Of course evolution HAS been observed.
The assumption that evolution occurs, and must occur, at random is the crux
of the dispute, and one unreasonably confused with issues of religion and
secularization. The rise of molecular biology shows a complexity of structure
that cannot easily survive statistical challenges to claims of random
emergence.
A good thing that evolution is NOT random.
Despite massive denial, the verdict is probably final. The
Darwinian view of evolution is in full retreat and effectively dead.
What the author meant is probably that his strawman view is dead but that is not surprisingly.
Funny to see someone declare evolution dead when he does not even understand it.