I know dozens of people that I don't want carrying. Too dumb, too unsafe, too reckless... you name it. Mandatory? No way.
I carry all the time, even in my house. Sadly, I'm not sure this situation would have been any better if every cartoonist at the magazine was carrying. When a coordinated attack has the element of surprise and a vast firepower advantage, I'm not sure anyone would have even had a chance to draw.
Agreed! Mandatory carry will be a no-no.. But easing the rules to obtain CCW will be the right thing to do!
As for the other issue; I bet it would've made a difference if at least 4-5 people were carrying in that office.
I don't mean two crazy guys with AKs can't do any harm but I am sure they can't easily kill 12 and seriously injure 10 or more people.
If I am working at an office where my business is attacked before, and under constant dead threats, as soon as I hear shots at the entrance of the building I'll draw and barricade myself while waiting whoever is shooting to enter the building.
Remember these guys didn't sneak in that office quietly. They shot the guard outside of the building in order to get in. There was a big commotion before they entered that office.
Also, there is a discouraging effect of the guns which is mostly forgotten to mention.
If two terrorists knew most people inside that office carrying a gun, they may think twice to enter the building.
But, let's say they were crazy and ignored the risk and entered the building.
As soon as they entered the building if bullets were flying towards their way from 4-5 different directions I am sure it was going to be very hard for them to move around comfortably, advance, concentrate, aim and shoot their victims like sitting ducks.