Five women shot to death at suburban Chicago mall

By Latasha Willis Saturday, February 2, 2008 6:57 p.m. CST

There is no known motive yet, and the suspect is still on the loose. What would make a person do something so sinister?

What irritates me even more is a couple of the comments below the article:

Wow, a black man shot and killed 5 people. Shocking!!! Who would have ever guessed something so unusual would occur?

gce65 made light of the recent Chicago murders, stating that maybe someone didn''t like "fat chicks."

What is wrong with people?

ID: 116750
Comment: When I heard that a black male was a suspect, I was disheartened. And if robbery was the motive, he didn't have to shoot them. The store was open when it happen, so that was a really bold act.
Author: golden eagle
Date: 2008-02-02T22:14:17-06:00

ID: 116751
Comment: To clarify my last post, I am disheartened when any crime is committed and innocent lives are taken as a result, regardless of the perpetrator and victims' race. As a black man, when I hear of a black male committing a crime, it continues to perpetuate myths about us that we're trying so hard to get rid of.
Author: golden eagle
Date: 2008-02-02T22:24:43-06:00

ID: 116752
Comment: LW: What is wrong with people? Philip: They happen to forget its a human problem - amnesia regarding Columbine, many workplace shootings, and similar such instances where the perpertrators were from white middle to upper middle class backgrounds.
Author: Philip
Date: 2008-02-02T23:52:47-06:00

ID: 116753
Comment: My first question when something like this happens is, what are the gun laws of the area? This happened in Chicago. Let's take a look: -It is unlawful to carry or possess any firearm in any vehicle or concealed on or about the person, except on one's land or fixed place of business. -It is unlawful to carry or possess any firearm on any public street or other public lands within the corporate limits of a city, village, or incorporated town, except when: an invitee thereon or therein, for the purpose of the display of firearms or the lawful commerce in firearms. These two laws made everyone in that store sitting ducks. I would never live in a city or state that left me defenseless. You are *always* going to have people that go crazy. It's a fact of life. People need to be able to defend themselves from those crazy people, and it just so happens that a gun is the best way to do it. As an aside, if you go to the Brady Center, they rank Illinois a 9 out of 50 (pretty good) in their "keeping guns out of citizens hands." I say this for two reasons. First, New Jersey is ranked 2. As in they have GREAT restrictions on guns. Contrast this with New Hampshire, tied for 23, that have almost ZERO restrictions on guns. 18 murders in New Hampshire, 417 in New Jersey. (taken from FBI 2005 stats). Where would you rather live?
Author: LawClerk
Date: 2008-02-03T08:40:52-06:00

ID: 116754
Comment: Now, this shooting spree can happen anywhere. Thankfully, Northpark is posted so that no one can carry a gun legally there. However, only the people that follow the law will follow the sign. If someone is going to kill, they aren't going to follow the sign. Also, I notice in Northpark now, they have the security on Segway scooters. They are unarmed of course, but I just thought that was curious. What are they going to do if you have an active shooter in the mall? And, no law abiding citizen is allowed to carry? And the cops take 5 minutes to get there?
Author: LawClerk
Date: 2008-02-03T08:43:15-06:00

ID: 116756
Comment: Golden Eagle, Not everyone buys into those myths about black people. As for guns, the answer isn't as simple as creating more Gun Free Zones, because they are nothing more than target rich environments for people who go mad, or have criminal intent. I will protect myself when the time comes. www.nrams.com
Author: Cliff Cargill
Date: 2008-02-03T16:10:30-06:00

ID: 116757
Comment: If I'm in Northpark, and someone walks in with a gun, I know that they must be up to no good. I know to run or hide or yell or duck or hit him in the back of the head with a chair. If everyone in Northpark was walking around with a gun, how would it be possible to identify the crazies? Any of 'em could be ready to go postal... And what about the gun battles that would develop over the half price tables...
Author: Rico
Date: 2008-02-03T16:29:38-06:00

ID: 116758
Comment: Law Clerk-I'm only going to say this once...mainly because you are probably going to tear me up after I post it: Do you WANT to live in a world where everyone in the mall is ARMED? Is this the world you want to live in? Much like you wanted me to clarify my "stance" in the earlier blog post about "Old White Men"...I would like to "clarify" yours. What most people don't realize or know about me is that I'm a Delta girl that comes from a huntin' Delta family. I'm not a huge supporter of gun control. I don't have guns in my own personal home...but I've had very real discussions about owning a firearm with my significant other. Mainly, I'm someone who doesn't support gun sontrol... but one who also thinks your theory of "arming everyone in the mall" is complete and total stupidity. But, that's just my opinion.
Author: Lori G
Date: 2008-02-03T21:40:30-06:00

ID: 116759
Comment: Golden Eagle, Not everyone buys into those myths about black people. I know that, but we both know that there are a vocal few who still hold those views.
Author: golden eagle
Date: 2008-02-03T22:19:49-06:00

ID: 116760
Comment: "Do you WANT to live in a world where everyone in the mall is ARMED?" Everyone? Nah... But, if everyone that wants to be can? Yep. You know why I don't shop at Northpark? It's a gun free zone, and that only applies to me. I'll take my chances elsewhere.
Author: LawClerk
Date: 2008-02-04T07:17:55-06:00

Use the comment form below to begin a discussion about this content.

Jackson Free Press