I have avoided writing on this subject as have many others here because of the sadness and pain of the attack at the Utah mall this week. I would have continued that avoidance but for this brazen attempt by a fellow Democrat to use this criminal even for her own means and ends in her war on firearm ownership in the US. Despite the fact that the mall was a gun free zone, despite the fact that an armed citizen averted greater tragedy, despite the fact that legal concealed carry permit holders were barred from self protection, despite the fact that no "assault weapon" was used, despite the fact that criminals do criminal things despite laws, Rep. McCarthy wants to use this event to make more law that will be ignored.
Ok, basic facts here:
- Criminal comes to shopping mall which is posted as "gun free zone" meaning that no one may enter the facility without committing a felony even if they have a legal concealed carry permit.
- Criminal enters mall with shotgun and pistol and begins shooting people.
- Off duty police officer hears shooting and screaming, gets family to safety and runs towards the slaughter.
- Officer engages criminal from second floor with pistol and keeps criminal's head down long enough for uniformed officer to arrive on scene (i.e. 6 minutes or so).
- Uniformed officer and off duty officer engage criminal and stop him by killing him.
- Several people died and several wounded before the off duty officer was able to fire his first round.
- Off duty officer's actions undoubtedly saved lives. He is a hero.
What does this mean:
- Posting places as "gun free zones" will not deter criminals, but they do remove the ability of citizens to protect themselves. They create "criminal protection zones" and like schools are magnets for butchers who want an easy set of victims to slaughter.
- Criminals do not obey laws.
- Trained individuals can help stop shootings, but only if armed and present. A single pistol was able to stop this entire attack. Most attackers never expect return fire and cower under it.
- Criminals can be stopped long enough for the police to arrive and take over the situation.
- Criminals kill, but they can be stopped, or slowed by people with means.
- Thank God someone was there, armed, and willing to save lives.
So what does Rep. Carolyn McCarthy take from this event:
In Salt Lake City, a young man opened fire in a crowded mall, killing more than 10 individuals. It appears the shooter was not mentally stable and police are still investigating how he obtained the weapons.
It is vital that the background check records are current and comprehensive. I have introduced HR 297, the NICS Improvement Act that would strengthen the National Instant Criminal Background Check System. These records let gun dealers know when an individual should not be allowed to purchase a firearm. Improving the quality of these records will keep guns out of the wrong hands and make our country safer.
I am deeply saddened by yesterday’s events. I remain committed to passing common sense legislation to prevent further acts of gun violence.
Where to begin:
- The criminal used a shotgun and handgun. We do not know where from. Nor do we know if he was deemed "mentally unstable" yet. Was he nuts? Sure! But we do not know if the NICS would have changed his elidgibility. The shotgun was the lethal weapon here not the handgun. Shotguns are far more lethal than handguns or so called "assault weapons" and no legislation will effect the number already in circulation in this nation.
- The use of this event to push already introduced legislation is painful. There is no evidence, no proof that any legislation would have had any effect in preventing this event.
- "Gun Free Zones" are "Criminal Protection Zones" since they disarm the only citizens who could possibly stop an armed attacker. They are counter productive and dangerous. I expect that if anyone at that mall was a disarmed Concealed Carry License holder, they will sue the mall for not protecting them and in fact disarming them.
- Citizens have the right and ability to protect themselves. In the face of attacks, they ought not be told that the solution is further attacks on their ability to defend themselves.
- Criminals ignore signs, laws, and all that makes a lawful and civil society. They will not be deterred by more signs, more laws, more handwringing.
- Unless Rep. Carolyn McCarthy wants to send her bodyguards to my house and also let them accompany me to the mall, then her right to tell me how I ought to defend myself is moot. Until that time, I will expect to protect myself while I await for the police to arrive.
Final comments:
We do have a violence problem in this nation. I am not ignorant of that. But I am only interested in practical solutions that will work, not just sound good and feel good. The Utah mall's "Gun Free Zone" is a perfect example: it sounded good, looked good, felt good, gave a warm fuzzy feeling, but only gauranteed that no armed citizens other than a singe off duty police officer would be able to protect themselves and others.
Please stop the rhetoric Rep. Carolyn McCarthy and propose something practical.