The following bit I wish to highlight as I think it is an artifact of the escalating gun rhetoric we are hearing from the foamy-mouthed, pro-gun faction as well as from the rattlings of the wingnut media:

After arguing about signs banning guns at the facility, he fired two shots, killing social worker Theresa Hunt at point-blank range and grazing Silverman’s head, authorities said.

I am speculating here but it SOUNDS like he was agitated by what is a STANDARD sign outside of psychiatric facilities and hospitals banning handguns and other weapons. I have worked in psychiatric hospitals for ages and they have always had a no weapons policy, largely because of the dangers these items present. (Duh.)

Speculating further I'd say this falls in line with the escalated gun rhtoric we have to endue these days, the open carry shit, the "Obama's comin fer muh guns" shit and anthing being broadcast over FOX, Hannity, Limbaugh or the like. Pure Conspiracy-thinking Hysteria.

The psychiatrist was armed and was able to return fire and wound Plotts, who was also reported as trying to reload when subdued by others in the scene.ABC News

Police told WPVI that they believe Plotts went to his appointment intending to kill his psychiatrist, Dr. Lee Silverman. They said Plotts was angry because the hospital posted a sign declaring the building a "gun-free zone." Plotts was inside Silverman's office for a scheduled appointment Thursday when he suddenly pulled a gun out of his waistband and shot his caseworker, Theresa Hunt, in the head at point-blank range, police said. Hunt was killed instantly. Silverman dove to the floor, pulled a semi-automatic pistol out his pocket and had a furious close range gun battle with Plotts, who police said fired at least 10 rounds. The doctor, who was using a chair for protection, aimed his gun at Plotts and fired until it was empty, Whelan said Friday. The doctor, who was grazed in the head and wounded in the thumb while covering his face, was able to get out of the office, unaware that he had struck Plotts three times.

Plotts has a long criminal history involving firearms. Philadelphia police stopped Plotts in 1990 for carrying an unlicensed firearm. He later served time for federal bank robbery and after his release from prison, violated parole when he was caught with a gun, prosecutors said.

Returning to the Raw Story link:This guy is the sort of guy who will have firearms despite the best efforts of good people top prevent them from having them.

He's not getting it, he is totally ate up with gun mythology and clearly is addicted to them and will find any way under the sun to get them.

Or used to: he's hopefully going to jail for the rest of his life.

One other point to make: There is the appearance of the good guy with the gun here. The doctor was armed and apparently knew how to use his weapon. He did strike the shooter 3 times, but did not disable him. The shooter was reported as reloading when he was subdued by others on the scene, so...it's a collective effort: good guy with gun and a good bit of non-firearm intervention from other heros on the scene.

I think the media and the police are taking this as an opportunity to massage the NRA talking point, in sort of the same vein that Plott was killing people for the gun fee zone sign.