Texting argument leaves one dead, another hurt in movie theater shooting

[alp227]

Source: Tampa Bay Times

WESLEY CHAPEL — An argument between patrons over texting sparked a shooting that left one person dead and another injured in a Pasco County movie theater Monday, sheriff's officials said.

The moviegoers were sitting in the dark for the 1:20 p.m. show of Lone Survivor at the Cobb Grove 16 theater near Interstate 75.

Sheriff Chris Nocco said a man and his wife got into an argument with another couple, seated in front of them, who were texting and making noise. The man in back asked the other man to stop, then pulled a .380 semi-automatic handgun and shot him and the woman.

The male victim was flown to a Tampa area hospital and later confirmed dead. The woman was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.

Read more: http://www.tampabay.com/news/publicsafety/crime/two-people-shot-at-wesley-chapel-movie-theater/2160784

---

Tampa Tribune: One dead, another wounded after Wesley Chapel theater shooting

AP: 2 shot at Fla. movie theater, 1 later dies

Reuters: Man shot dead at Florida theater showing 'Lone Survivor'

[uhnope]

1. stand your movie ground

sick society

[jimlup]

2. I mean it isn't funny but I couldn't help but LOL...

I hate people texting and talking in the movie theater. I guess the lesson here is that you should go find an usher or some other legitimate authority if it bothers you to the point of pulling a gun.

Yet another argument against concealed carry laws. What the hell is a hand gun doing in a movie theater???

[awoke_in_2003]

9. Shooting is wrong...

but the phone people are annoying. In a dark theater their screen looks like a spotlight.

[secondvariety]

20. The movie hadn't started

http://www.tampabay.com/news/publicsafety/crime/two-people-shot-at-wesley-chapel-movie-theater/2160784

and the shooter was an ex-Tampa cop.

[Kelvin Mace]

25. Well, if he is white, an ex-cop

and shot someone in Florida under Florida's "He Needed Killing' "Stand Your Ground" law, he will probably walk. If the victims were black the chance approaches near certainty.

[olddad56]

41. is that the rule. being an asshole is okay until the movie starts?

[secondvariety]

49. The world

is full of assholes. I don't know about you, but I don't feel the need to shoot every one of them I meet.

[1StrongBlackMan]

68. I've run into plenty of a$$holes ...

in my time ... and I can't say that I've been moved, or even tempted, to shoot any of them.

[frylock]

57. i'm guessing that you're cool with the outcome if that's your takeaway

[passiveporcupine]

60. If the movie hadn't started yet,

how was he (or his companion) being an asshole?

[1StrongBlackMan]

66. The previews ...

had started. Can't go interrupting them previews!

[passiveporcupine]

72. Yeah, I know you are being sarcastic

I'm 64 now and I remember going to movies before there were home videos, and even then people talked and laughed and got up and walked around a lot during the previews. Nobody cared until the movie started. It was like social time.

I just don't get people being this uptight. The shooter had some serious issues and was just looking for a victim to take it out on. I'm hoping he didn't have a dog or kids at home...or even a wife.

[1StrongBlackMan]

74. So true ...

the previews are previews.

We are lost as a society when people prove incapable of ignoring life's minor inconveniences. And someone texting during a movie ranks way down there on my (and I would hazard to guess, most emotionally healthy folks') list of inconveniences.

[DisgustipatedinCA]

67. Another pro-murder post

You've lost something that you need to get back, if you wish to be fully human.

[Skittles]

15. paranoid gun humpers want their weapons with them at all times

Last edited Mon Jan 13, 2014, 07:38 PM - Edit history (1)

they're PARANOID - of course they're gonna take their gun with them to the theater - someone might be TEXTING and INTERRUPTING THEIR MOVIE!

[sulphurdunn]

19. Or something might

come out of the screen and attack them. Especially in a 3D flick.

[Dustlawyer]

3. Wonder what was in the background of the shooter? Mental/anger management issues?

[kelly1mm]

34. retired Tampa police officer. nt

[Quixote1818]

111. I guess he had at least one other incident with texters

A lady called into police and said he confronted her about texting and after she put the phone away he followed her around the theater and she felt very threatened. He seems to be a very aggressive, angry person who thinks texting at a movie is right up there with things like assault and murder and by God he is going to put a stop to it!

[MH1]

116. A guy carrying a gun legally.

Although not supposed to be carrying it a movie theater, apparently, according to a posted sign.

But the relevant point is that he was tagged "responsible gun owner" by the legal authorities.

I guess the dead guy's family might beg to differ with that assessment, but it's a bit late for them now.

Grrr ....

[OnyxCollie]

4. While it is unfortunate that someone died,

what the fuck is it with people who have to text EVERYWHERE, CONSTANTLY?

Driving a car, where lack of attention could kill myself or others- GOTTA TEXT!

In a movie theater, where I could disturb others (including those with guns)- GOTTA TEXT!

Put the goddamn devices DOWN!

[TheCowsCameHome]

7. Along the same line,

what the fuck is with people that can't function without having a goddamn gun in their possession?

[OnyxCollie]

10. Yup.

Both are symptoms of an unhealthy need.

[ForgoTheConsequence]

38. Maybe....

But no one has ever killed a classroom full of children with an iPhone.

[OnyxCollie]

42. Right.

Because texting and murder ARE EXACTLY THE SAME.

Gun control advocates might be more effective if they didn't attack those who were on their side.

[A Simple Game]

44. Don't take it too personal, because I'm probably the only one that has no idea

what you are talking about.

[ForgoTheConsequence]

48. I'm not the one who used this murder as an opportunity to rant....

No one cares how you feel about cell phones and this certainly isn't the time to make that point.

[OnyxCollie]

52. Someone annoyed a person with a gun and was shot.

What do you want me to do about it?

[ForgoTheConsequence]

82. Not be a prick?

Or is that too difficult? How about not blaming the victim? Also too difficult?

[DisgustipatedinCA]

69. You're the one trying to mitigate this murder.

Did you expect people to give you roses for that little performance?

[OnyxCollie]

75. Oh, bullshit.

Someone got killed by a gun-toting nut because of an annoying behavior.

Lesson to be learned: gun-toting nuts are everywhere, and annoying them, and arguing with them, can get you killed. Do you have a problem with that?

[DisgustipatedinCA]

76. Yes, I happen to have a HUGE problem with cold blooded murder.

If bootlicking gun thugs is your thing, go for it. But your advice is less than useless to me. Keep it to yourself while you celebrate the slaughter.

[OnyxCollie]

78. Next time you get cut off, give someone the bird.

Let me know how that turns out (if you are able.)

'Cause gosh-darn it, one can be able to do any thing, at any time, and everyone will act rationally in response to that action. No personal responsibility necessary.

[NoGOPZone]

83. I've given the finger several times while driving without issue

Maybe people get scared when they see the gun rack on my front bumper

[DisgustipatedinCA]

90. His daughter was 3 years old.

You're a fucking sick person, and I want nothing to do with you, ever. You're fucking disgusting.

[OnyxCollie]

91. Put me on ignore.

Buh bye.

[DisgustipatedinCA]

92. I chose to remember the banality of evil that exists even here.

My hope is that you truly and viscerally come to understand what you've done. But you won't.

[OnyxCollie]

93. Keep feigning that outrage.

The hate will fuel you through another day.

[DisgustipatedinCA]

99. Keep getting off to people being murdered in front of their families

You have no empathy. You're not able to put yourself in others' shoes. There's a name for that. Those around you should monitor the situation.

[OnyxCollie]

101. Do you get a piece rate for your straw man arguments?

For not wanting anything to do with me, and calling me "fucking disgusting," it seems you can't keep away from the keyboard (or are you posting your unhealthy obsession from an iPhone?)

[NuclearDem]

96. NEENER NEENER LEAVE IT

[OnyxCollie]

97. Civil discourse is dead.

It's why arguments lead to murder.

[ForgoTheConsequence]

124. No it's not.

In fact most people function and get by every day without murdering someone or without getting murdered.


I know it's not the cowboy world you fantasies about, tough.

[ForgoTheConsequence]

80. I have a problem with it....

And you should too, as should anyone who isn't a fucking nutcase.


Interesting that non gun owners need to practice "personal responsibility", I guess gun nuts are free to do whatever. Personally I think its pathetic and sad that we live in a society where something so petty can end in loss of life.


I guess we can't all be hardened tough guy internet posters like yourself. It's always the victims fault to people like you.

[OnyxCollie]

84. I do have a problem with it.

But it's overzealous gun control advocates like yourself that make any discussion impossible.

Do I think people should be able to bring a gun into a theater? No.

Do I think people should be able to text in a movie theater? No. (There are usually slides that say, "Please be courteous: turn off your cellphone.&quot

Do I think people should shut off their cellphones if asked? Yes.

Do I think people should shoot and kill others who refuse to comply? No.

Do I think people should get a stiff prison sentence for killing a person and wounding another? Yes. (Hell, maybe even the death penalty. I'm kinda ambivalent on the matter.)

Do I think people should act rationally? Yes. Do I expect them to do so every time? No.

Apparently that makes me a bootlicker for the gun lobby.

In conclusion: you can be an asshole all you want, ignoring all the rules and without consideration of others, and if others tell you to stop, you can tell them, "Fuck you. I'll text whenever I feel like it."

If the person you're arguing with happens to be a retired cop with an itchy trigger finger and a quick temper (or say, a mixed martial arts fighter hopped up on 'roids), and that person shoots/beats you to death, you in no way are responsible for the outcome.

[warrant46]

87. Nice reply

There is a certain mindset here that wants to give all the power to the government. And and let it regulate every inch of everyone's life.

That includes disarming everyone.

A retired cop in most states can carry a concealed weapon anywhere. You will never get the guns out of their hands NEVER

As far as politeness it doesn't exist any more.

The new term is "Disrespect". Do that in the inner city and see what happens---- gun laws or no gun laws

[ForgoTheConsequence]

113. Do what, text?

Have you ever been to a theater in any "inner city"? They are full of kids texting, and no one gets shot. What a racist, idiotic comment.

[ForgoTheConsequence]

114. More victim blaming.....

You could have summed it up with "he partially deserved to get murdered".

[OnyxCollie]

115. He chose to argue

with a person who, unbeknownst to him, was crazy and packing heat.

He chose poorly.

[tabasco]

117. I bet you're one of those people who doesn't have the courage to argue with someody

You just pull out a gun, big man. P.O.S.

[ForgoTheConsequence]

121. That seems to be the gist....

These people only have courage because they're packing, if they didn't have a gun they would be total cowards..... And then to have the nerve to justify it and say "they asked for it!"

[ForgoTheConsequence]

120. She chose to wear a short skirt

Around a sex predator.....


He chose to flaunt his homosexuality


Around a homophobic bigot.......





Victim blaming is never right.

[obxhead]

53. Yet

A school bus holds about a classroom of kids.

We'll hear the story of the accident due to texting one day. It's not if, it's when.

[passiveporcupine]

61. they just haven't made an app for that yet!

Sorry...not a jokey thread. I just couldn't resist.

[1StrongBlackMan]

71. Or better ...

what the f@#% s wrong with people where they are unable to ignore minor inconveniences? And someone texting in a theater IS a minor inconvenience!

[Sissyk]

43. Somebody can't alert for 24 hours.

Return to My InboxMark as unreadDelete this messageBlock this sender
5:29 PM
Automated Message
AUTOMATED MESSAGE: Results of your Jury Service

On Mon Jan 13, 2014, 05:22 PM an alert was sent on the following post:

While it is unfortunate that someone died,
http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1014&pid=696441

REASON FOR ALERT

This post is disruptive, hurtful, rude, insensitive, over-the-top, or otherwise inappropriate.

ALERTER'S COMMENTS

This is the equivalent of "she was asking for it because she wore provocative clothing".

You served on a randomly-selected Jury of DU members which reviewed this post. The review was completed at Mon Jan 13, 2014, 05:29 PM, and the Jury voted 0-6 to LEAVE IT.

Juror #1 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: Alerter, please. Frivilous alert.
Juror #2 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
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Juror #3 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
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Explanation: I wouldn't read it the way the post was reported. Sort of a 'while we are on the topic' rant.
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Explanation: disagree with the alert. It is not the equivalent

Thank you very much for participating in our Jury system, and we hope you will be able to participate again in the future.

[OnyxCollie]

46. The result of advocacy becoming zealotry.

[MH1]

118. Maybe the babysitter had texted him with a question.

We don't know.

I also find the current compulsion for texting EVERYWHERE these days a bit annoying, but some times that texting may be for a good reason, and as casual observers WE don't know which is which.

To complain about the texting when some fuckwit just murdered a guy for no good reason seems a little weird to me, frankly.

[Proud Public Servant]

5. Only two points to make here

1) As a progressive Democrat, I abhor the violent gun culture we continue to promote in this country.

2) As a lifelong filmgoer and cinemaphile, that shooter is my hero.

[bigworld]

13. PPS, you're speaking my language. :)

[mindwalker_i]

36. It sucks when something like this happens and you're forced

into a state of quantum superposition - holding two incompatible views at the same time. Macroscopic things like people weren't made for that

[DisgustipatedinCA]

73. Delete this fucking filth.

You just declared this guy a hero for murdering a man, a father, a husband, in cold blood. What the fuck is wrong with you? You're acting like a psychopath or a Republican. Empathy. It's something humans possess. Look into it.

[MH1]

119. I'm with you on this one.

I'm going to assume that's already been alerted and left to stand. It probably doesn't really violate the ToS or the suggested community standards, but wow it sure should.

[atreides1]

6. I smell a "Stand your Ground" defense!

Anyone want to take bets that the guy with the gun felt threatened?

[ManiacJoe]

31. There would need to be important details missing

from the initial articles for a SYG defense to be successful since self defense needs to be claimed first and the story as presented does not support that.

[sinkingfeeling]

104. So do I. It happened in Florida and the ex-cop was threatened by popcorn.

[MyNameGoesHere]

8. I feel like this thread just got infiltrated with puke and feces.

texting punishment is now gun to the head. And it seems like that shooter in Florida would love to have a few DU'ers for jurors.

[OnyxCollie]

14. Yes, texters should be shot in the head.

The same goes for hyperbolic hand-wringers using straw man arguments and broad brushes.

[LanternWaste]

23. Or those who dismiss the fatal shooting itself, and instead focus a petulant ire on texting...

"The same goes for hyperbolic hand-wringers using straw man arguments and broad brushes..."

Or those who dismiss the fatal shooting itself, and instead focus a petulant, melodramatic (and, dare we say hyperbolic?) ire on mere texting...






(Insert distinction without a difference here)

[OnyxCollie]

32. Someone got shot; it must be a day that ends with "y."

What do you want me to say that hasn't already been said (to no affect?)

I wondered why people perform obnoxious social behaviors like texting and whether they are either unaware or unconcerned about their affects on themselves or others. I thought the texting angle was more interesting than discussing another trigger-happy nut, but YMMV.

[LanternWaste]

37. I suppose I'd rationalize it as such too

I suppose I'd rationalize it as such too had I nothing of substantive or relevant to say also, and then accuse others of hyperbole to better assuage my lack of substance...


YMMV, Part II.

[OnyxCollie]

39. Yawn.

Your concern is duly noted.

[OnyxCollie]

85. "...and then accuse others of hyperbole..."

Posted above: "texting punishment is now gun to the head. And it seems like that shooter in Florida would love to have a few DU'ers for jurors."

Look! A blind spot! Can you see it? (Didn't fucking think so.)

[valerief]

17. Thanks for saying this. I got the same impression the gun trolls are dancing all

over this thread. How disgusting!

[Wait Wut]

22. It's everywhere.

This story has brought out the sick and coldhearted in every article I've read.

Killing someone because you wanted to watch the previews at a theater?

This is just sad. I can't believe how many people are joking about this.

[freshwest]

51. The thread looks fine to me:

Life is short.

[Dawson Leery]

77. Disgusting.

This little piggy needs to die in prison.

[LiberalEsto]

11. Florida

[Blue_Tires]

56. All these bullets flying around Florida constantly

and not ONE of them has Zimmerman's name on it...That motherfucker could stand in the middle of the Israel-Gaza border waving a dual American-Saudi flag and probably still walk away unscratched...

[R Merm]

12. I can just see the NRA response

If we had stricter texting laws this would not have happened.

[bpj62]

16. High Ground

If I read this correctly the shooter already had the high ground because he was sitting behind the texter/victims. This is going to be a really interesting test of "stand your ground" because you know its coming. Texting, answering calls, talking, or filming in a theatre are in poor taste, however none of them rises to the level of death. I can guarantee you that if the shooter didn't have a gun he wouldn't have said anything at all. Is there anywhere we can go and not worry about some yahoo with a concealed weapon. Thank god it was a Monday matinee and not a evening or weekend show.

[tblue37]

50. See my post #47 below. I think eventually businesses are going to suffer because of customers'

concern over running into gun toters who like to prove how mighty they are in public places.

[sinkingfeeling]

105. +1000

[TeamPooka]

18. Oh Florida, you give and give and I never get you anything. nt

[billh58]

21. The Second Amendment absolutist

solution of choice -- a gun solves all arguments and makes for a more polite society. isn't it great to be a citizen of the most armed and dangerous country in the "civilized" world?

This message brought to you by the extreme right-wing faction of America, courtesy of ALEC, the Koch Brothers, and the ever popular NRA.

[Kaleva]

24. He was a law abiding gun owner until he shot and killed that man and wounded the man's wife

[jsr]

26. Texting Triggers Movie Theater Shooting by Retired Cop

http://abcnews.go.com/US/texting-triggers-movie-theater-shooting-retired-cop/story?id=21517988

An argument between a retired police officer and a couple who was texting inside of a Florida movie theater erupted into gunfire today that left one man dead and a woman wounded.

Police said that two couples began arguing before a showing of "Lone Survivor" over one couple's text messaging.

The shooting suspect, identified as retired Tampa police officer Curtis Reeves, 71, became angry and took out a gun and shot the other couple, according to the Pasco County Sheriff's office.

[Kaleva]

29. I read that they've already charged him with 2nd degree homicide.

[oioioi]

64. The only way to stop a bad guy with a smartphone is ... oh never mind.... <nt>

[blkmusclmachine]

27. Stand Your Ground

[Hoyt]

28. The price gun fanciers require us to pay so they can carry their gunz everywhere.

[JI7]

30. another law abiding piece of shit ,

[SoCalMusicLover]

33. Texting Is Not A Constitutional Right

If our forefathers had thought it important enough, they would have put it in the Constitution, like they did the 2nd Amendment.

I hope they gave that nice retired pig his money back for the movie ticket. Hopefully he can catch the movie when it comes out on video.

[Blanks]

35. I see that the NRA's solution to the Colorado movie theater shooting...

Has yielded yet another dead body.

Wasn't that the solution to the movie theater shooting? If the people sitting in the theater had guns - he wouldn't have been able to shoot so many people.

Unfortunately, that solution puts armed cranky old men in movie theaters - apparently overly excited to watch a 'shoot em up' movie.

[olddad56]

40. people still go to movie theaters?

I stopped going because of the rude inconsiderate people who text or make cell phone calls during the film. But, I didn't ever kill anybody over it. I guess if a person loses their temper and has a gun in their possession, the chances of them using it in a fit of rage goes up.

[tofuandbeer]

45. I probably would have said something to the texter, and then gone to mgmt.

Shooting someone for texting? Really?
(I don't text, either btw, and get just as annoyed when the light's green and their not moving).

[tblue37]

47. I am beginning to think that eventually businesses that depend on customers

being willing to go to them in person—like restaurants, stores (and malls), movie theaters, etc.—are going to suffer losses, because a lot of people are going to start using the internet instead, since they are less likely to have to deal with a gun-wielding maniac if they make purchases and watch movies in their own homes.

[olddad56]

63. that is one of the reasons I have no desire to go to a movie theater, but there are others....

parking is a hassle, tickets are overpriced, food and drink costs are stupid, too many theaters have carved their theater into several small rooms, home entertainment centers have gotten so much better. All in all, theaters sort of suck now days.

[Bigredhunk]

54. You're Not Supposed To Carry Firearms Into Most Businesses (Thankfully)

But I've read the forums of some of the gun enthusiast sites...they'll conceal/carry anywhere they want because they think they have to protect themselves/their families.

If we can't ever get anything done re: gun control, we'll have to end up having metal detectors at every public place. It's scary thinking everyone could be packing.

[godevil10]

108. If I'm not mistaken, in states with concealed carry laws

a business must properly, according to the law, post a No Carry sign(s).

[ManiacJoe]

112. In most states, those signs carry no legal weight.

Just like any "Customer Conduct" sign, carrying a gun is just another reason management can ask an individual to leave.

[MH1]

122. Oh, this guy had to protect himself alright.

From some popcorn.



I hope the thugs he rooms with in the future continually rub in what an effin wimp a person's got to be to pull a gun for friggin' popcorn.

Oh and stand your ground is out, being released on bond is out. This tough guy may never see the outside of a jail again except for transfers to and from the courthouse or other jails. GOOD.

[ut oh]

55. I saw it on CNN

The comments section was very scary as many blamed the guy texting, NOT the guy who pulled out his gun and killed another....

[ForgoTheConsequence]

81. People are pretty much doing that in this thread.....

Somehow the texting became the issue, not the senseless violence.

[Bigredhunk]

58. -

I wanted to add:

I hate guns. I hate that we live in a gun culture. I hope one day we can do something about it. It feels like we live in the f'ing old west or something.

I also hate rudeness in all forms, with assholiness at the movie theater being near the top of the list (I've got a whole list of little Larry David'isms - things that piss me off). We love going to movies. I don't go much anymore because I get tired of having to police the damn theater all the time. It's really bad anymore. I live in Iowa (not a big city), and it's unreal how often bad behavior at the theater is a problem. I bet I have problems with talkers or texters at 7 or 8 out of every 10 movies I see. I get tired of putting up with it. I get tired of having to admonish those behaving badly. It's just not worth it. It's supremely frustrating because I really love the moviegoing experience, whereas I think many talkers & texters are there just to kill a couple of hours.

Obviously you can't kill someone because they're an asshole at the theater. But it's ridiculous what it's come to anymore. If theaters would crack down it wouldn't be much of a problem. A few chains do police things - Alamo Drafthouse being one of the most notable. But most theaters are very hands-off. Either they don't want the bother or they don't want to pay the person/people to walk around and keep an eye on things. They're not proactive at all. They run the stupid anti-texting/talking cartoon before the movie, and then wash their hands of it. Yeah, if you have a problem you can go out and tell them. You'll miss 5 minutes of the movie. They'll send in a 16-yr-old kid to check it out. Very little is accomplished.

The theaters aren't to blame for people being assholes, but they are to blame for allowing people to be assholes.

[alp227]

59. Ha! I remember the Alamo movie theater ad:

[hamsterjill]

86. You pretty much summed up my thinking, as well.

With all that has happened in movie theaters of late, active security seems to be in order.

I don't think that texting should get someone killed.

I do think when you pay money to attend a movie or other entertainment venue, you should have some reasonable expectation of being able to enjoy that without having someone else doing something annoying to the point that you are precluded from enjoying the event.

Too bad this didn't end with a right cross instead of a gun shot.

[OnyxCollie]

94. You need to edit your post

and put "I hate guns" in capital letters to really, really make that clear. Otherwise, you might be labeled a pro-murder prick who's a bootlicker for gun nuts.

BTW, I agree with your post.

[passiveporcupine]

62. Why are people so stressed out today?

It used to be that people weren't so crazy...so rushed and stressed that they become rude drivers, pissed off at standing in lines, and pissed off at other people actions.

Everyone needs to start taking yoga or something. Learn to slow down and give people some compassion instead of anger. Let people in front of you on the road and in line, when you have a chance. Stand back and think kind and benevolent thoughts about those around you and forgive them for being human.

Life is too short to live it angry. People are actually quite beautiful and enjoyable once you get outside yourself and start thinking about them.

[Turbineguy]

65. You would think a Police Captain

over the years would have developed some skills at getting people to do what he wanted without having to shoot them.

But then again, it's Florida and the stupid runs strong there.

[exboyfil]

102. He set up the tactical response unit

Not known for their subtlety or community policing approach.

[christx30]

70. Oh, how wonderful.

Another death by cop. And on the same day that Kelly Thomas's killers were aquitted. What super, suprising news.
Maybe more needs to be done about getting weapons out of the hands of police officers. Then we'd be a lot safer.

[gopiscrap]

79. Watch that fucker try to use a SYG defense

fucking gun nuts assholes!

[onehandle]

88. Guns are the best conflict resolution devices. nt

[Capt. Obvious]

89. Oh Florida

[go west young man]

95. Here we go again...

Irony just abounds with this pathetic sad situation. Obviously both guys were there to watch this militaristic bit of cinematic self flagellation the right wing is currently cheerleading. Then their combined hot headedness escalates into a deathmatch over a simple cell phone text. A three year old girl is left without a dad. A former police chief demonstrates once again that cops are out of control in this country. Florida law will probably allow this killer to go free and once again America will turn a blind eye to the stupidity of it's ridiculous infatuation with all things guns and military. America you truly are fucked. Three things to avoid these days that are much more likely to kill you than terrorists. Police, movie theaters and any place crowded (as the percenatge of gun carriers increase with the crowd size). The message. Stay at home people.

[Paladin]

98. +100. Thank you so much, Gun Culture.

This movie theater wasn't one of those "Gun Free Zones" that our Gun Enthusiasts caterwaul about, endlessly. I hope you pro-gun people are happy.....

[OnyxCollie]

100. Wait, did you say that the texter had some responsibility in this?

YOU'RE A PRO-MURDER GUN LOVER!1!

[DisgustipatedinCA]

110. Wrong again

This poster didn't hero-worship a murdering pig. But someone did. 3-3, by the way.

[appleannie1]

103. These days even grocery shopping can be dangerous. You might bump the wrong person with your

cart and get shot. And heaven forbid if you accidentally do some minor infraction while driving. And there is nothing in the world that makes me feel more safe than some asshole walking through a store with an assault rifle slung over his shoulder.
How on earth did I manage to survived 70 years without being armed 24 hours a day?

[sinkingfeeling]

106. You and I are on the same page. Because of there is no place safe anymore

from the threat of being shot, I'm about to leave the good ole USA.

[gwheezie]

107. Terrible tragedy

I can't imagine being so pissed off at rude behavior that I would kill someone. I think this reflects that a portion of society feels they are victims and need to defend themselves, there's no sense of proportion.
I've only wanted to kill someone once, and I did have a gun at the time but even then I didn't shoot the person, I managed to get away without having to defend myself.

[Xyzse]

109. That is sickening.

If a private business bans guns, it is their right to do so.
It is their place, and can eject a patron if they have such things.

I don't care if you have a concealed carry permit. It is their place, their rules. It is like going in to someone else's house armed, and they don't want such a thing there.

I don't think about banning concealed carry, but private property is something else.

[hollowdweller]

123. Experiment

Picture the shooter as white and the victim as black.

Picture the shooter as black and the victim as white.

Any visceral differences???

Also if the victim upon being confronted got up and left the theatre, the shooter pursued him and then the victim hit the shooter and knocked him to the ground outside and then was shot would that make a difference??

The shooter will likely go to jail because they were both white.

However both the Trayvon Martin case and the fact he used to be a cop probably emboldened him. If you are a cop you can usually shoot anybody and get away with it in the USA.