Discipling students for saving a life?

We are bombarded with advertising to stand up and stop the bullying and stop the violence, so why then were 3 students who saved a fellow students life suspended?  According to this article, Fox4 is reporting that when 2 students were arguing on the bus, one pulled out a loaded revolver and pointed it at point blank range at the other student.  Three fellow students witnessing what was going on quickly jumped into action and tackled the gun wielding student.

The article goes onto say from several witnesses and parents, that the actions of the three students saved one life and likely others.  I cannot figure out why these students have been suspended, there is no reason for it, in fact we should be throwing them a parade.

The suspect's charges also leaving me scratching my head.  He is being charged with possession of a firearm on school property and assault with a deadly weapon WITHOUT intent to kill.  Without?  He had a loaded revolver that he not only threatened to kill a fellow student, but pointed it at him! I just don't get it.

When Fox4 tried to ask the principal questions, she did what everyone else does and quickly sped off without comment.  I would love to hear the superintendent and school board's opinions of this.  What if these were your kids that were suspended, what would you do?

So I ask, how would gun control laws have changed this case?  This gun obviously did not belong to the student, which means he obtained it illegally.  The public does not need to fear the licensed and responsible gun owners, but thugs like this who obtain weapons illegally and intend on using them for evil.