Priority for Probe

In a letter delivered to two Vietnamese-language newspapers in Orange County, an anti-communist group has claimed responsibility for the firebombing last Sunday that killed prominent Vietnamese magazine publisher Tap Van Pham and destroyed the publication’s Little Saigon office in Garden Grove. The group said it destroyed the office because Pham had published ads for three Canadian companies it claimed are linked with the Communist government of Vietnam.

Some Vietnamese leaders expressed skepticism about the claims, and police say that although they are sure the fire was caused by arson, which makes Pham’s death murder, they are uncertain about the motive. It could have been the ads. It also could have been the work of extortionists who prey on the Southeast Asian business community. Or the motive could have been something else entirely.

What is certain is that there have been death threats, extortions and other arsons in the Vietnamese community. And whatever the reason, despicable and cowardly violence is becoming entirely too commonplace.

The Vietnamese refugees fled to the United States to find freedom, not terrorism in the form of criminal extortion or violence because of political differences.

Nearly two years ago Alex M. Odeh, the Arab rights leader, was killed when his office was bombed. Odeh’s killers are still at large. Now it’s Tap Van Pham. The apprehension and prosecution of whoever is responsible for the firebombing and Pham’s death must be given top priority by local and federal authorities. Not only to capture Pham’s killers but to serve notice that terrorism, extortion or political attacks will not be tolerated.