Do we really need cops with automatic weapons for security @ an accident?

[me b zola]

I'm watching CNN coverage of the NYC plane crash into a high-rise and they are showing video of cops carrying automatic weapons maintaining a perimeter around the crash scene. WTH makes it necessary to wield an automatic weapon in this situation? What hostile army are they expecting to rush their perimeter? :eyes:

Geebus, I want America back.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

1. What's with the assumption that it's an accident?

Isn't that like automatically assuming it's terrorism?

[me b zola]

3. Okay, assume it was terrorism...

What are the automatic weapons going to do? Are we expecting the taliban to crash a plane into a residentual building, and then have an army seize that building?

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

7. They're there...

to catch Snake Plisken when he shows up.

[951-Riverside]

11. those pigs couldnt prevent the "accident" from happening....

so whats the point?

[DireStrike]

2. Yes, that seems a little overboard, but...

better safe than sorry, no? Who does it hurt for those cops to be there? Are they being prevented from using their automatic weaponry somewhere else, where it's desperately needed?

If they're there next week, then I'll complain.

[Caution]

4. As every good fascist knows, the first thing to do is stop looters

[me b zola]

6. I guess that is what I'm reacting to...

I will never forget how as people in New Orleans were still dying of dehydration and lack of medicine, the first course of action for bush*s government was to send in the NG with automatic weapons to guard the up-scale stores.

[Corgigal]

5. That is how NYC PD response now

They have their own anti-terrorism task force and procedures. I have no problem with it and I feel better that NYC is calling the shots more then I do Bush's Fed Govt. They set up all over town and rotate, they don't bother you for the most part.

They were all over Times Sq when I was up there last year. I don't think citizens of NYC trust the Fed's much and for good reason.

[razors edge]

8. Most likely semi-automatic AR-15s.

Pretty much standard in most community law enforcement after the bank robbers wearing kevlar a few years ago.

This is also why they don't need to keep the National Guard in state since the cops have been militarized.

[Land Shark]

9. answers would be good, whatsup with this?

[aikoaiko]

10. How do you know they're automatic? Can you see the happy switch?

If not they are probably just semi-automatic versions.

understated m16 selector


the modern h&k selector