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Yes, you can shutup about Colorado and keep your opinions on gun control to yourself

Reading Time: 6 minutes

I moved to Colorado about ten months ago.And though I am a native Texan, Colorado is my adoptive state. In my 31 years, 18 were in Texas and 12 were in Illinois, so that should tell you something. I love this state and the people in it. Just as the people of Texas are my people, the people of Colorado are my adoptive people. Recently, my Colorado people have suffered through forest fires. And now they’ve suffered through an horrific tragedy. My upbringing has been between one of the most conservative states in the union and one of the most liberal, as far as gun laws go. So I have a lot of friends on both sides of the gun issue that want to share their thoughts. And you know what? You can shut up about gun control for a day or two.

[Edit: July 26]An introduction to what you’re about to read

I wrote this article around midnight last Saturday. I live 20 or 30 minutes from Aurora. I know the theater. What happened wasn’t a piece of news, it was an event where live.  By midnight, Saturday, my friends in Illinois and Texas had already decided the fate of gun control for this country. I was fed up.

I am a web developer by trade. My blog averages 30 or 40 hits a week and suddenly, I was getting hundreds of views on this article. Business Insider picked it up and wanted to interview me. Because I am weary of what the media will write, I wrote the follow up article “I’m a hypocrite…” where I explained the reason I own an AK-74  was for fun and proposed that mandatory training should be the only regulation we need.  Fox News emailed me this morning and posted my blog post on their site (with an incorrect title).  And now I’m averaging 150 hits a minute.

What I wrote was a reaction to both the arguments for gun control and for concealed weapons. Both arguments have flaws and I wanted to rationalize the issues with both. If you’re looking for my position, it’s  the one where I have a 9mm Sig on my hip and an AK-74  in my hands.

And yes, I know an AK isn’t an assault rifle. I’m not an expert. 

My wife served six years in the Air Force, including time in wartime Bosnia. I applied to three different branches; I am unable to serve due to a medical condition. Saying that I don’t love the country, 2nd amendment, or freedom isn’t nice and it isn’t true.  Now… please put yourself in the context of a Saturday night in a suburb of Denver and keep reading.

[end of edit]

You can shutup about gun regulations and gun bans

I own an assault rifle, two handguns, and a shotgun. And of course, I purchased them all legally. I have a college degree and I don’t have any criminal history beyond speeding tickets. If you’re looking at a background check, I’m no different than James Eagan Holmes. Compare resumes and you’ll pick him; he had a better GPA than I did and actually pursued a higher education than I have.

The difference between James Holmes and me is that one of us walked into a theater and murdered people. One of us wanted to make our home into a giant bomb to kill our neighbors. One of us values human life.  There’s no law on the planet that will change how a man values the life of another. Outlaw online sales, assault rifles, guns, liquids over 3 ounces, and he still would find a way to murder.

You can shutup about how concealed carry fixes everything

Colorado isn’t much different from Texas as far as gun laws are concerned. In fact, Texas is the only state in the union where open carry is illegal ( the ability to carry a gun in public for all to see). Concealed carry is legal and fairly easy to obtain in the state of Colorado. In fact, my wife and I went through the class. Our course was taught by a police officer and firearms instructor; he was rarely qualified to educated us on conceal carry rules and the actual gun laws in Colorado.

So here’s a few things you should know:

  • It is perfectly legal to conceal a firearm in a movie theater in Colorado if you have a license
  • Colorado concealed-carry classes aren’t required to be taught by law enforcement
  • Colorado concealed-carry classes don’t require that you demonstrate proficiency with a fire arm
  • Colorado concealed-carry classes don’t require that you even shoot a firearm

You can shutup about how things would have been different if someone had a gun

I’ve fired and used guns my whole life. I don’t claim to be an expert or even overly proficient. And though I have shot a few thousand rounds in my life, I don’t think that would matter for me or  others in this situation. So here’s what you soon-to-be heroes with conceal weapons permits should know:

  • You’re not Jason Bourne, Jack Bauer, or Bruce Wayne. Situational awareness takes training that you don’t get as a civilian. You won’t recognize a threat until it’s too late.
  • Unless you’ve trained with the exact weapons system you’re carrying, you’ll you could  miss. It takes hundreds of hours with a firearm to really be proficient. Do you know what you’d do if it jams?  Can you reload before the last round leaves your chamber? How many rounds in your magazine? Have you even practiced drawing your weapon if it’s concealed? Now think about doing this in a firefight. 
  • Proficiency deteriorates without practice. When was the last time you fired your gun? Police and military practice regularly for their jobs. You do it irregularly for fun.
  • A thousand hours on the range aren’t the same as a hundred seconds in a real shootout. Can you recognize the threat, obtain a site picture, and neutralize the target with a gun pointed at you?  Police and military don’t just learn how to do this once, they actually train in these situations.
  • There’s a solid chance you won’t even pull the trigger. There is huge psychological trauma associated with taking a life. Estimates are that between 1/3rd and 1/4th of guns on the battlefield in WWII were never shot. There are even police officers and soldiers who have been killed because they didn’t have what it took to kill.
  • Even if you train with your gun, you do it until you get it right. Police and military do it until they don’t get it wrong.  You’re just not ready like they are to use your gun. Your reaction may not be the same as someone who’s trained for this. 

I really don’t care what you think could have been different

Real people died. This isn’t the time to run your mouth about politics and gun control. And while my friends are alive and well, some of their friends and family aren’t so lucky.  This is real to me.

So yeah…I’m betting that 100% of people getting shot would like to have a way to protect themselves. Not one person there was thinking, “I wish it were harder to get an assault rifle…maybe we should repeal the 2nd amendment.” They were running for their lives and praying for deliverance. Every person there wanted a way to end the violence. This is about surviving a shootout, not repealing guns.

I don’t give two craps what you think you would have done if you were there. You weren’t. Hundreds of others were. They could have been armed, and maybe some were. Just a gun isn’t enough. Even if you’re police or military, there’s a difference between training for this and experiencing it. Unless you’ve experienced a fire-fight, shut up.

Just shutup about Colorado

I live in the Denver area, and not very far from Aurora. On July 20th I woke up with the news and was scared for the lives of my church family. I’m not affected nearly in the same way these victims are. But I may meet these victims and their families. My wife may go to work with people who were there.  Families of victims may visit my church. This isn’t something that happened on the news. This is something that happened where I live.

I could have been there. I could have had a gun. I could have done something.

But I wasn’t there.I wouldn’t have had a gun (because I don’t have my license yet), and I don’t have a clue what I would have done.

So all I can do is shutup and pray. So should you.

[July 24, 2012: UPDATE: I’m a hypocrite. Rob Wile from Business Insider had a 45-minute interview with me on the subject of gun control]

[July 24, 2012: UPDATE: here’s a follow up blog post I wrote which summarizes my interview with Rob: ]

[July 25, 2012: UPDATE: Here’s the article on Business Insider]

[July 26, 2012: UPDATE: Fox news asks permission to repost part of the blog, and subsequently the world hates me. ]

[July 25, 2012: UPDATE: On account of the factual issues and general thoughts of what’s been written, I’ve written a small summary of corrections for you  to review]

459 Comments


  1. This article is boring, pointless and comes to no conclusions whatsoever. It also makes broad and subjective statements about the population as a whole when the author has no evidence to back up any claims. For example, I’m sure there are possibly people out there that are just as talented (or more so) with threat recognition and firearms usage than someone who has 20 years of military combat experience. The article comes to no conclusions and tries to take a neutral stance on gun control even though the article is primarily on gun control. Normally I would not tear apart someone’s blog but since this was on the Fox News website as an article it should be done. Finally, the only way to ever stop people from killing others with firearms is to stop making firearms–period. I don’t see that happening any time soon.


  2. I heard the theater had a no gun policy. So even if you had a permit to conceal one, the theater didn’t allow guns. Although I don’t know how they would determine if someone is armed. There were trained military in the theater. You’re telling me if they were armed they might not have had a chance to return fire? Many people described the shooter and how he stood there and just aimed randomly. If they saw all that they could easily shoot him. They probably could see better than the shooter as the shooter was wearing a gas mask. I like the way you tell everyone to shut up with their opinions, yet you go on and on with your opinions. Rubbish.


    1. Thank Jimmy Carter for disarming our boys when they are off base.


  3. This guy obviously has no idea what he is writing about. I own firearms and I was trained in their use in the military but that was 25 years ago. I go to the gun range a maybe twice a year and I can still, at 50 and with mediocre eye sight, hit a man sized target at 50 feet 9 times out of ten. If in such a situation as the theatre killings, do I know how I would react? No, but you can bet dollars to doughnuts that I am willing to protect myself and my family, even if that means killing another human. How can the writer make a blanket statement that since he is a mamby-pamby bed wetter, unable to protect himself and his loved ones, that everyone else in the country is as well. Thank God we have warriors that are willing to kill or be killed protecting our great nation instead of panty waste like this guy.


  4. You made some very valid and important points. The biggest point you made was this is NOT the time to talk about gun laws much less passing or even debating gun laws. It is a time of reflection and mourning and praying to God for those who died and were there and the best way to prevent future traumas such as this. Put away the rhetoric both right and left and lets pray, if you don’t believe in God do what you would do to mourn those that were involved especially the victims but also are brave civil servants who willingly put their lives on the line for their communities every day. It was a traumatic experience for them as well and I personally pray to God I never have to face what Aurora did!


  5. Emotional, angry, inconclusive rant from a firearm/combat layman.

    You want everyone to shut up. So – should America ignore the problem? Discussing the issue – including ‘what you would do…’ – is the only way our society can help mitigate these atrocities.

    That said, I _won’t_ shut up. If I would have had the chance, I would have fired back. I also have never been in a firefight; but I’ve had some training and regularly think about the mindset. A big part of combat preparation has, and always will, rely on faith and courage alone. The Jack Bauer mindset is necessary, to a point.

    Your WWII statistic is absolutely erroneous. Of the weapons carried by American troops in direct contact with the enemy – how many of THOSE were left unfired? _That_ is the pertinent stat.

    Of COURSE tactics/strategy/logistics and training define the ability and effectiveness to counter-attack.

    Your overall message is: “I’m going to stick my head in the sand, but before I do, I’ll spout off an inconclusive rant.”

    My overall message: more people should carry guns more often with more realistic training and preparation. The vast majority of citizens value human life, and have the courage to protect it; train and equip, then train again…

    ‘GUN FREE ZONES’ keep guns only in the hands of criminals and psychopaths.

    RIP to all those who passed away and were injured, thoughts and prayers to all of you, all friends and family… <3


  6. I agree: this blog post is full of uninformed bluster. Regular citizens stop crimes all over this country, every week, by exercising their 2d Amendment rights. Most of these stories don’t make mass media news, but several have happened in my hometown just in the last few months. There are so many rebuttals available to most of the points he raised, but one of the best, and most humorous, was the 71 year old gentleman in Ocala, FL, who fended off two armed intruders, and put steel on target with a little 380 pistol. Google the video if you haven’t seen it, and you’ll LYAO. So, blogger, I think it’s actually time for you to “shut up.”


  7. I have been in law enforcement for 25 years and the military for 22 years. I have been a firearms instructor for about 20 years and have been on SWAT for 10 years. I agree with a lot of what you say. Most of the posts I read are either arrogant or ignorant. I don’t care about open carry or hidden carry, whether you can shoot a man sized target at a 100 yrds or not. One area where I differ with you is I don’t care how much training a person with a CCW has. If he has a weapon in a situation like this, I want him to react to save his or other’s lives! I know under stress he is not likely to hit his target. But I know that vast majority of these active shooters are cowards and if they hear or see lead zinging over their heads, they will hesitate or run like the cowards they are. I personally know of an active shooter in a school that when an officer shot back, he dropped his weapon and begged not to be shot. The majority of these shooters have less training than a CCW carrier does. With an LE on the spot, the goal would be to stop the threat. My expectations for a civilan would be to make the shooter hesitate and run, ideally to hit and stop him. 911 is not your 1st line of defense. YOU ARE!! Or if you’re lucky someone with a firearm is next to you. Even if SWAT were staged outside the theater at the exact minute the shooter started shooting, it would take several minutes for them to get to you. We will not run blindly to the shooting. We will move tactically as the 1st rule of being a rescuer is not to become a victim, hence we cannot help you. One of the major problems with this country are the sheep. They believe and demand they have the right to be safe just because they live in America. The problem is predators don’t follow the rules, just like “gun free zones” and innocent people die in those zones. But then because of PC liberals, society isn’t supposed to confront evil bullies. They are taught to ignore them and if attacked, don’t fight back, run, hide, lock the door, call for help! While waiting and hiding, many grown able adult men die. I have another idea, how about you, me and a few others bum rush this bastard (better yet, pull out your CCW) and stop him. I may get shot, you may get shot, but do you die hiding behind a chair begging for a miracle or do you counter attack and make a miracle? – My 2 bits


    1. Well said, Bill..


  8. Texas is not the only state which forbids open carry. Illinois doesn’t allow it either and he should know that as a former resident.

    Honestly, I can’t tell which side of the fence this guy is on, but for a guy who is telling everyone to shut up he sure has a lot to say.

    Some say the outcome would have been different if only… Just as it is impossible to prove they are right, it is also impossible to prove they are wrong. What is undeniable, however, is the victims would have had a chance of defending themselves. Nine minutes passed before someone was able to dial 911 and another 2 minutes passed before police arrived. Hit or miss, being able to do something, anything, is better than sitting there helplessly for 11 minutes waiting to be the next person in the line of fire and unable to do a damn thing about it.


  9. a couple of points.. anybody in that theater who could have returned fire onto Holmes may have been able to save lives. it’s one thing to slaughter innocents and it’s another thing to try and shoot someone who can shoot back.
    a true assault rifle is capable of full auto fire, most citizens own rifles that only look like assault rifles.


  10. 1) Guns exist.
    2) Guns aren’t going away.
    3) Wishing there weren’t any guns around is a like believing in fairytale.
    4) It is each persons personal right and responsibility to provide his/her own self protection. Other than your parents while you are a minor no one else responsible for your safety.
    5) There is no constitutional amendment or law the provides any citizen the right to protection from crime.
    5) In over 10 cases the supreme court has affirmed that the police are not responsible to protect any individual. If they fail to protect anyone they are not accountable.
    6) Cops in the vast majority of instances show up after the crime has been committed. They can’t be everywhere.
    7) Criminals will get guns whether it legal or not.
    8) As long as there are groups of unarmed people under the delusion that they are safe, there will be bad guys willing to take advantage of that situation.
    9) As people defend themselves there may be unintended collateral damage. (even fully trained people make mistakes)
    10) The instances of damage due to #8 far outweigh #9 (In my opinion).
    11) People who carry legally concealed weapons are just people who have come to terms with 1-10 above and are acting (I think maturely and responsibly) under these premises.
    12) I don’t want anyone forcing me to relinquish my right and responsibility to provide for my own self-protection.
    13)If more people had guns there would likely be more uses of guns in crimes of passion.
    14)If more people had guns there would likely be less premeditated crimes.
    15) I believe that the benefits to #14 far outweigh the negatives of #13.
    16) The US democratic foundations were based on the premise that you should trust the citizens. There are far more law abiding, responsible, trustworthy people in the US than their are people willing to break the law. The odds are vastly in our favor.

    – Just my thoughts


    1. Really? More “collateral damage” than the dozens of people that were being shot anyway? That’s like saying you don’t want to wear a seat belt in a 70 mph crash because it might make your tummy hurt after..


      1. I think you missed my point.
        I’m referring to gun control in general. If more people carried and used their weapons in defense. There would be a few more accidents happen. By that I mean some people would be harmed that weren’t intended to be harmed in ones own defense. I fully support the idea that even in a darkened room, the screen and dim lighting would have provided enough for the entire theater to see where Holms was standing and could have returned fire. I believe in hind sight that more people would have been saved and less hurt had that occured. His actions suggested to me that his protective gear was for the protection from the audience. Had it been for the police he wouldn’t have surrendered so easily. And even if a couple people would have been harmed by return fire, there is a good change less than 12 would have died and less than the 50 or so people would have been wounded. It would have been a net benefit.


      2. Forgot one point. His protective gear suggested to me he was afraid that someone in the audience would be carrying and pose a threat to him.
        If one did and he was struck with a round even in the bullet proofing areas. A 40 or 45 would cause bruising under the jacket and could knock you down. It would have at a worst distracted him and at best killed him or caused him to flee.


  11. I agree with all of your points but unless you have a class III Federal Firearms License I doubt if you have an assault rifle. Neither did Holmes. Its more likely you have an assault weapon as did he.


    1. Not an assault weapon/rifle unless it could fire a 3-round burst or had a full auto capability. He did not have a military weapon.


  12. Many bad, & even laughable assumptions by the author here. First, the Theater had a NO GUN policy, which makes it illegal to carry a gun in there if the theater was posted properly. Second, there are plenty of civilians who are trained to even higher levels than most cops to use a firearm. Many of them are former military, & there were military members in the audience that night. Too bad they made the mistake of going into a “no gun” kill zone. Lastly, I am an NRA Certified Pistol Instructor, with much more standing to speak on the issue than the author, who while lacking any professional firearms experience himself seems awfully quick to tell others to “shut up”. Well we won’t shut up about the facts.. In Florida a elderly man recently sent two armed thugs, one with a bat, & one with a gun scrambling out of an Internet Cafe they tried to rob & tripping over each other while he shot them in the ass. He hit both of them, & didn’t seem to have a problem doing it. So, the author is the one who needs to get with reality. Guns in the hands of law abiding citizens could most definitely have changed the odds in favor of the innocent. To come to any other conclusion is delusional.


  13. At no point does the writer actually explain why he owns an assault rifle. Also, the caption writer apparently doesn’t know the difference between a cartridge and a clip. Otherwise a highly informative and subtly nuanced article.


    1. Roger…you dont know the difference between a clip and a magazine it seems. The picture shows magazines.


      1. I know. It’s just that “clip” sounds better when paired up with “cartridge.” Many of us gun owners have an ear for language.


  14. I live in one of the most restrictive states, NY, and this is what we have to do to simply own a pistol, NO CCW allowed.
    1. 6 month wait
    2. 4 notarized character references.
    3. Disclosure of all medications we are on.
    4. Disclosure if family member ever saw a shrink.
    5. Disclosure of all jobs and why you left.
    6. disclosure of all addresses.
    7. Disclosure of traffic tickets and summonses.


    1. Sorry, disclosure of medications you are taking and meds that you took, even 10 years ago. So many violations with the process, HIPAA, civil, doctor/patient privacy, just to name a few, where are you ACLU ?


      1. NRAILA is always asking me for $$, but they do NOTHING for NY residents.


        1. Well they can’t go and vote for you… that’s the problem in CA, NY, CT, MA, HI and likely soon-to-be CO- less-than-bright folks think that sending $35/yr to the NRA will fix the “problem. The problem is that you folks keep sending the wrong people to Sacramento, Albany, Hartford, Boston and Honolulu.


  15. I was Navy for 6 years and Army for 6 years. I have a Glock 21, .45 Cal, 230 Grain HP. If I was there in Colordo, Holmes would be dead. Period…And yes, I do have extensive training with M-16s, M-4s, Ma=Duece .50 cal, .60 ground and air, MK-19 Auto grenade launcher, SAW (Squad Automaic Weapon), M203 Grenade Launcher, 9mm and of course the Glock. Dead as a doornail….


  17. And, his Gas Mask is not bullet proof, head shot would have taken him out quick…..


  18. The first two sections of your blog are insightful, however the last two, especially that police officers and military train “until they don’t get it wrong” and that things would not have been different had someone in the theater been armed, are really…well…ridiculous. First of all…go down to the range and talk to the guys who are there when the police qualify with their sidearms or shotguns…the stories will astound you. The targets that some more “interested” range owners keep to prove it will nothing short of scare you. Most officers shoot their firearms only twice a year to qualify and the standards are beyond surprisingly low due to that fact. The average cop has about the same statistical odds of drawing their firearm and discharging it in defense of his/herself or someone else as the average citizen. In the military few soldiers on the battlefield carry sidearms, and if by military you mean any branch of the special forces then I agree, but the average PFC, not a chance. He or she has probably never carried much less fired a firearm in combat unless he or she is a pilot, in which case they are an officer so…like I said. As to your assertion that it would have made no difference if someone else were armed and fired in defense, that’s obtuse. First of all…you don’t know that. Second of all, You don’t know that. Last of all…well, you get the point. I am inclined to agree with you to some point, but using the law of averages and plain old history as a guide, regardless of the chaotic nature of the engagement, having the ability to return fire significantly increases the likelihood of survival. Not having that ability significantly increases your odds of becoming a victim. Most everything else made sense to me. Those years in Illinois must have been hard on you ;-)


  19. Had I been in attendance, the little douchenozzle would have found his mission a bit more problematical.

    A bright light and 17 rds. of 10mm ballistic therapy would have been more than a match for a punk counting on a herd of defenseless sheep.


  20. An awful lot of assumptive conclusions masquerading as facts. We don’t know a lot, but you don’t either about how this incident or others might have gone down differently. But, if you think you are above proficient with firearms or what you would do is what everyone would do, is ludicrous. You may as well say but for those who shielded others you would conclude no one did or would do anything heroic, but we know they did.

    Your stated firearms experience is not that great among gun people, but probably above average of the population as a whole (see an assumption but stated as such). Even in a protective vest it is no picnic to get hit by a round, and doubt he would have done much more before others could get there, but since everyone would have missed, why even bother with getting a CCW?


  21. Your general premises are correct, except that most police departments do NOT qualify at the required intervals because of the lack of funds for ammo, time needed and availability of ranges. M local police are supposed to shoot once a month – if they do it once every 6 months they’re lucky.

    And the majority of the 35-40 members of my gun club who weekly shoot at our own version of IPSC/IDPA events (practical and defensive shooting groups started by police officers) would outshoot almost all the police in the state.

    Also, several of us are vets of Vietnam (myself included) and Iraq & Afganistan – and understand the pressure and ‘fog’ of war, but have the experience to handle violent situations. And you’re right – we weren’t there, but if it happens when we are, I hope, pray and expect the results to be different; especially since once this creep was confronted, he folded and gave up.

    One other side note – I was informed that the cinema was a “gun free” zone. Well that had as much effect as our local speed limit signs – NONE. But unfortunately, people won’t learn.


    1. Yeah, NYPD shootings usually involve at least 50 firings and one hit.


  22. Very appropriate;

    I began considering CCL several months ago and researched the subject from authors such as Masaad Ayoob and David Kenick’s, “Armed Response.”
    These were absolutely eye-opening. So much to CCL and lethal force defense than most people would even began to think, not to mention all the horrible criminal and civil repercussions.
    In Ohio, you are required to take a 12 hour course including qualifying on the range. I believe I’ll take the class and then decide from there.
    And I am 20 years retired military.
    Good evening.


  23. You can easily shut up in telling people to shut up about how things could’ve been different in the theater if someone else had a gun there. Why? See below.

    Just three of many cases where a citizen with a gun stopped or curtailed murderous bloodshed. April 2012 in Aurora, CO, felon killed by gun carrying congregant after felon kills mother of pastor of New Destiny Christian Church.
    Dec 2007, security officer (not police) kills gunman after gunman opens fire killing 2 church members outside the New Life Church in Colorado Springs. Then 2 weeks ago in Florida, a pensioner (you know a senior citizen) proves he’s got steadier hands than you do by wounding two perps who attempted to rob the bank he was in. CCTV showed the pensioner started shooting at the 2 perps in the middle of the crowded bank and chased them outside of the bank. Both perps were hit by his bullets and later arrested.


  24. Bravo. I will bring up one minor point. If a private property owner (re: movie theatre, e.g. AMC) ADEQUATELY (emphasis mine) posts no weapons allowed, then the point is moot, CCW or not.


    1. As you will see in earlier posts. Legally you can carry a concealed weapon into a movie theater even if it is posted. The only legal recourse for the theater is if after asking you to leave as a result of discovering your weapon, you don’t. The point is not moot.


  25. On the benefit of concealed carry. It does and would solve a lot. You are correct, it is not a complete answer. Low lives (like the Aurora shooter) pick places to attack that present little chance of an armed response. Examples being colleges, schools, late night movies with mostly young kids in attendance. If he was fearless, why did he drop and surrender so quickly? Why did he plan on distractions to draw most police to the other side of town? He knew the kevlar vest would not stop all bullets. These kind of idiots hope and expect unarmed sheeple. If a state has 50% CWP ownership versus 0%, this does impact crime. It does not stop it. The lase against murder does not stop murder. There are numerous studies from experts who have shown the impact on crime by enacting a CWP law. As for the notation of “you being there would not have made a difference”. This leaves out several critical impacts someone with a gun may well have introduced. A true man or woman in that theatre with their handgun that ran to an open area, away from the children, and began firing at the shooter would have benn a great benefit. This act would give the 12 yr old or the mother of two small children some time to get out. It is not a guarantee but, just like a fireman who runs into a building engulfed in flames, some people put children above themselves. Some people see protecting their nephew or niece as a moral obligation and would take that challenge. This should not be dismissed. You noted how just personal practice and training would not qualify you to actually shoot at the attacker. Also, that you would be useless in part because the attacker would be shooting at you. You fail to recognize, he picked a theatre with predominantly young school kids on summer break. He did not expect anyone to present a challenge. Body armor may stop bullet penetration but it does not stop the impact and damage that still occurs. He was obviously terrified of any reaction to him. He to, would be faced with bullets coming his way. A shot to the face or the pain of shots to the chest would be of consequence to him. This could also grant time for a 12 yr old to get out.


  26. Look, douche bag, just because you choose to remain less than proficient with your firearms doesn’t mean that everyone does. You can shut up if you think that even one person with a weapon and proficiency with the same couldn’t have at least saved one precious life. Shut your fucking mouth when you don’t know about what you speak. And don’t speak for the rest of us, simply because you suck with your weapons!!


    1. This guy is a poorly disgused anti gunner. Or an very open pessimist.


  27. While I commend your attempt at writing an informative “pro” gun article, you need to get a clue. You state you have an assault rifle. Really? You have a fully automatic weapon? If not you do not have an “assault” rifle. You have a semiautomatic rifle that the MSM calls “assault” to scare people. You claim to have fired a few thousand rounds in your life. Wow, I fire approximately 500 each time at the range. Yet you “know” how people will react when faced with a shoot or kill scenario. Granted, many people will not fare well, but there are many, and I mean many thousands of people who will fare extremely well. Why? Because they train. Something you ought to try. Do a little research on how many crimes are estimated to be thwarted each year by gun carrying good guys, you know the ones you say won’t cut it. You may be overly surprised. Before you attempt your next gun article, get your arse some training. At least then you’ll appear somewhat intelligent.


  28. I am among the CCW’s that would have stopped this joker very quickly. Not everyone is unprepared. Not everyone is panicky. Not everyone loses their cool and their aim. If you do then get out of the way. Don’t speak for me or the others that have courage, skills and steel to handle these problems. Maybe you should thank us instead of telling us to “shut up.” We don’t need to “shut up.” We don’t waste time talking when work needs done. You’re a punk with a big mouth.


  29. Just because someone was in military doesn’t mean he/she has much firearm training except the little in basic training. Also, some cops couldn’t hit the back side of a elephant at 5 yards with a pistol, and would probably wet themselves like the rest of us would in a fire-fight. I certainly respect police a lot but they cannot be everywhere at once and be everyone’s saviour like some of them think they are or like you see in the movies. I agree with the majority on this blog that this person comes off arrogantly and not knowledgeable.


  30. Frank, if you had had your license and were carrying, and at the theatre, and you don’t “have a clue” what you would have done..should you bother carrying at all?..you just got done saying how pros and experts train for this, and how the average gun owner would be worthless in this situation..you kept saying shut up about this, shut up about that..maybe you should have waited a bit longer to say your piece(yes, I read your addendum to your original blog..)..

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