The statement below was made in a discussion some of us were having about armed congregants in places of worship. Needless to say, Jews Can Shoot could not possibly disagree more. But, sadly, it is reflective of what people are saying.
“Concealed carry is OK, but a) there’s no deterrent power as there is with police in uniform and a cop car, and b) concealed carry is not the best in a crowd facing a guy with an automatic weapon. We’ve been over this in our shul (which has both the police and a “welcome committee” but still could do better) – the chances are that when someone bursts in, they are ready to fire, or already firing. The person or persons with a pistol has to find it (pants pocket means you have to stand up, purse is impossible), stand up to shoot and then aim and shoot (the shooter doesn’t have to aim but if you don’t want to kill a congregant, you’d better). The concealed carry person will likely be dead by that time. Also, the idea is for people to get down. Having gunfire in more than one place is a recipe for panic and running. And if you have three or four people standing up to shoot, cross-firing makes it even more dangerous.
“I’m surely not opposed to people able to protect themselves and others, but the scenario in a sanctuary (same in the Charleston church) or other crowded and enclosed place is more complicated than stopping a burglar in a store or your home, or a fleeing bank robber. Its also different from walking around the shul with a gun in your pocket to stop people before they get inside – this is where the deterrence of a policeman or his car is helpful, and concealing the gun until you use it doesn’t help.”
