[TNdandelion]

At the time the woman called for help, it was a hostage situation and there was still hope that it could be resolved peaceably.

The police had the means and the equipment to make contact with the perp.

I believe they were acting in accordance to their faith. Hoping that someone could help resolve this without violence.

[Deguello]

"it was a hostage situation "

Times have changed. Just as the result of the events of 9/11 that aircraft hijackings are now considered terrorist attacks, any take-over of a school or university will not be considered a hostage situation but rather a killing field.

I only lurked this thread yesterday, but the references of hostages in these school take-overs shows naivete towards the current criminal elements in our midst.