Fourteen people were injured at Columbiana Centre Mall in Harbison on the outskirts of Columbia, SC Saturday. By evening many people were asking, ‘why didn’t concealed carry gun owners do something?’ “Gun Free Zones” only stop honest law-abiding people, was the answer.

The shooting at Columbiana Centre Mall at Harbison, Columbia, SC, Saturday left 14 people injured, and many more shocked and in disbelief at what happened. The mall located just on the outskirts of the SC state capitol of Columbia is in an affluent area, and typically a relatively low crime district, especially in well traveled areas.

That seems to be changing with unprecedented inflation rates, gas prices more than double since January 2021 and many people reaching the boiling point with frustration over finances. Many are struggling with the daily grind of paying bills, rent and house payments, buying groceries, getting clothes and other things for special occasions like Easter holiday, etc, with nowhere to turn for needed resources due to skyrocketing prices.

Some carry their frustrations over into the public arena. That may have been the case in Saturday’s shooting at the mall where police suspect at least three men were involved in the mall shooting. One was placed under arrest Saturday night.

The shooting has also proven the need for malls and other public places to stop prohibiting self defense of their patrons by making rules prohibiting guns and posting “Gun Free Zone” signs. Many are calling for businesses and localities to respect 2nd Amendment rights to self defense for themselves and their loved ones.

At the time of this writing at least 9 people were reported as injured from gunshot wounds at the mall. There are at least two at this writing who are still hospitalized.

The Standard asked for comments concerning the Columbiana Centre mall shooting specifically, and malls, merchants and public places in general, who declare themselves “Gun Free Zones”. We heard back from one public official, several candidates for public office and other members of the public.

Citizen Leaders Speak Up About Self Defense, Rights and Gun Free Zones

Ryan McCabe, House District 96.

Representative Ryan McCabe, R-House District 96, said, “Gun free zones put honest, law-abiding citizens in danger. Gun free zones give criminals an advantage, because they don’t follow rules.”

Candidate for Governor Harrison Musselwhite and Zoe Warren for Lt. Governor released a team statement saying: “What took place at the mall in Irmo is an absolute tragedy and we mourn with the families who were injured. This is a stark reminder that gun free zones are nothing more than shooting galleries for folks who never obey gun laws. The only way that a free people can be secure is with a well trained and fully armed citizenry. Our Founders made it very clear: for a community to both be free and secure we must have a well trained and armed citizenry. It is past time for our communities to take our duty to protect and love our neighbors seriously by getting armed and trained.”

Lauren Martel, Candidate for Attorney General.

Candidate for Attorney General, Lauren Martel, offered prayers for the families. She said, “We have a problem in SC with education and mental health. This has arisen largely due to governmental overreach, lock downs and mandates. However. Even in the face of tragedy, such as at this mall in Columbia, the fundamental rights set out in the constitution must not be violated.”

Martel added that “the Constitution’s Second Amendment—which refers to the ”right of the people to keep and bear arms”—is the ”most vital” of all the Amendments and is arguably more essential” than the First Amendment, which guarantees freedom of religion and of the press, among other freedoms.” Martel concluded ”The 2nd Amendment is America’s first freedom, the right to keep and bear arms is the one right that allows other rights to exist at all.”

District 4 Congressional Candidate Mike LaPierre says he believes that “Gun Free Zones are an infringement to our 2nd Amendment gun rights.” He said that “the right approach to citizen safety is open carry without a permission slip in all public spaces.” LaPierre says he has been a proponent for Constitutional Carry for decades. “The problem is not with the guns, it is with the spiritual and moral conditions of society,” said LaPierre.

Melissa McFadden, Republican candidate for House District 79, said, “The problem is that gun free zones have to be monitored, otherwise they are not truly gun free zones. Gun free zones only end up violating law-abiding citizens’ Second Amendment right to self defense.”

Local businessman Fernando Coelho, owner of Panteao Productions and MakeReady.TV made a statement concerning the Columbiana Mall Shooting. He said:

“The shooting at the Columbiana Mall is unfortunately another example of gun control not being the solution to curb violence in society. When you walk into the mall, there is a sign on the door clearly stating that you are not allowed to bring a firearm on the property. Yet how many times do shootings still occur in premises with similar signs? The bottom line is a person that is mentally unstable or simply determined to wreak havoc for whatever reason is not going to abide by the sign on the door.”

“A private citizen with a firearm often is the first line of defense during a violent crime. Unfortunately, gun ownership is extremely politicized. Many don’t understand or are afraid of firearms due to misconceptions and misguided views. A firearm is a tool. Tools need to be respected and used properly via training. Instead of trying to restrict where a citizen can carry a firearm, the focus should be more on proper training. Going to a gun range to practice gun handling skills is a good thing. More people should be learning how to use their firearms in order to be able to protect themselves and their family members. A firearm and the skills to use it can be the best deterrent to a violent crime.”

Over 40 law enforcement vehicles and over 10 EMS vehicles including an EMS bus were onsite by 3:00pm Saturday to help in the turmoil of an active shooter in the mall. Two suspects are still at large. And, from talk among citizens much of the devastation could have been avoided by concealed carry gun owners who were not hamstringed by what many believe are unconstitutional ‘Gun Free Zone’ laws. Let me hear your thoughts on this.

Michael Reed is Publisher of The Standard newspaper, print and online, and TheStandardSC YouTube channel where many video reports may be found. Please share freely and donate to The Standard on this page to assure the continued availability of news that is ignored too often by the dominant media.

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