While I was off at the movies, a gunman killed at least 32 at Virginia Tech.
Follow that last link to Sister Toldjah's blog. She's doing a bang up job of keeping abreast of the story.
If the death toll is accurate, this is the worst mass shooting in US history. The largest before today was in Killeen, Texas in 1991. A madman drove his pickup truck through the front door of a Luby's Cafeteria and opened fire on the lunch crowd. He killed 23 people and wounded another 20 before running out of victims and taking his own life.
Other bloggers will point out that these mass killings seem to occur most frequently where people are barred from legally carrying concealed weapons. During the time of the Killeen massacre, Texas law forbade anyone from carrying a concealed weapon into a restaurant. The majority of college campuses across the country today are so-called "gun free zones", where it is illegal even for those with concealed weapon licenses to carry their guns.
Obviously, those bent on murder are undeterred by laws declaring "weapon free zones".
I know that every advocate of armed self defense feels the same way I do at this moment. We have the greatest sympathy for the victims, their families, and the injured. We also wish we had been able to do something to stop the rampage before innocent people lost their lives.
Comments (5)
I'm waiting for someone to figure out a way to blame this on global warming.
Posted by Steven Den Beste | April 17, 2007 12:32 AM
Posted on April 17, 2007 00:32
If there's going to be "weapons free" zones, too, you'd think that the police response and presence would have to be much better.
Of course, it's tough to force yourself to think of these type of scenarios.
Minneapolis is another place much like Killian, except stores not allowing weapons must post a sign. One can only wonder when someone will use it as an invitation.
Posted by James d. | April 17, 2007 1:56 AM
Posted on April 17, 2007 01:56
Hi, James --
Did you, somewhat, wish you'd been there, armed? I do. : (
Posted by Kat | April 17, 2007 6:59 AM
Posted on April 17, 2007 06:59
Did you, somewhat, wish you'd been there, armed? I do. : (
I certainly did as well.
James
Posted by James R. Rummel | April 17, 2007 9:52 AM
Posted on April 17, 2007 09:52
You can add my name to the wish list.
I suppose I wouldn't carry if I didn't have this inner drive to protect.
Posted by trajectory | April 17, 2007 8:21 PM
Posted on April 17, 2007 20:21