Virginia Gun Owners Forum - VGOF

Captahab wrote:

Kreutz wrote:Have to stand by my original assertion this case was unique due to the environment (dark and very crowded) and the situation (gas grenades going off).

Plus he was at the front of the theater by the screen shooting into the crowd, anyone not in the first few rows would have to shoot into the crowd between them to try and take him out. A large modern movie (like the one this happened in) theater can easily hold 600 people and this movie had sell out crowds around the country.

I stillthink an armed citizen would not have helped, and may have in fact increased the death toll. The only way to neutralize this guy was to get him in the parking lot on his way back in to the theater, which would have required a crystal ball, which alas, few of us remember to bring with us when we leave our cars.

All in all shame he didn't off himself after. Sucks to be a Colorado tax payer stuck feeding this dude for life.

More than likely all of the patrons were on the floor between the seats and an armed citizen could not have hit them.
Secondly the only time I ever go to the movie is with my grandchildren. If I were there with them I would have gladly done everything I could have to protect them, be damned the consequences. I would much rather died trying to protect them than just hoping everything would be O.K.

All that may be true. Additionally as it was opening night (I think) it is possible that it took a few seconds to realize this was not some sort of a stunt. So even to a person prepared might have had a hard time reacting. However it has come out that he changed guns, his gun jammed, and he took time to harrass those he was shooting by grabbing them by the hair etc. I think if it was me in that theater with my 16 year old son or daughter that when that moment comes if I am in any way capable of returning fire I would do so. Is it a 100% foolproof idea, nope, does it have terrible risks, yes. I think there is a high chance by engaging that I would die. But I hold my children's lives at a premium I am perfectly willing to die so that they may have a chance to live. Additionally even with the kelvar and the armor a .45 round to the chest is going to hurt some. It will likely knock the person down at least giving others a chance to escape (and live). It might even give the CHLer a chance to escape. A gun does not solve everything, but if it does give you options. Be unarmed and all you can hope to do is tackle the guy (and then you know you are going to die).