All guns should be outlawed, then something like this could never happen. Also, they need to make that "no weapons" sign bigger. The problem is that the shooter proably didn't see it and wasn't aware of the malls policy. Since the shooters parents didn't speak english its also the malls fault for not printing the policy in multiple languages to ensure that people of all cultures know that they are not permited to bring firearms onto mall propery and fire them at mall patrions.
Sarcasm aside, someone made the comment about having to relly on mall security. I know for a fact that the security at trolly square is unarmed. They don't even have pepper spray. I have a friend who is a security guard for that particular mall and he tells me his only real power is to chase those damn skate punks off the rails. He also assists in walking pretty girls who work at the mall to their cars late at night.
Thats all said, I carry regularly and live withing 5 min of the mall in question. Had I been there I seriously doubt I would have tracked the shooter down to engage him Bruce Willis Die Hard style. If the shooter came my way and I thought I had a clean shot then I would like to think I would have the courage to use the tools at my disposal to save those people who could not protect them selves. I would only do this if my actions would prevent the death of someone who was in immediate danger.
I'd like to hear others thoughts on the situation.
also, The CCW issue has been disscussed on local talk radio. Most of the TV news outlets keep reminding us that the mall shoper who engaged the shooter with his concealed carry weapon was a police officer. He was employed by a town 45 min to the north. He was not working, just shoping with his wife. Effectively, he was just like one of us on our day off. News outlets reassure us he was a trained officer as if that somehow makes him super human in his ability to aim and shoot a gun. It really bothers me that had he not been an officer, that his heroic actions (officer or not, what he did took courage) would have been questioned and accused of vigilante behavior. Utah is a very gun friendly place and even here is amazes me the ignorance regarding firearms. People I know who have lived here their whole lives are shocked to find out that there is no waiting period on any guns. You walk in with a AMEX and walk out with a USP. The population is too easliy influnced by hollywood and what they see on the "news". Sad.