Just a few days ago some nut (I bet he didn't have a CCP) in Birmingham started shooting up a McDonals. An armed customer took him out and probably saved a number of lives.
A number of years ago at a Shoney's in Anniston a gang tried to rob the place. They were trying to herd the customers into the freezer. One guy was armed and knew where that was going. He promptly broke it up and I heard he even went thru a magazine change!
I really believe one of the main reasons a mass shoot of people before themselves is that the shooter havs been hurting and has decided to take themselves out in a manner so bazaar every one will know about them and feel sorry. I really belive it is to get on T V.
If stations would report the event but do not reveal the shooters name or pictures and deprive him of the notarity he seeks. It would, I believe, eliminate one of the common motives for these. However, asking the media for restraint is a tall order.