A Sobering Example: Police Can Not Stop Crime

Peter Hutchison & Nick Meo at The Telegraph:

Transport problems, including a lack of helicopters and a boat that sank, meant it took an hour to apprehend Anders Breivik after he began his attack, police admitted.

…

Sissel Hammer, chief of police of Nordre Buskerud police district, said: “I completely understand that for those caught in the line of fire as well as for their relatives the response time felt long.

This is a sad and sobering example of a simple fact that is dangerously ignored by many today: the police can not effectively stop crime. They can come after the fact and investigate, catch criminals, and help bring justice to victims and their families. I applaud them for that and am very grateful. I don’t think it’s fair to criticize them here. The police reacted the best way they could. They just don’t have the ability to stop or prevent crime.

Norway has very strict gun control laws, and it’s very unfortunate that every single person at that camp was a helpless victim to this crazed radical. If even one person there was carrying a concealed weapon, they could have put a bullet in his brain and saved literally dozens of lives. Instead nearly 100 people died completely helpless and incapable of defending themselves.

Before you think that Norway just needs some additional gun control laws, consider this: Anders Breivik planned this attack for 9 years. No amount of gun control legislation can prevent someone with that much patience, determination, and deliberate strategizing from obtaining the tools they seek. The only reasonable remedy to that kind of situation is a responsible armed citizen eliminating the threat as soon as it erupts.

My heart and prayers go out to the families and friends of everyone killed by Brievik. If you have a moment, I encourage you stop and say a prayer for them as well. May justice be apportioned to Brievik by the government of Norway representing the victims he murdered in cold blood.