This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2007, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

The tragic massacre that occurred Monday at the Trolley Square mall in Salt Lake City has impacted our entire community. My condolences go out to all of the victims, with injuries both physical and psychological, as well as to the family of the young man who committed this horrible act. The off-duty Ogden police officer, as well as other officers who later responded, who put their lives on the line to stop this madman, deserve our love and support for their selfless actions.

But had there been another selfless hero present that night who was ready and willing to defend the lives of others with their lawfully concealed weapon, there may be fewer victims today. One can only hope that the anti-gun lobby doesn't turn this incident into a further catastrophe by vehemently calling for more gun control, or even an outright demand to shred our Second Amendment right to own and carry firearms for self-defense.

Jeremy Cranfill

Murray