Your point is valid, Vharlow. I disagree with Gary on many things, but I am totally against "concealed-carry laws". Probably because I think they would bring about "vigilantism". People might start taking they law into their own hands; and then you end up with the "Wild West" society that Gary speaks of.
I believe that police (public or private) forces should be properly trained and armed. As you said, the campus police were not. Could they have prevented this tragedy? No.
Further reports on this young man's erractic behavior underline to me that; again; this kid was a time bomb waiting to explode. The intervention factor was sorely needed here- ultimately to the sorrow of many parents and one fine academic institution.
It is easy for me to sit here and say this, but the truth is:There is only so much intervention that can be given until a crime is actually commited. I think this boy's parents should have had him institutionalized awhile back when they noticed the danger signs.