The subject of the Trolley Square Shooting is back in the news.  Back in 2007 there was a shooting spree at the Trolley Square Mall in SLC.  I remember that day clearly.  I was going to take my Son to Trolley Square so we could buy a gift for Mrs. Ogre from her favorite little store there at Trolley Square.  We were about to head out when I mentioned my destination to a co-worker. That co-worker said “That store isn’t there anymore.”   Had we left then instead of going to a Plan B… my Son and I would have been there at Trolley Square, and I would have parked where I always parked, going in that entrance I always go there.   We would have been right there in the center of the shooting.

I can understand the anger people have… I would be furious as well if my loved one had been injured or killed.   But it was found that the shotgun used in the shooting was legally purchased.

However now they are taking the dealer to court in a CIVIL TRIAL to find if the gun was Legal or Not because that shotgun had a pistol grip.

At the time this gun was sold, the ATF had no regulations differentiating a shotgun based on what sort of stock it had on it.   Years after that shooting, the ATF put out a directive that dealers sell these guns as if they were handguns.  Meaning we do the background check under the handgun category and the buyer must be a resident of the state and they must 21 years of age.

I am sympathetic to the Tuft Family… I can only imagine that pain they continue to suffer… In fact, I don’t even want to THINK about that.  I can’t even watch movies where they show children harmed.

However I feel it is wrong to hold the dealer/seller liable for the actions of someone who missused a legal commercial product.  It doesn’t matter where the guy got the gun.  It doesn’t matter where a Drunk Driver purchased his Car, does it?  Would the Tuft Family go after Larry H Miller if this Shooter had been driving a Honda?   The Dealer did not kill their girl.