Pistols have limited range. They are ideal for close quarters (for which they were created), but a shot at a longer range or through a window has virtually no chance of success. That would be where the rifle would come in.
Another crazy modern issue … remember those bank robbers who were wearing body armor and simply walking through police handgun fire with impunity until the police borrowed some hunting rifles to stop them. That police force also thought that they would never need a rifle.
When you're in a 'school', you're in 'limited range'. Pistols work just fine.
A rifle can miss through a window just as a pistol can. Any obstruction may change the bullets path.
So, no. If you have a pistol, you go after the shooter.
You can dream up a multitude of reasons for 'waiting' and let others die while you wait. Does he have body armour? Maybe an IED? Who knows? We better wait and play it safe. Gag. Other's die while you play it safe.
As I said, what is missing is Biden administration's desire to stop school shootings. And the courage of law enforcement to put their lives on the line for those they are supposed to have sworn to protect.
Biden just got a bill through for millions to protect climate change. He sends billions to Ukranine in money and weapons. Yet no mention of guards in schools to protect Ameirican children.
Why? As I said, so democrats and liberals can use school shootings to disarm American law abiding citizens.
Lees
