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Recent violence in state serves as reminder of domestic threat

Sociology professor notes preoccupation with global terrorism
Associated Press

COLUMBIA--State Law Enforcement Division Chief Robert Stewart, less than two days removed from one of the most ferocious standoffs he had ever seen, was worried when he arrived at last week's Cabinet meeting. He reminded Gov. Mark Sanford and others what a strange few months it has been.

South Carolina was the only state to have a ricin threat when a vial of the deadly poison was found in a Greenville post office in October. A week later, prisoners at Lee Correctional Institution rioted, injuring a guard.

Then a week ago, a family that may have militia connections ended up in a standoff with police and two Abbeville County law officers were killed.

He and his agents have to keep the state safe from international terrorists but can't compromise preparation for standoffs, prison riots and other threats.

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