Virginia Shooting – the non-gun stuff
33 dead.
So, it’s been a day and we don’t know who the shooter is. I find that odd. We know he was a student, male and Asian.
I wouldn’t be too hard on VT’s police for not locking down sooner. The original shooting fit the profile of a domestic dispute and that was backed up by witnesses. Seems there is a slight possibility that shooting may not even be related to the mass shooting.
As I’ve said before, in a mass shooting, the urge to barricade yourself in may be overpowering but you really should try to get out.
Reports on the radio this morning were that the guy chained doors shut. And that he shot people execution style. Another reason why compliance is not the best option.
Tragic. My thoughts and prayers go out to the victims.
Dr. Helen, who is an expert on violence of this sort, has more.
April 17th, 2007 at 9:14 am
The thing with the chain bugs me. If this was a domestic dispute run amok I’m a little curious how he produced the chain and the plan to use it so quickly. There could be a perfectly innocent explanation, like maybe the chain was hanging from the door or something, but it’s a niggling question I’d love to see an answer to.
April 17th, 2007 at 9:16 am
This morning, I’m filled with grief and frustration – grief for the families, and frustration because I know what’s coming. Some assholes will decide that the blood of young men and woman makes the perfect lever for more nanny-state laws. “Trust the state with your safety, you can’t do it alone”, and “it’s for the children” are going to be echoing for a while. What is most frustrating is that you can’t argue against it. Try to raise an objection and you’re shouted down, because you can’t argue with emotion.
April 17th, 2007 at 9:20 am
Les, the attack was definitely planned. The questions seems to be: was the first victim the party in the domestic dispute or was that a separate incident?
April 17th, 2007 at 10:20 am
[…] agree with Uncle that, given the data we have now, the police acted appropriately in not locking down the school […]
April 17th, 2007 at 6:03 pm
[…] Say Uncle: I wouldn’t be too hard on VT’s police for not locking down sooner. The original shooting fit the profile of a domestic dispute and that was backed up by witnesses. Seems there is a slight possibility that shooting may not even be related to the mass shooting. […]