Recent news reports have made the topic of mass shootings into a "teachable moment." Specifically, I'm referring to Walmart's enactment of a policy of asking its customers to refrain from open carrying in Walmart stores. Apparently, Walmart thinks that customers are upset by the sight of openly carried weapons (while concealed carry is "out of sight, out of mind.")
Walmart aside, one can see "No guns allowed" signs at various establishments around where I live. What are the implications of "No guns allowed?"
A responsible gun owner that respected others' property rights would obey such signs.
However, are we to believe that a depraved individual on a shooting rampage would be deterred by a "No guns allowed" sign? There is no reason to think that a rampage shooter would obey such a request. Therefore, establishments that display "No guns allowed" signs could potentially be convenient kill zones for rampage shooters.
What should the property rights-respecting persons in Arizona (or the average person in other states) do to avoid danger from random mass shootings?
My recommendations are based on the following assumptions. A random shooter will tend to . . .
1. Not obey "No Guns Allowed" signs.
2. Choose a target-rich kill zone so as to rack up a higher body count.
3. Choose a time of day when the target-rich kill zone is most crowded.
4. Choose a kill zone that is lightly-defended or undefended in order to rack up a larger number of
kills before he himself is killed.
Recommendations:
1. First of all, keep in mind that the number of people who are killed by rampage shooters is still small compared to other forms of death, accidental and purposely inflicted (as per Neil Degrasse Tyson's recent tweet).
2. Avoid going to establishments that post signs "No Guns Allowed" without backing up their policy with further actions such as installing metal detectors or hiring armed security guards. If you must enter such an establishment, spend as little time there as possible.
3. Only go to "no-gun" establishments during hours when there are few customers or avoid establishments (like Walmart) that attract large numbers of people.
4. When shopping at kill zones, be sure to know where the nearest exits are and have a plan for what you will do in case of an emergency (situational awareness).
Finally, I'd like to establish a rating system for how much stores or other establishments care about their customers' safety. From highest to lowest:
1. Establishments with metal detectors and/or armed security guards are the most solicitous of their customers' safety. Of course, such measures add to the cost of their products.
2. Establishments that have no policy with regards to customers carrying firearms at least do not hinder the customer from making provision for his or her own safety.
3. Establishments that merely post "No Guns Allowed" signs without any further measures show the least concern for the safety of their customers.
