square, amidst a crowd, Aiden Merridan was shot as security would quickly rush to the stage..He was immediately rushed to emergency care whilst the gunman was shot dead by local law enforcement. Fortunately, the First Minister appears to have survived but will remain in care for the foreseeable future. Congress will be expected to elect an interim First Minister until Merridan fully recovers. Fortunately, besides the gunman, there are no further casualties but there are injuries, of which at least 12 injured. The gunman however, has been identified and while his motive remains unknown because of the several bullets in his body, being one Theodore Willis, aged 38 a recently dishonorably discharged member of the armed forces and a staunch republican, known for making republican political views online. He was discharged due to undisclosed circumstances. As such, it isn't a stretch to assume that this was a politically motivated attack intended to send a message about monarchism.
Quickly, Congress found itself united in condemning the assassination attempt, with chairman of the Radical Party, Sarah Porter calling the attempt a tragedy, and that no matter what, violence must never occur in Baltusia. One Libertarian, Cameron Murray said that the incident was nothing short of a tragedy, but that it must not derail the will of the people. Yet most shocking was the Regent, Sir James Hamilton issuing a statement, sending his sympathies to Merridan, the Merridan family and urging for calm, stability and denouncing violence.
As Congress rushes to elect an interim FM, sympathy for Aiden Merridan is skyrocketing whilst many become aware that divisive topics such as monarchism are no longer just ideologically dividing, but dangerous. Ever since the formation of the Regency, Republicans and Monarchists have been arguing endlessly over the future of the Commonwealth. When the Royal People's Party secured a portion of Congress last year, the polarization from the monarchy question only escalated.
While we're supposed to be politically neutral, this is not political anymore. We wish Aiden Merridan a speedy recovery. As many Baltusians share support for Merridan and question republicans, many have to ask, what's going to happen now? As Merridan fights for his life, are republicans responsible for this? Is this an isolated case? Should Baltusians be worried for their safety? Is political violence going to be more likely and common? These are only a few, of many questions that many Baltusians have.
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August 4th, 5649
----------------------------------------
Chaos. Panic. Horror. These are the words that defined Johnston today. First Minister Aiden Merridan was supposed to hold an event regarding the possibility of a referendum on monarchism. Because the Royal People's Party continued to push for monarchism, and the strong performance they had in last year's elections, the monarchy question was put at the forefront, and First Minister Merridan was set to cooperate with the RPP and resolve the issue.
The keyword is, supposed to. Instead of a peaceful event, the First Minister was shot. In Johnston Public Square, amidst a crowd, Aiden Merridan was shot as security would quickly rush to the stage..He was immediately rushed to emergency care whilst the gunman was shot dead by local law enforcement. Fortunately, the First Minister appears to have survived but will remain in care for the foreseeable future. Congress will be expected to elect an interim First Minister until Merridan fully recovers. Fortunately, besides the gunman, there are no further casualties but there are injuries, of which at least 12 injured. The gunman however, has been identified and while his motive remains unknown because of the several bullets in his body, being one Theodore Willis, aged 38 a recently dishonorably discharged member of the armed forces and a staunch republican, known for making republican political views online. He was discharged due to undisclosed circumstances. As such, it isn't a stretch to assume that this was a politically motivated attack intended to send a message about monarchism.
Quickly, Congress found itself united in condemning the assassination attempt, with chairman of the Radical Party, Sarah Porter calling the attempt a tragedy, and that no matter what, violence must never occur in Baltusia. One Libertarian, Cameron Murray said that the incident was nothing short of a tragedy, but that it must not derail the will of the people. Yet most shocking was the Regent, Sir James Hamilton issuing a statement, sending his sympathies to Merridan, the Merridan family and urging for calm, stability and denouncing violence.
As Congress rushes to elect an interim FM, sympathy for Aiden Merridan is skyrocketing whilst many become aware that divisive topics such as monarchism are no longer just ideologically dividing, but dangerous. Ever since the formation of the Regency, Republicans and Monarchists have been arguing endlessly over the future of the Commonwealth. When the Royal People's Party secured a portion of Congress last year, the polarization from the monarchy question only escalated.
While we're supposed to be politically neutral, this is not political anymore. We wish Aiden Merridan a speedy recovery. As many Baltusians share support for Merridan and question republicans, many have to ask, what's going to happen now? As Merridan fights for his life, are republicans responsible for this? Is this an isolated case? Should Baltusians be worried for their safety? Is political violence going to be more likely and common? These are only a few, of many questions that many Baltusians have.
"Yet I am here, and here I shall remain to behold the world in all it's beauty"
"The world is but a stage. Why cry, when you can laugh instead? For laughter is humanity's preserve. Laugh it all off, fret not, Let's just enjoy the moment."
"The world is but a stage. Why cry, when you can laugh instead? For laughter is humanity's preserve. Laugh it all off, fret not, Let's just enjoy the moment."