The third rule is that both of those rules will be quickly broken, as Slate’s Dave Weigel and Matt Yglesias demonstrated within moments of reports of a shooting on Capitol Hill:

Weigel thought it was a good time for some snark:

This wouldn't be happening if members of Congress were allowed to carry guns at all times. — daveweigel (@daveweigel) October 3, 2013

Hilarious, except not really:

@daveweigel You don't even know what is happening. What's your problem Dave? — Stephen Gutowski (@StephenGutowski) October 3, 2013

https://twitter.com/Matthops82/status/385834224348966912

Yglesias thought the shooting was a good opportunity to discuss shutdown politics:

Capitol Police responding to shooting incident are working without pay today. — Matthew Yglesias (@mattyglesias) October 3, 2013

We’re sure that was the first thing on officers’ minds as the bullets were flying.

What a fucking piece of shit. RT @mattyglesias: Capitol Police responding to shooting incident are working without pay today. — H (@Tark31) October 3, 2013

@mattyglesias Geez, you really are a contemptible piece of shit — JWF (@JammieWF) October 3, 2013

Not only is Yglesias’ comment not funny, but it’s also wrong:

FYI, Capitol Police are being paid. http://t.co/YaN1Q70XEN — Emily Zanotti (@emzanotti) October 3, 2013

Another futile reminder:

Too soon? Unfortunately for some, it’s never too soon. Markos Moulitsas of The Daily Kos helped Weigel and Yglesias demonstrate that:

So, uh, pay them? MT @SenRandPaul: My staff and I are safe and accounted for. Praying for the safety of everyone — Markos Moulitsas (@markos) October 3, 2013

The abhorrent douche is strong in this one.

FUCK YOU RT @markos: So, uh, pay them? MT @SenRandPaul: My staff and I are safe and accounted for. Praying for the safety of everyone — Mary Chastain (@mchastain81) October 3, 2013

@markos how about we make sure no one is hurt before making stupid political remarks? — John Stevens (@Joffen1981) October 3, 2013

Suspending politics for an hour or so during a story with potentially devastating consequences for people is so out of style.

"Screw 'em." Amirite? RT @markos: If you get hit by an NRA freedom kiss, don't worry! Republicans will give you thoughts and prayers. — Cuffy (@CuffyMeh) October 3, 2013

This provides the best summary: