Hi all,

I sadly report the murder of USFS archaeologist Michael Kyte, recently retired from Carson National Forest. He was shot last night at his home by a gunman that then stole his truck. The details of the situation are still unclear, but the suspect shot and killed five people during the evening, including some family members.

My deepest sympathies to his colleagues and family. 

While there is indication whether Michael’s murder was random violence, family related, or an act of political terrorism, I also wanted to tell my colleagues in the federal service that I value your contribution to our community. Many of those I know in federal service in the west have felt ill at ease because of political vitriol directed at them for doing their jobs. Given the armed occupation of federal lands, this made things worse. I cannot express the depth of my anger that you should be make to feel that way by people in twenty-first century modern American society. There is no excuse for this.

With my deepest sympathy,
Tim Scarlett

http://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/local_news/five-dead-in-shootings-in-taos-rio-arriba-counties-arrested/article_8e2bad7d-cee5-5e8a-8b8f-046a37b29e66.html <http://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/local_news/five-dead-in-shootings-in-taos-rio-arriba-counties-arrested/article_8e2bad7d-cee5-5e8a-8b8f-046a37b29e66.html>

http://www.riograndesun.com/man-goes-on-shooting-spree-kills-five/article_8c85aa3a-5250-11e7-b878-4b78fd1a1edc.html <http://www.riograndesun.com/man-goes-on-shooting-spree-kills-five/article_8c85aa3a-5250-11e7-b878-4b78fd1a1edc.html>