It wasn't just some random free speech thing, or even something done to show support for Charlie Hebdo. It's like they wanted to at the very least flaunt religious hatred in the name of free speech, and if in the process they lured some whackjob out of the woodwork they'd be ready.

 Don't get me wrong  -- I'm glad they had security and glad they neutralized the threat before others were hurt, but I think this sort of thing will make things worse, not better. I'm opposed to religious bigotry, no matter the source. I'm surprised they were able to get a city venue for such an event -- and bet they have a much harder time finding places willing to host should they want to take that show on the road.

...so many things offend hardcore muslims that following the "why to it if it might cause danger" rule does have a chilling effect on free speech. This event was crass, as many are, but if something doesn't push back against the ever-tightening rules about what people can say, do, draw, or whatever, the hardcores will get exactly what they want.