No, the shootings are in no way excusable

[Tommy_Carcetti]

69. It should be noted that Geller's group *organized* the event. She herself was not a participant.

I could see if one of the participants in the contest had been shot and injured or killed. It could then be argued that such an individual was a victim of his or her free speech expression. But that didn't happen, either.

The only personal physically impacted (other than the two now deceased attackers themselves) was neither an organizer or a participant in the event, but rather a contracted third party.

Now, Geller and her ilk as organizers of the event knew what they were doing. While they billed it as a "free speech event" it in fact had a very narrow subject and group of people they sought to provoke. This wasn't some free speech extravaganza free for all where artists were encouraged to take on whatever sacred cow they so choose (religious, secular, political, historical, cultural, etc.). This was a "Draw Mohammed" event that was organized right after the Charlie Hedbo attacks. They knew the type of reaction they might expect, they knew that reaction could endanger the general public, and yet they recklessly choose to do it anyways.

You're absolutely right, though. It isn't even a question. Geller is in no way, shape or form the "victim" here.